3 Best Exhaust Systems for Porsche 997.1 Carrera. Our Top Sellers

The 997.1 generation of the Porsche 911 came with much relief to many as its style was a return to classic, round headlight, 911 heritage.

After the polarizing 996 generation had run its course Porsche enthusiasts were happy to see the restyled 997 cars. 

The all new 997 was launched in 2005 and was completely different inside and out compared to the previous 996.

 Just like all 911 cars before it, the aftermarket came chasing after the new 997 with support so owners could upgrade and personalize their new Carrera's. 

At MGC suspensions and exhaust we love the Porsche 997. We believe they are the last properly sized, analog 911.

We offer suspension and exhaust components that are perfect for upgrading a street focused 997. 

If you need exhaust recommendations for your car, use our Exhaust Tech form. Personalized suggestions based on your goals and budget. 

In this brief post we wanted to share our 3 favorite aftermarket exhaust systems for the Porsche 997.1 Carrera. 

As most car lovers know, the sound a car makes is a huge part of the driving experience. OEM factory systems are designed to be fairly quiet and bland to please the masses. Porsche enthusiasts typically want for more.

With so many exhaust system options, how do you know which one is right for you? Is it loud enough? Too loud?

Will my spouse or mother-in-law furrow their brow and plug their ears when they hear it? 

Since so many questions arise when someone decides to upgrade their exhaust, we thought we could offer some value and experience to the situation by listing our 3 best selling exhaust systems for the 997.

Make sure you read the very end of this article for a secret, super affordable exhaust upgrade for the Porsche 997. 

 

1. Borla Cat-Back Exhaust System

I know what you're thinking. Isn't Borla just for muscle cars and trucks? No way!

Borla has been making great sounding exhaust systems for European cars for years.

This is a no frills, budget friendly system that fits perfectly and sounds amazing. Tuned by Borla engineers to be pleasing to the ear at all RPM. No drone so highway cruising is quiet. 

Looking for the best sounding exhaust for Porsche 997?

Borla exhaust kits have perfect volume and growl for street cars.

System features polished T-304 stainless steel tips. 

BORLA® Cat-Back™ & Axle-Back exhaust systems feature patented straight-through and multi-core technology to unleash hidden horsepower.

Increased exhaust velocity adds power, driving excitement, fuel economy, and an aggressive exhaust note without drone.

Each system is built from premium T-304-austenitic stainless steel, superior to T-400 series knockoffs (such as 409), to give you the absolute best in performance and durability.

Ultra-smooth mandrel bends ensure maximum flow & power, and precision computer-controlled CNC manufacturing ensures an accurate fit.

2. Fabspeed Maxflo Exhaust 

Fabspeed has been engineering and building exhaust systems for Porsche for over 30 years. 

+12 horsepower and +12 ft/lbs torque. 

Increase power and save weight with a throatier and deeper exhaust note throughout the RPM range; and improving the overall aesthetic of the vehicle with the quad style tips. 

This system can be used with the OEM outlet tips, or Fabspeed's deluxe quad-style Tips to give the 997 Carrera the look it deserves.

Sound: 

Get a slightly throatier and deeper exhaust note throughout the RPM range with this Maxflo side exhaust.

Power: 

On Fabspeed's Dynojet they saw peak gains of 12 whp and 12 ft-lbs of torque. As you can see on the dyno graph, these gains are carried throughout the rev range.

Features: 

• Fits all Porsche 997 Carrera vehicles 2005-2008
• Improves sports car sound and power throughout the RPM range; Improves horsepower and torque by 12 whp and 12 ft-lbs
• Saves 1 lb versus the factory components
• Compatible with Fabspeed's quad-style tips in your choice of finish; also compatible with OEM tips
• Constructed from high-quality 14-16ga CNC mandrel-bent T304L stainless steel for optimum flow and maximum durability
• Direct bolt-on replacements for the restrictive factory mufflers
• All Fabspeed products are backed by a lifetime warranty

You can't go wrong with a Fabspeed exhaust system for your 997. It will give you years of trouble free service and hapiness. Kits come with several tip finish options. 

