SOUL Competition Headers. Porsche 981 GT4 / Boxster Spyder / Clubsport › POR.GT4.COH

The SOUL Performance Competition Headers are premium aftermarket performance exhaust manifolds designed specifically for the Porsche 981 Cayman GT4, Boxster Spyder and GT4 Clubsport models manufactured between 2015 and 2016.

Fits:

• Porsche Boxster 981 Spyder 3.8L 2016
• Porsche Cayman GT4 3.8L 2015-16  

The factory exhaust system is engineered to balance engine performance, emissions control, noise restrictions and everyday usability. Although highly capable, the original exhaust manifolds and catalytic converters introduce resistance into the exhaust path.

SOUL Performance's Competition Headers are designed to reduce this restriction and improve the movement of exhaust gases away from the cylinder heads.

Each header incorporates 2-inch primary runners, smooth-radius tubing, port-matched mounting flanges and optimised collectors to help improve exhaust gas flow.

The long-runner design is engineered to complement the characteristics of Porsche's high-revving 3.8-litre engine, supporting improved engine breathing and throttle response.

Manufactured from T304L stainless steel, the headers offer corrosion resistance, strength and durability under demanding exhaust operating temperatures.

Unlike SOUL Performance's separately available Long Tube Street Headers, the Competition Headers do not incorporate catalytic converters.

This catalyst-free construction reduces exhaust restriction and produces a more pronounced exhaust note, making the product particularly suitable for dedicated off-road and motorsport applications.

SOUL Performance reports third-party dynamometer testing demonstrating measurable performance improvements when these headers are combined with suitable ECU tuning.

The headers are designed as a direct bolt-on replacement for the compatible factory manifold assemblies. Each set is checked in an installation fixture before dispatch, and fitting instructions are supplied.

The Competition Headers can also form part of the complete SOUL Performance Competition Package when combined with the manufacturer's compatible valved rear exhaust system.

For Porsche enthusiasts seeking increased exhaust flow, improved throttle response and a more aggressive flat-six soundtrack, the SOUL Performance Competition Headers provide a substantial upgrade to the original exhaust manifold arrangement.

What This Product Does:
Exhaust headers collect combustion gases as they leave the engine's cylinder heads and direct them into the remainder of the exhaust system.

On the Porsche 981 GT4 and Boxster Spyder, exhaust gases leave the naturally aspirated 3.8L flat-six engine through the exhaust ports before passing into the original exhaust manifolds and catalytic converter assemblies.

The SOUL Performance Competition Headers replace these original assemblies with stainless steel performance headers.

Their primary purpose is to improve the efficiency with which exhaust gases leave the engine.

The main functions include:

• Collecting exhaust gases: Direct spent combustion gases away from the cylinder heads.
• Improving exhaust flow: Provide smoother internal gas passages to reduce unnecessary restriction.
• Supporting exhaust scavenging: Use runner length and collector geometry to encourage efficient exhaust pulse movement.
• Reducing exhaust backpressure: Remove restrictions associated with the original catalytic converter assemblies.
• Improving engine responsiveness: Support sharper throttle response under acceleration.
• Increasing performance potential: Help the engine breathe more efficiently, particularly at higher engine speeds.
• Enhancing exhaust sound: Produce a louder, more distinctive naturally aspirated flat-six soundtrack.
• Supporting high-RPM operation: Use runner dimensions selected for the characteristics of the 3.8L engine.
• Reducing component weight: Offer weight-saving potential compared with the original exhaust assemblies.
• Supporting performance tuning: Complement suitable ECU calibration and other compatible exhaust upgrades.
• Maintaining downstream exhaust connection: Fit to the appropriate original or compatible aftermarket rear exhaust arrangement.
• Providing durability: Use stainless steel components designed for high-temperature exhaust conditions.

Why Replacement Matters:

Their principal advantages are improved exhaust flow, increased performance potential and enhanced engine sound.

1. Improved Exhaust Gas Flow

The headers use smooth-radius primary tubing, port-matched flanges and optimised collectors.

These design features are intended to reduce turbulence and help exhaust gases travel efficiently away from the cylinder heads.

2. Reduced Exhaust Restriction

Removing the original catalytic converters eliminates a significant source of resistance in the exhaust path.

This creates a freer-flowing arrangement intended to support the high-revving characteristics of the 3.8L flat-six engine.

The corresponding loss of emissions control means the product is restricted to suitable off-road applications.

3. Increased Horsepower Potential

SOUL Performance reports testing carried out using a Dyno Dynamics dynamometer.

The manufacturer states that:

Approximately 40 wheel horsepower was gained in the tested configuration when combined with ECU tuning. Approximately 20 wheel horsepower of additional improvement was attributed to installing the Competition Headers after the tune had been applied.

These figures relate to the manufacturer's published test configuration.

Actual results depend on the vehicle, ECU calibration, engine condition and other installed modifications.

No specific horsepower gain is guaranteed for an otherwise standard vehicle.

4. Sharper Throttle Response

A freer-flowing exhaust can improve the engine's response to accelerator input.

This may be particularly noticeable when accelerating through the middle and upper sections of the engine's rev range.

5. More Aggressive Flat-Six Sound

The Competition Headers change the exhaust flow path and remove the sound attenuation associated with the factory catalytic converters.

This can produce a louder, more immediate and more pronounced exhaust note.

The final sound will also depend on the rear exhaust system installed.

6. Stainless Steel Construction

The headers are fabricated from T304L stainless steel.

This material provides corrosion resistance and durability in demanding, high-temperature exhaust environments.

7. Weight-Saving Potential

SOUL Performance identifies reduced weight as a benefit of the Competition Headers compared with the original components.

The precise total saving should be confirmed for the vehicle's original exhaust specification rather than assumed from other header products.

8. Direct Bolt-On Installation

The headers are designed to replace the original assemblies without bespoke exhaust fabrication on a compatible vehicle.

SOUL Performance tests each set in a fixture to check fitment and supplies installation instructions.

9. Compatibility with Additional Performance Upgrades

These headers may be combined with suitable rear exhaust systems and an appropriate motorsport ECU calibration.

They are also used as part of SOUL Performance's dedicated Competition Package.

10. Manufacturer Warranty

SOUL Performance provides a lifetime warranty for its Competition Headers, subject to the manufacturer's published warranty conditions.