2003 4S muffler "sound options"

[911mnypt]

I am new to the water cooled world and am a little disappointed with the stock muffler sound. Coming from an air cooled 3.0 with Webers I am use to hearing and feeling the car grunt! I was considering doing the PSE set up as pictured below but was looking for some advise from the experts...is it too loud or too soft? I am not looking to go too aggressive, just want a little more feel to it.

[FPB111]

The one that you have pictured is done the same way that I did mine. It is just the way I wanted it to sound. It is a little louder than stock but not obnoxious. It is a copy of the PSE (Stage One mod) without the cutoff/shutoff valve that Porsche had to add to pass noise in some countries.
It has a lower gutteral sound under load at lower RPMs and starts to get noticably louder from ~4500 up, there is no drone.

More coupe owners seem to go for the Stage Two mod. That is louder throughout the RPM range, still with no drone.
pictured here:
FD Motorsports » Fister Exhaust – 996

[Mitch Leland]

I have the factory option, "XLF", sport Two Stage Exhaust System with panel mounted switch for reduced noise. I love the sound, it's throaty in the lower gears during acceleration and pretty quiet at highway speeds. I think the best of both worlds...

[FPB111]

The XLF option is the Porsche Sport Exhaust (PSE). Two stage with vacuum controlled valves to allow it to pass noise tests. The valves are controlled by a switch on the dash and with a computer override to close the valves at certain RPMs to allow it to pass european noise tests. Many disable the valves to always "open" which is the same as the stage one mod. If you want a little more bass do the "Orange" cap mod on your intake.
Anyone got a spare Orange Cap tey can send to UK? - Rennlist Discussion Forums

http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/6422-intake-air-box-modification/page__hl__orange+cap

Orange Cap mod - Page 2 - Rennlist Discussion Forums

[Mitch Leland]

Originally Posted by FPB111

The XLF option is the Porsche Sport Exhaust (PSE). Two stage with vacuum controlled valves to allow it to pass noise tests. The valves are controlled by a switch on the dash and with a computer override to close the valves at certain RPMs to allow it to pass european noise tests. Many disable the valves to always "open" which is the same as the stage one mod. If you want a little more bass do the "Orange" cap mod on your intake.
Anyone got a spare Orange Cap tey can send to UK? - Rennlist Discussion Forums

http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/6422-intake-air-box-modification/page__hl__orange+cap

Orange Cap mod - Page 2 - Rennlist Discussion Forums

Are you saying that even if the switch is off (open exhaust) it will automatically close at high RPM'S? If so I was unaware of that...

Thanks,

[911mnypt]

Thanks for the info guys!! I am going to drop the mufflers today and just do the stage one mod.

Richard

[911mnypt]

Both mufflers came out in 20 minutes and the shop got them done in a hour. The sound is much nicer, sort of guttural at low RPM's and throatier when you mash it. I am happy for now

Thanks FPB111 for the help...
Richard

[FPB111]

Originally Posted by Mitch Leland

Are you saying that even if the switch is off (open exhaust) it will automatically close at high RPM'S? If so I was unaware of that...

Thanks,

Richard, you are welcome.

Mitch,
I should have said the PSE defaults to quiet between ~25-45MPH. Not "certain RPMs"

Read this thread for more info and ways to defeat this "option" while still retaining the dash switch operation:
PSE cutout removal with pics - Page 2 - Rennlist Discussion Forums
fpb111

[Mitch Leland]

Frank,

Thanks for that information, I wasn't aware that there was a default setting to the system. However now that you mention it, the exhaust note (it's quieter) does change under acceleration. It's perfect for my tastes...