 

 3. SOUL Valved Exhaust System

The unique valved exhaust design of this 997.1 muffler offers a sporty OEM+ sound with the valves closed, and a race–inspired sound with the valves open.

The default valve orientation upon startup is valves closed for a more refined warm-up experience, and an invigorating tone reminiscent of air-cooled CUP cars is just a button press away.

 

Details:

+  Fits all Porsche 997.1 Carreras (2005-2008) VEHICLES WITH FACTORY PORSCHE SPORT EXHAUST MUST USE SOUL TIPS.

+  Valves closed during startup for a more refined experience

+  Valves controlled with included remotes or with factory HomeLink buttons

+  Weighs 2 lbs / .9 kg less than factory exhaust components (36.6 lbs vs 38.6 lbs)

+  Designed and built in-house at SOUL's Willow Grove, PA facility

+  All Soul Products are backed by a renowned lifetime warranty 

 

DEVELOPMENT:  SOUL wanted to design a valved exhaust that would offer the ability to go from “Cruising sunday to track day” at the press of a button with the default setting to be valves closed for a more refined startup experience.

Following the extreme effectiveness of the mufflers used for the 987 / 981 exhausts to combat drone, they applied the same design principles to a custom muffler for the 997 Carrera.

 

SOUND:  The design of this exhaust channels exhaust gases through our bespoke mufflers for a sophisticated and sporty sound that is unmistakably Porsche with valves closed, and this is the default operation setting.

With valves open, you’re getting a CUP–inspired straight pipe sound. With valves closed during cruising, there is no drone — even with aftermarket catalytic converters.

Due to the aggressive, free–flowing nature of the valves–open mode, the volume is loud when paired with aftermarket catalytic converters or catless replacement pipes.

 

CONSTRUCTION:  Each system is made in-house by our fabrication team from mandrel bent .060″ wall T304L stainless steel tubing, bespoke SOUL mufflers, and laser cut brackets w well over 15 man hours invested in each set to make sure they are perfect.

 

BOLT ON AND GO:  Each exhaust is built and tested in a thick gauge aluminum fixture (which prevents warping) to ensure perfect fitment.

Every set is rigorously quality-checked prior to shipping and then foam packed to ensure they arrive in perfect condition.

 

These are our 3 best selling exhaust brands for Porsche and all of them are a great choices. If you are in the market for an exhaust for your 997 do some research and watch as many YouTube videos as you can to hear the systems live.

This will give you a good idea about how the differ and which may be best for you.

Be sure the system you are considering is made of a high quality stainless steel and is backed by a manufacturer warranty. 

Don't be tempted by a no-name system on E-bay or Amazon that has a price tag that is too good to be true.

You'll be replacing it faster than your mechanic can say, I told you so Chad!

Plus, most of them sound like an empty coffee can full of marbles. And there isn't anything worse than those huge potato launcher exhaust tips. 

Affordable Exhaust Upgrade Option:

If you are on a budget and simply want your 997 to sound a bit better than stock without any drone or issues, here is a perfect suggestion. 

Visit FDmotorsports and have your factory Porsche mufflers modified to emulate the sound of the Porsche Sport Exhaust option.

A simple bypass between the inlet and outlet on the mufflers makes a huge difference in the tone. An aggressive new sound with 0 drone. Ceramic coating is also offered. 

You can have your existing mufflers modified and returned or have a set already made sent to you in exchange for yours if they are in rust free condition. 

We don't sell FD products or have any affiliation with them except for me personally being a satisfied customer.

I had FD mufflers on my own 2003 996 Carrera and they were great! It's like having a new exhaust for under 1,000 bucks.

I just wanted to leave this as another option because at the end of the day we want people to be aware of all their choices so they can make the right one. Whether we make the sale or not 

 

 Enjoy your new exhaust! 

 The MGC Story