There is a new exhaust system in town, and it’s here to revive the throaty symphony of the 4.0 flat-six motor from the Porsche 718 lineup.
Soul Performance is an aftermarket tuning company that specializes in designing and manufacturing custom exhaust systems for various supercars. Now, they’ve decided to bring their magic to the Porsche 718 and its variants. The aim? More power and better sound, of course!
A typical exhaust system consists of the headers (primary cat assemblies), over axle pipes, rear muffler, and exhaust tips. To reduce noise levels in sports cars, manufacturers use an electronically monitored valve system. By closing and opening the exhaust valves, the driver can keep noise levels in check.
These stock systems restrict the amount of airflow. That’s because they contain particulate matter filters to remove pollutants and meet the required emission norms. Hence, as a result, they often weigh a lot.
Better Airflow Equals More Power
Soul Performance’s design process goes as follow:
- Making a 3D design of the system considering the desired outcome;
- Analysis of airflow through the system using proprietary computer software;
- 3D-printing a scaled model of the design and scrutinizing for dimensional inaccuracies and checking tolerances;
- Manufacturing the required components, and final assembly.
The exhaust headers for the Porsche 718 were given a catless long tube competition header and street header. The latter utilizes HJS HD 200 cell cores, allowing for unrestricted airflow into the over-axle pipes.
Moreover, the uncorked pipes better suit the factory fitted PSE muffler. This enhances the sound of the car when valves remain shut, and it completely changes character when they open.
Since homologation laws differ from region to region, Soul Performance utilized the stock muffler. Nevertheless, they work toward developing an aftermarket alternative.
PSE programming has become more stringent in recent times, with manufacturers reducing the sound levels considerably during full throttle. Now, the PSE button is turned obsolete by using a universal valve controller. This system draws power from a 12V supply, vacuum, and ground.
By syncing the signal to the boot knob, the valves can open or close without any modifications in the interior. Another alternative is tuning the ECU and reprogramming the PSE program to keep the valves open at all times.
It Cuts Weight, too
The racing exhaust, competition headers, and competition over axle pipes are all made from T304L stainless steel. Besides, they are back-purged with argon gas for supreme longevity under high loads. Thus, Soul Performance provides a lifetime warranty for street and track use.
Even better, the competition race exhaust trims up to 30 lbs, the headers 7.25lbs, and the over axle pipes only weigh 50% of the original ones.
Price Tag
Surprisingly, Soul Performance’s exhaust system for the Porsche 718 lineup is very well priced — for an exhaust system with that level of quality, of course. The race exhaust comes with a price tag between $2,495-$2,695 (without/with a resonator) while the competition headers cost $2,495 and the competition over axle pipe $1,795.
And all that with an easy bolt-on installation. Not bad, right?
Check out Soul Performance Porsche 718 GT4 exhaust suite here!
