SOUL Competition Headers. Porsche 718 GT4 RS / Spyder RS › POR.718GT4RS.COH

The SOUL Performance Competition Headers are precision-engineered aftermarket exhaust manifolds developed for the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS and 718 Spyder RS, featuring Porsche's naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six engine.

Fits:

• Porsche Boxster Spyder RS 718 4.0L 01/2019>>
• Porsche Cayman GT4 RS 718 4.0L  

Designed for performance-focused owners and motorsport applications, these Competition Headers replace the original exhaust manifold assemblies and integrated primary catalytic converters with a lightweight, freer-flowing stainless steel design.

The factory exhaust system must balance engine performance with emissions regulations, noise requirements and vehicle packaging constraints. These considerations influence the shape, length and diameter of the original exhaust headers.

SOUL Performance developed its Competition Headers to maximise the available space around the engine, using longer exhaust runners and enlarged merge collectors to improve exhaust gas movement.

Unlike the standard Porsche 718 GT4, for which SOUL offers both catted and catalyst-free header options, the manufacturer has chosen a catalyst-free-only header design for the GT4 RS and Spyder RS.

This allows the available space to be used for longer tubing and collectors designed to connect smoothly to the downstream 3-inch over-axle exhaust flow path.

The headers are manufactured in the USA from mandrel-bent T304L stainless steel with a 0.065-inch wall thickness.

Each set features back-purged TIG welding using high-purity argon shielding gas to support strong, consistent weld construction and long-term durability.

Precision-cast cylinder-head flanges provide a smooth transition between the engine's exhaust ports and the primary runners.

The connecting exhaust flanges are waterjet-cut to tight dimensional tolerances, helping maintain consistent alignment and accurate installation.

SOUL also uses dedicated aluminium welding fixtures to minimise distortion during fabrication.

These construction methods make the Competition Headers suitable for demanding operating conditions involving repeated heating, cooling and vibration.

What This Product Does:
The exhaust headers are responsible for collecting hot combustion gases leaving the engine's cylinder heads and directing them into the downstream exhaust system.

During engine operation, the exhaust valves open and release combustion gases from each cylinder.

These gases travel through the individual header runners before joining at the collectors and continuing towards the over-axle pipes and rear exhaust.

The shape, length and cross-sectional area of the runners influence exhaust pulse movement, flow resistance and engine performance characteristics.

The SOUL Competition Headers are designed to optimise this process.

Their main functions include:

1. Collecting Exhaust Gases

The headers gather exhaust gases from the engine's cylinder-head exhaust ports and direct them into the downstream exhaust system.

2. Improving Exhaust Gas Flow

The longer runners and enlarged merge collectors provide a smoother, less restrictive path for exhaust gases.

This is intended to support efficient engine breathing.

3. Supporting Exhaust Scavenging

Exhaust gases move through the headers as pressure pulses.

Carefully designed runner and collector geometry can improve pulse interaction and help the engine expel combustion gases more effectively.

4. Reducing Exhaust Restriction

The Competition Headers remove the factory primary catalytic converters.

This reduces a significant source of flow resistance in the original header assemblies.

5. Enhancing Engine Responsiveness

Improved exhaust gas movement may help the engine respond more readily to accelerator input.

The effect will depend on the complete exhaust system and vehicle configuration.

6. Supporting Performance Potential

A freer-flowing exhaust system can help the naturally aspirated flat-six engine operate more efficiently during demanding driving conditions.

7. Enhancing Exhaust Sound

The catalyst-free construction and revised runner design provide a more pronounced exhaust note.

This allows the distinctive high-revving character of the 4.0-litre engine to become more apparent.

8. Reducing Exhaust Weight

The headers offer a manufacturer-reported saving of approximately 4.5 lb compared with the original assemblies.

9. Providing Durable Exhaust Construction

T304L stainless steel, precision flanges and back-purged TIG welding help withstand high temperatures and repeated thermal cycling.

10. Connecting with Factory or Upgraded Exhaust Components

The headers are designed to bolt to compatible original or aftermarket over-axle pipes.

They are developed to work with the 3-inch flow path of SOUL's performance over-axle exhaust components.



Why Upgrading Matters:

1. Improved Exhaust Flow

The Competition Headers use longer primary runners and enlarged merge collectors to provide a more efficient path for exhaust gases.

This supports improved engine breathing and reduces unnecessary restriction.

2. Enhanced Performance Potential

The design is intended to improve exhaust efficiency and engine response.

SOUL states that the headers deliver increases in sound, power and responsiveness, although no universal numerical gains are established for this component alone.

3. More Responsive Engine Behaviour

A less restrictive exhaust path may improve the engine's response during acceleration.

This can contribute to a more engaging driving experience.

4. Increased Flat-Six Exhaust Character

The 4.0-litre engine is renowned for its distinctive high-revving sound.

The Competition Headers allow more of this exhaust character to pass through the system, producing a stronger and more aggressive soundtrack.

5. Lightweight Design

SOUL's Competition Headers are approximately 4.5 lb lighter than the original factory assemblies.

This reduces unnecessary weight while retaining robust stainless steel construction.

6. Precision-Engineered Fitment

The cast cylinder-head flanges, accurately cut connection flanges and dedicated welding fixtures are intended to maintain consistent fitment.

Accurate flange alignment is important for preventing leaks and unnecessary mechanical stress.

7. Durable T304L Stainless Steel

The stainless steel construction provides corrosion resistance and durability under demanding exhaust temperatures.

8. High-Quality Welding

Back-purged TIG welding supports consistent weld penetration and helps maintain the durability of the header assemblies.

9. Compatible Exhaust Upgrades

The Competition Headers can be combined with factory or suitable upgraded over-axle pipes.

This allows owners to develop their exhaust configuration in stages.

10. Direct Bolt-On Installation

The headers are designed to fit the appropriate factory mounting locations without requiring fabrication under normal installation conditions.

11. Motorsport-Focused Construction

The combination of stainless steel tubing, precision flanges and high-quality welding makes the product suitable for demanding performance applications.

12. Manufacturer Lifetime Warranty

SOUL Performance provides a lifetime warranty for its exhaust components, subject to the manufacturer's published terms and conditions.