Got a new 997.1 last month and been doing research on what kind of sportier exhaust noise I would be ok with.

So newbie question - aside from PSE vs. fabspeed vs. AWE, etc - is there some recommendation on when I should put a new exhaust on? e.g. should I wait until I've completed my 2k miles break in, or just bolt whatever exhaust I go with now?

I'm just past 700 miles and been religiously following the owner manual break in rules - although reading a lot of old posts here it seems that the general consensus is that you can just drive off like you stole it and the p-cars break in fine - still, being paranoid I'm obeying the less than 4.2k tac rev and other conservative rules.

Might as well ask my 2nd question too - I recall with the only other porsche I owned before, a 996 C4S that I put PSE on the sound when I listened to it live was very different from what it sounded like on video (much better in person). So what's a good way to actually listen live to various exhaust sounds I'm researching? Go to one of the gatherings here in the Socal area and see if I can find some friendly owners to listen to various sport exhaust versions?

 

When it comes to the break in period, I think the jury is still deciding. Some would say you should strictly adhere to the recommendations in the manual, while others say you should break it in like you plan to drive it regularly.

As for exhaust, there's no harm in installing the exhaust now. The only drawback will be that since you're driving the car conservatively during the break in, you won't realize the benefits of the exhaust right away. But once break in period is over, you'll be good to go! My vote: do the exhaust now so it's on and ready once break in period is over.

As for exhaust sound. Be VERY VERY cautious when listening to video online. It is VERY VERY difficult to capture an accurate exhaust note with a handheld home video camera. Most of the clips you hear online are very different from what the exhaust sounds like in person. Your best bet would be to try to hear them personally. Search through the forums and find some local guys in your area. Most people would be happy to meet up with you for a test drive. Or give us a call....based on what you want, we can try to help narrow down the search for you, that way you don't have to hunt down the owners of every system on the market, just the ones that fit what you're looking for. Then, when you're ready to buy, we'll give you a smokin' deal

 

thanks for information