Upgrading '99 exhaust to '03 S exhaust

[John V]

The '03+ S definitely has a very different sound. I don't know if it's entirely the muffler - the '03+ S cars have different manifold/cats as well, and they look to be more free-flowing than the ones on my '00 S. Two of my buddies have nearly identical '03 Boxster S's, and they sound the same - very different from my car.

I modified the muffler on my '00 S by cutting approximately 1" x 1" holes inside the inlets to the muffler. This bypasses some of the exhaust energy into the outermost chambers of the muffler but not enough to make the car drone. It sounds much more " '03 like" than it used to - throatier everywhere in the rev range. No performance increase, but it sounds more like a sports car should IMO - just slightly more aggressive.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by John V

The '03+ S definitely has a very different sound. I don't know if it's entirely the muffler - the '03+ S cars have different manifold/cats as well, and they look to be more free-flowing than the ones on my '00 S. .

The manifold/cats are all the same from 00-04. The only difference is the muffler. Mine look like this as should yours.

[John V]

Hm, will have to take a closer look at the 03's. They looked different at first blush. Maybe mine are just really rusty.

[geno]

The installation is complete. Using the adapter kit recommended in this thread, I had a 2003 S Boxster muffler installed on my 1999 Boxster.

The sound is absolutely better -- especially at low RPMs.

Here's my only problem: The muffler did not have the tips on it -- so I have none at this time. I've been looking on eBay and the web in general. So far nothing stands out as a "buy me."

There are two exhaust ports on this muffler and the lip is VERY small on each. Therefore, I'm not sure if the tips need to fit inside the ports or what.

Any further recommendations are most welcome. :dance:

Thanks to all who shared comments on this adventure!

-geno

[Tool Pants]

The tip bolts to the outside of the muffler. The tip is purely cosmetic. There are 3 tips to choose from.