Exhaust upgrade and options - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Alex L · 10-24-2007, 03:03 PM

I bought a 02 boxster S about 3 months ago, that already came with several upgrades (Carrera S wheels, PSS9 coilsovers, reprogrammed ECU etc).
Right now, I absolutely love the car, performance and looks-wise, and I get a huge grin every time I drive it.

If I was to change something, it would the sound. I absolutely love the sound it gives at full throttle, but I would like a meatier sound in the low RPMs. After searching for a while, I think I have the following options:
a) PSE exhaust - I guess it's the safest bet, because I won't be getting any error lights, it's tested, it's probably a quality product coming from the manufacturer, it probably won't be too loud when I cruise on the highway. Cons: price

b) Aftermarket exhaust - Some of them are quality products, others aren't. Some of them give error lights, some don't. Some give the right note, some sound like crap. So it's a gamble when it comes to picking one, and I'm not sure.
Suggestions needed.

c) Desnorkeling. Not sure I understand this right, but I have noticed my car sounds awesome at high RPMs, but very mild at low RPMs. In my understanding, at full throttle some kind of valves open to give this sound, and desnorkeling just keeps these valves permanently open?
Would that be enough to get a sound upgrade, or it's not advisable?

What kind of change in the sound should I expect from an air filter change, or cold air filter upgrade, and is it advisable to do it, or keep it stock?

Does the fact that my ECU is tuned make any difference in the choice of exhaust/filter?

What do people mean by 'resonance' that I so often hear about in exhaust related threads?

The most impressive sound I've heard on a boxster is in this link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjNXH0gKCg4) but Im not sure what the guy has changed to get this sound. Also, the fact he can switch between normal and sports mode makes me think it's a Sports Chrono equipped 987, even though the part of the car visible on the video appears to be from a 986 and the title says it's a 2000 car...

I'm so confused!

Thanks for any help provided.