Boxster S Muffler

[pompous]

What would it do for a 2.5 box? Its from an 03' Box S. Would it change the sound of the car at all?

[Jeph]

I don't know what fitment issues there will be, but I know the sound won't be all that different.

[Houston C4S]

On a 2001 2.7, changing from factory to a 2004S muffler
made a very noticeable difference.

Mostly at low car speeds -- much beyond 50, the wind noise
overshadowed the sound.

But quite pleasant at lower speeds. Not loud enough to suit
me (like the '07 Sport Exhaust does), but definitely different.
And worth doing if you get a cheap/free one.

So if you get your hands on one for the right price, it only
takes an hour or so to swap them out. And, no, you do not
have to take off the bumper.

That said, I can't answer your specific question of a 2.5L
to an '03S.

Best,

- Mark

[pompous]

Originally Posted by Houston C4S

And, no, you do not
have to take off the bumper.

Really?? I thought it was a HUGE PITA to try taking the muffler off w/o removing the rear bumper. Is this not the case? That would be really nice if so.

[Cloudsurfer]

Well....I do have an S muffler from an 02 sitting in my basement if someone needs it.....

Also, is is incredibly easier to do an exhaust with the bumper off. I've done it with the bumper on, and while its possible, you must be very flexible to reach the upper bolts.

Patrick

[ChrisZang]

if you replace the exhaust all by yourself it's a HUGE pain in the neck to do it w/o taking the bumper off. If you have a friend who helps you balance the 30+ lb of stock muffler in place it's OK.

But thinking about when I replaced my stock muffler with a GHL, the biggest pain was do get these damn "U" pipes which connect the muffler with the secondary cats into the muffler, talk about a TIGHT fit ...

But my general question is: Unless someone gives you the "S" muffler for free, why bother, go with a nice aftermarket exhaust which really makes a difference...

Hey and these aftermarket exhausts tend to be much lighter and smaller which makes the installation so much easier

[blinkwatt]

Aren't the exhaust the same internally?

[John V]

Originally Posted by pompous

Really?? I thought it was a HUGE PITA to try taking the muffler off w/o removing the rear bumper. Is this not the case? That would be really nice if so.

It's easy enough to do with the bumper on, and it takes less time.

The 2003+ mufflers were changed for additional sound. The earlier mufflers are all identical internally - the "S" mufflers just have different tips. So putting a pre-2002 "S" muffler on a pre-2002 non-S car will do nothing for power and sound.

[FrayAdjacent]

Maybe someday I'll have to get an S muffler to try on my car....

[Houston C4S]

I too have read that the mufflers for the S models were changed
sometime in 2003/2004. I promise you that the 2004 ones are
different -- you can see it just by looking inside it.

As far as taking the bumper off, knock yourself out if you want
to do it, but it isn't needed.

I would recommend, however, using a lube/penetrant of some
sort to soak the bolts for a bit first. Use ramps or a lift, excercising
approcpriate caution and safety, of course, when doing this.

You really can reach the bolts needed, with the right combination
of sockets, extensions, etc. And you really can wiggle it out and
back in. I did it by myself three times, so I know it can be done.

And that was, using ramps, on my back using the legs and knees
to balance it as I wiggled it back in place.

The first time is harder, of course, but a heck of a lot easier than
removing the bumper (at least from all the pictures I have seen
that doing that involves).

Best,

- Mark