SOUL Competition Headers. Porsche 987.1 Boxster / Cayman › POR.9871.COH

The SOUL Performance Competition Headers are premium aftermarket performance exhaust manifolds developed specifically for Porsche 987.1 Boxster and Cayman models manufactured between 2005 and 2008.

Fits:

• Porsche Boxster 987 2.7L 2005-08/08
• Porsche Boxster 987 S 3.2/3.4L 2005-08/08
• Porsche Cayman 2.7L 987C 2006-08
• Porsche Cayman S 3.4L 987C 2005-08    

Designed for Porsche's naturally aspirated flat-six engines, these headers replace the original exhaust manifold and primary catalytic converter assemblies with a high-flow stainless steel system intended for track and competition applications.

The original Porsche exhaust manifolds incorporate catalytic converters to treat exhaust emissions. Although essential for emissions control, these components can introduce resistance to exhaust gas flow.

SOUL Performance developed its Competition Headers to provide a less restrictive exhaust path using carefully engineered primary runners, smooth-radius bends and optimised collectors.

Manufactured from 14–16 gauge T304L stainless steel tubing, the headers provide corrosion resistance and durability under demanding exhaust operating temperatures.

Each header incorporates port-matched cylinder-head flanges to provide an accurate transition between the engine's exhaust ports and the primary tubes.

The primary runners are mandrel-bent to maintain a smooth internal gas path, while the collectors are designed to improve how the individual exhaust streams combine.

This construction aims to support improved exhaust scavenging, sharper throttle response and increased performance potential.

The removal of the factory catalytic converters also produces a more pronounced exhaust sound, allowing more of the engine's naturally aspirated flat-six character to be heard.

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

On the Porsche 987.1 Boxster and Cayman, the original exhaust manifolds incorporate primary catalytic converters.

The SOUL Competition Headers replace these assemblies with freer-flowing stainless steel pipework.

Their main functions include:

• Collecting exhaust gases: Direct spent combustion gases away from the cylinder heads.
• Improving exhaust flow: Provide smoother passages intended to reduce unnecessary restrictions.
• Supporting exhaust scavenging: Use primary runner and collector geometry to improve exhaust gas movement.
• Reducing exhaust restriction: Remove the original primary catalytic converters from the exhaust path.
• Supporting engine performance: Help the naturally aspirated flat-six engine breathe more efficiently.
• Enhancing throttle response: Support improved engine responsiveness during acceleration.
• Increasing performance potential: Provide an exhaust configuration suitable for performance-focused engine setups.
• Enhancing exhaust sound: Produce a louder and more pronounced flat-six soundtrack.
• Reducing exhaust assembly weight: Eliminate the heavy original primary catalytic converter assemblies.
• Supporting motorsport reliability: Replace factory manifold assemblies that have experienced cracking or catalyst core damage in competition use.
• Providing corrosion resistance: Use T304L stainless steel construction.
• Maintaining downstream connection: Attach to the compatible rear exhaust system.

1. Improved Exhaust Flow

The smooth-radius stainless steel runners and optimised collectors are designed to reduce unnecessary flow restriction.

This helps exhaust gases leave the cylinder heads more efficiently.

2. Reduced Backpressure

The headers eliminate the factory primary catalytic converters, removing a source of exhaust restriction.

This makes them suitable for legally permitted competition applications where emissions requirements differ from public-road use.

3. Increased Performance Potential

More efficient exhaust flow may support improved engine breathing and stronger performance.

Actual horsepower and torque gains depend on the engine, ECU calibration, rear exhaust system and other modifications.

No specific numerical performance gain is guaranteed.

4. Improved Throttle Response

Reduced exhaust restriction may help the engine respond more readily to accelerator input.

This can be particularly valuable during high-load driving and rapid acceleration.

5. Enhanced Flat-Six Exhaust Sound

The removal of the original catalytic converters allows more exhaust sound to pass through the system.

This produces a louder, more aggressive flat-six soundtrack.

The final sound depends on the installed rear exhaust.

6. Competition-Focused Durability

SOUL developed the headers partly to address cracking and catalyst core failures reported in Spec Cayman racing.

The stainless steel construction eliminates the primary catalytic converter core as a potential failure point.

7. Potential Weight Reduction

The Competition Headers replace the original manifold and catalytic converter assemblies with stainless steel headers.

SOUL identifies weight reduction as a benefit, although an exact verified weight saving is not provided in the main product specification.

8. High-Quality Stainless Steel Construction

T304L stainless steel offers corrosion resistance and durability under repeated exhaust temperature changes.

9. Direct Bolt-On Installation

The headers are designed for direct replacement of the compatible factory manifold assemblies.

Each set is fixture-tested before dispatch and supplied with fitting instructions.

10. Motorsport Applications

The headers were accepted under published 2020 PCA Spec Cayman competition regulations.

Drivers preparing vehicles for regulated competition must check the latest championship rules before ordering.

11. Manufacturer Lifetime Warranty

SOUL Performance provides a lifetime warranty for its headers, including track use, subject to the applicable warranty terms.