My understanding is that later model '02s and '03s have the X50 exhaust even on non-X50 models. How can you tell if that is the case on an '02 and why do some TT's have the two single oval exhaust tips and others have the quad, overlapping type tips.

 

Let me clarify:
1) there are only 2 exhausts for turbocharged 996s (GT2 and TT): these are the regular 996TT exhaust and the louder (different part number) exhaust for the GT2 and X50 (they both share the same exhaust)!!
2) There are 2 types of exhaust tips that you can get on these cars and they are the regular triangle tips or the X54 dual tips which is an option and available on any turbocharged 996TT
3) X50 and TT have different exhausts regardless of yours
4) you can mix and match the 2 exhausts and 2 tips and you get 4 different combinations.
Hope this helps

 

So this past post )from another board) is wrong (??):

if there are any major differences mechanically between a 2001 and a 2002 or 2003??? like the motor, tranny, clutch, suspension ect.

I'm sure there is more if you search, but:

* X50 exhaust even on non-X50 models (later '02s and '03s)
* Better stereo starting with '02
* Glove box, and textured instead of shiny finish on interior window etc. buttons starting with '02
* Early '01s had solid (heavier) instead of hollow spoke wheels

 

Yup - thats not true at all - the rest of the changes are true...

 

msindi,

Thanks for the clarification, still learning....

So, if I am looking at a near new 2002 996TT that has the overlapping dual tips BUT the original window build sheet does not list the X54 option, does that mean the tips were probably switched post-delivery with another X54 car?

 

X54 is the option code for the tips...you can now buy them through Porsche parts so that might have been the case. I know its confusing but the X50 power kit and the X54 dual tips are two seperate options that are not to be confused...