I used to have a 996 3.6 and recently bought a 997 It is a .1 C2 with PSE and I feel that the howl of the engine is less 'pure' and less pronounced in the 997 than it was in the 996. This is especially the case when you let the engine rev all the way up till 6000 or so rpm in 2nd, 3th and 4th. The funny bit is that I actually prefer the sound with PSE off rather than on
Sombody else experienced the same? Shall I go back to 996...

 

I pretty much agree with you. While I can't say about the the 996 difference, my 2007 C4S happened to come with the PSE - not that I was seeking that.

For about the first month, I thought it was the greatest thing ever. Now, I'm not so sure. It's almost a bit of a drone.

If I were configging a new car and I had an extra $2500 to spend, I would put it towards aftermarket wheels.

The thing that really bugs me is that Porsche took off the dedicated "Sport Exhaust" button from the center console. Now, if you want the sportier throttle mapping from Sport mode, you have to get the exhaust note with it.

 

You can add an EVOMS cold air intake- that will really give you the scream at higher RPM's. It's a simply DIY for $600.
CATTMAN

 

You are not hearing the intake sound...that is the howl you describe. Like Catman said in the post above, get the EVOMS cold air kit and you will hear the howl again...also adding some Fabspeed mufflers will give you more of the cup car sound.

 

+1 on the EVOMS intake.. even the K&N sounds pretty decent at WOT.

 

Both my 996 cars were stock . My first 997 was stock (non PSE) . It was quiet . I found that the best sound I liked came from the Tubi . It's crip and clean sounding . It's a light, well built exhaust with a fit and finish that I liked most. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMWLpdVrhWU