Exhaust options
 

My 986 started rattling due to something loose within the exhaust. I think the muffler is where the noise is coming from.

Looking at replacing it with something new.

Looking to be the most cost effective.

I don't care if I get the stock amount of sound from the replacement, but wouldn't mind a bit extra noise.

Looking to keep costs down. The wife is still complaining about the clutch and IMS replacement from last year.

Help please.

Before you begin spending money on a new exhaust and upsetting your wife check the more common exhaust rattling which are the converter heat shields. Use a rubber mallet and hit the exhaust components and plumbing. It's much cheaper to replace a few bolts!

I second what Keith Newby posted. I don't think a new exhaust is going to help your situation; It might make it worse. Have a shop check out the heat shields and exhaust mounts first.

I did.
Also confirmed by my mechanic.

Thanks for thinking of that.

I suggest putting a used stock muffler. Cheap and easy. I hit mine with rubber mallet to listen for rattles but the muffler has to get hot sometimes before it starts to rattle. D.C. automotive dismantler. I suggest if you intend to keep the car tell yourself and the wife cheap to buy... expensive to own.

+1 to the heat shields around the catalytic converters.

I took a coat hanger wrapped it around the heat shield and twisted the end... tightened it up and never heard a rattle again.

Wait for the car to get cool and hit the cats with your palm.

One catalytic converter failed on mine (inner substrate), and that was causing an annoying rattling sound on mine. Started with that occasional ding-ding noise and got much worst within a month or two (permanent rattling). Replaced both with high-flow 200 cells (aftermarket, 1/3 of the price of the genuine porsche part)

Coat hangar would work well in SC, but here in the rust belt that wouldn't last long. We have to get the largest stainless steel worm gear screw clamps we can find. And when one isn't long enough you can double or triple them.