Gentlemen: I currently own a 2003 C2 and never did an exhaust system upgrade. Now I have a deposit down for the first 2006 C4S cabriolet at my local dealer, expected arrival in (roughly) December. I have all the options decided upon except for the exhaust/header combo.

I understand that the factory Sport Exhaust system has the advantage of a selection switch, but I would prefer to spend the same money and get some additional performance with a header and exhaust combo. I'm just leary about getting so much roar, rasp or growl that I can't use the car as a daily driver. I am seeking a rich, throaty sound with throttle, but a less aggressive note at idle and at cruise. Can my desires be met with an aftermarket combo, or should I stick with the factory system so I can be sure I get that switch option? If aftermarket is the answer, the local dealer recommends GHL Motorsports. Who do you like - Fabspeed, Billy Boat, Gemballa, etc?

 

In my opinion the PSE sounds best, I found that I never turned it off, so the switch was not a big deal. If you want performance gains, you will have to go with aftermarket stuff.

 

fabspeed has a pretty nice exhaust system.
not sure on the price though- how much are you looking to spend extra?

 

The Porsche Sport Exhaust is in the ~ $2400 range for the current year car, and the combo header/exhaust systems I've priced out are in roughly the same range. I would probably loose heart much north of $3000.

 

from everything I have researched for my 997S, I would go factory. I have been through them all fabspeed, techart, AWE, europipe, et al.

Arling will weigh in here soon and probably tell you the same thing; but for me, had it been an available option, I wouldn't have thought twice about it.

congrats on your new C4S...........

 

I had the Fabspeed mufflers on my 997 for 1 day and did not like the sound, it was a deep rumble sound, if that is what you are after, it's priced right, fits well, and is well made. I did not notice any performance gain with just the mufflers.

 

the only GHL I heard wasnt a pleasing sound....

 

dont expect actuall noticeable hp gains decide on the sound imho.. n/a cars are hard to squeeze extra hp..u have to do actual motor work to see things happen...

 

Thanks to all so far for their input. I guess I'm rather surprised to have the majority weigh in for the straight factory PSE, but it's a satisfying answer. I do like the sound of the factory system with the baffles opened.