Mods recently performed: X51 headers, AWE Cats, OWM PSE + Fabspeed intake + Softronic. I've completed all these mods at once, so there is no way to verify the difference of any single modification...so be it.

The car pulls and pulls and pulls - no hesitation, no pause at 3,500 rpms.

Had the chance to run at Limerock (see my other thread) and it was unreal. Really strong, noticeably more torque and grunt.

Also had the chance to run against a "heavily modified" Audi RS4 and completely schooled it - the Audi just completely could not keep up. From 50 to 100 Audi was 3 car lengths back. At 140, Audi was at least 15 car lengths back.

Next step is a dyno at Farnbacher, until then, I'm going with completely satisfied. Thanks Scott! Thanks Ron!

 

Did you do all the mods at once or, was the Softronic done after?

 

performed them all at once...

 

I find that my car pulls very well also, the only difference from your car to my car is the flash. Still sitting on the fence on this one.

 

headers + cats + PSE is truly unreal when it comes to exhaust note - can't imagine changing a thing from here on out...

 

What are you running in your car?

 

Good info guys.

I am looking at a similar setup myself (probably a winter DIY). Some of my PCA buddies are recommending Fabspeed Headers and Cats, and I am looking at AWE headers and Cats as well, any comments vs. the 2 would be appreciated. In reality I doubt there is much difference, and I like the idea of going with a “Matched Set”, no real logic but the idea appeals to my brain.

I will probably keep the stock exhaust since I worry about it being too loud for me, so comments on Headers + Cats with the stock exhaust would be nice.

I like the idea of the X51 intake, it just looks nice!

Really sitting on the fence regarding an ECU update but Softronic does seem the way to go.

Anyone know of a good Dyno Shop in Northern CA.

Gundo, can’t wait to see your Dyno results!

 

Martin,

IMO, the best exhaust mods to make in order of performance;

Cats
Headers
Mufflers

I would also do AWE again, great products, great service

 

I think the evo headers got better design than the X-51. I'm not sure what kind of difference these to make but the after market ones seem to generate more power

 

Sounds great!

 

I'd like to know also, I have PSE and Softronic and want to do headers and cats. Is the sound still mellow with the pse off?

 

The Cats and Headers will make the car sound amazing, The Cats will also give your car better flow on the exhaust and it will pull hard through the power band.

 

Why not get the Softronic??? The flash is what would put it all together... it tunes the car to its full capacity based on your modifications... plus you can benefit from running race gas

 

Not according to Europipe..even AWE only claims like 7rwhp for the headers. I personally don't feel there is a difference. Most of the power gain is in the cats.

From Europipe..

The stock 997S headers have ø 42mm tubes. Both the 997S X51 and 996 GT3 headers have ø 48mm tubes. We have build and tested several equal lenght headers in both 45mm, 48mm and 50mm tube sizes. Eventually the OEM X51 headers turned out to equally good but without having the inevitable ground clearance issues.
Our 997S sport exhaust system consists of:

• 1 set sport mufflers
• 1 set sport catalytic convertors with 100 cells per square inch
• 1 set OEM X51 headers
• 4 sets exhaust clamps
• 2 tube clamps to hold the catalytic convertors
• 1 set modified chromed OEM dual tailpipes (optional 1 set modified chromed Tequipment 997 Carrera oval tailpipes)
• bolts and gaskets

 

Thanks Dave for pointing this out - one of the big reasons I've gone with X51 headers is price ($500+/-) and very comparable performance, as pointed out by Europipe. At some point, we're just splitting hairs. the picture here of the difference between stock and X51 was enough to change my mind.

As for the PSE being on or off, I have it permanently in Loud mode - and it sounds Awesome - loud enough for a ticket, no question about it.