New Headers for my '04 S

[Jaxonalden]

Thanks for the heads up Frederic, I'll check it out. I checked a couple of distributors of headers and the majority said their set would not fit and a couple said "only on 2.5l cars". Now I know why, thank you.

[pacific986]

I finally got over to Integrated Performance today to get the headers installed. It took Alex a little over an hour to install. And what a nice guy! Really a no nonsense experience. He even bagged up my old headers and gaskets and put them in the packaging the new ones were in and put them in the trunk for me.

The result. An obvious increase in throttle response. A slightly throatier sound.

I went into this mod a bit apprehensively because I considered the car near perfectly balanced in all respects. A while back I had a WRX wagon with a high flow cat and and APS exhaust. I got addicted to the sound and the great benefit from the exhaust modification alone. That is: sound and throttle response. (eventually the ECU got reflashed too and then it was unbelievable performance too).

From what I've read on this and other forums, the header replacement was the most economical way to get some more satisfaction out of my Boxster driving experience. So for about $300 bucks including the gas to drive to Gardena for the install (headers, tax, shipping, labor, a couple gallons of 91 octane) I am satisfied.

If I start to get a CEL and cannot resolve that, I will probably put the stock headers back.

Like I said, it's tough to mess with near perfection. If the CELs don't start, I think this was one notch in the right direction. Especially for the cost of one new rear Pirelli.

I'll try to get some photos posted soon.

[blinkwatt]

If your ride is an 00'+ you will get a CEL,if it's 97'-99' your good to go.

[heyjae]

In the 4 years I had headers, I never got a CEL until recently and it turned out to be an O2 sensor and MAF problem. Once replaced, the CELs went away.

[Jaxonalden]

Great to hear Pacific986, I can't wait for the pictures. CEL's can be cleared; I wouldn't necessarily swap back to stock because of that.

[BoxsterLewis]

I know weird question, but compare Headers vs Desnorkling?

I know when I desnorkeled mine it was throatier and felt faster after 4K, was the headers a more obvious difference past 4K and comparing the two with sound?

[Stroked & Blown]

There are a couple hacks that I've seen to avoid the CEL on other vehicles.
The first one involves modifying a spark plug non-fouler to limit the amount of exhaust reaching the sensor:
http://www.energeticforum.com/renewable-energy/1387-o2-sensor-modification-using-spark-plug-non-foulers.html

http://forums.evolutionm.net/showthread.php?t=215795

Do the O2 sensors on the Box use standard threads? I assume they are std Bosch units.

The other option is to use an O2 simulator, but it looks like there aren't any available for Porsche yet: http://www.o2simulator.com/

[Topless]

Originally Posted by Stroked & Blown

There are a couple hacks that I've seen to avoid the CEL on other vehicles.
The first one involves modifying a spark plug non-fouler to limit the amount of exhaust reaching the sensor:
http://www.energeticforum.com/renewable-energy/1387-o2-sensor-modification-using-spark-plug-non-foulers.html

http://forums.evolutionm.net/showthread.php?t=215795

Do the O2 sensors on the Box use standard threads? I assume they are std Bosch units.

The other option is to use an O2 simulator, but it looks like there aren't any available for Porsche yet: http://www.o2simulator.com/

Surely you are joking right??
Never mind the CEL... If the primary O2 sensors are not in and working a Porsche will run like dog doo. Kinda defeats the purpose of adding headers don't you think?