SOUL Competition Headers. Porsche 987.2 Boxster / Cayman › POR.9872.COH

The SOUL Performance Competition Headers are premium aftermarket performance exhaust manifolds developed specifically for Porsche 987.2 Boxster and Cayman models manufactured between 2009 and 2012.

Fits:

• Porsche Boxster 987 MKII 2.9L 2009-12
• Porsche Boxster S 987 MKII 3.4L 2009-12
• Porsche Cayman 2.9L 987C MKII 2009-12
• Porsche Cayman S / R 3.4L 987C MKII 2009-12  

Designed for Porsche's naturally aspirated 2.9-litre and 3.4-litre flat-six engines, these competition-specification headers replace the original exhaust manifold and catalytic converter assemblies with a high-flow stainless steel design.

The factory Porsche exhaust system is engineered to balance performance, emissions control, noise restrictions and everyday usability.

However, the original exhaust manifold and catalytic converter arrangement can restrict exhaust gas flow, particularly when the engine is operating under demanding conditions.

SOUL Performance developed its Competition Headers to provide a freer-flowing alternative for performance-focused and motorsport applications.

Each header incorporates 2-inch primary runners, smooth-radius tubing, port-matched cylinder-head flanges and optimised exhaust collectors.

These features are designed to improve exhaust gas movement, reduce unnecessary turbulence and support efficient engine breathing.

The headers are manufactured from T304L stainless steel, providing corrosion resistance and durability under repeated exposure to high exhaust temperatures.

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

Removing the original catalytic converters reduces exhaust restriction and allows a more direct flow of exhaust gases towards the rear exhaust system.

The catalyst-free construction also produces a louder and more aggressive exhaust note, emphasising the naturally aspirated flat-six engine's distinctive character.

SOUL Performance developed the runner and collector dimensions specifically for the Porsche 987.2 platform, with particular attention to the 3.4L engine while maintaining compatibility with the 2.9L variants.

The manufacturer reports Dynojet testing on its Porsche Cayman S project vehicle equipped with PDK transmission and a SOUL Valved Exhaust System.

During testing, the combined configuration achieved maximum improvements of 9 wheel horsepower and 10 lb-ft of torque at approximately 4,100 RPM.

These figures relate to the tested configuration and should not be interpreted as guaranteed gains from installing the headers alone.

The Competition Headers also provide a weight reduction compared with the original exhaust manifold and catalytic converter assemblies.

SOUL states that its headers weigh approximately 19 lb, compared with 26 lb for the factory components, excluding installation hardware.

This represents a saving of approximately 7 lb (3.17 kg).

Every header set is quality-checked and tested in a fitting fixture before dispatch to ensure accurate installation.

The headers are designed for direct bolt-on installation and include high-grade hardware for the header-to-exhaust flange connections.

SOUL Performance also offers an optional copper header gasket set for installation.

Backed by the manufacturer's lifetime warranty, subject to the applicable terms, the SOUL Competition Headers are an attractive upgrade for Porsche enthusiasts seeking improved exhaust flow, enhanced engine response, reduced weight and a more pronounced exhaust sound.

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

On the Porsche 987.2 Boxster and Cayman, the original exhaust manifold assemblies incorporate catalytic converters that reduce harmful exhaust emissions.

The SOUL Competition Headers replace these assemblies with stainless steel performance headers designed to reduce restriction.

Their primary functions include:

• Collecting exhaust gases: Direct combustion gases away from the engine's cylinder heads.
• Improving exhaust flow: Provide smoother internal gas passages to reduce unnecessary restrictions.
• Supporting exhaust scavenging: Use runner length, diameter and collector design to improve exhaust gas movement.
• Reducing exhaust restriction: Remove the factory catalytic converters from the primary exhaust path.
• Enhancing throttle response: Support more responsive engine behaviour during acceleration.
• Increasing performance potential: Help the naturally aspirated flat-six engine breathe more efficiently.
• Supporting mid-range performance: Use optimised runner geometry developed for the 987.2 engine family.
• Enhancing exhaust sound: Produce a louder and more aggressive flat-six exhaust note.
• Reducing exhaust component weight: Replace the original manifold and catalyst assemblies with lighter stainless steel headers.
• Supporting motorsport applications: Provide a high-flow exhaust arrangement for permitted track and competition use.
• Maintaining downstream exhaust connections: Attach to the original compatible or suitable aftermarket rear exhaust system.
• Providing durable construction: Use corrosion-resistant stainless steel suitable for elevated exhaust temperatures.

1. Improved Exhaust Gas Flow

The headers incorporate smooth-radius primary runners, port-matched flanges and optimised collectors.

These design features are intended to reduce unnecessary flow restriction and support efficient exhaust gas movement.

2. Reduced Exhaust Restriction

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

This creates a freer-flowing arrangement suitable for legally permitted motorsport applications.

3. Increased Performance Potential

SOUL Performance reports Dynojet testing on a Porsche 987.2 Cayman S with PDK transmission.

When paired with the manufacturer's Valved Exhaust System, the Competition Headers contributed to a tested configuration producing maximum gains of:

9 wheel horsepower. 10 lb-ft of torque.

These improvements were recorded at approximately 4,100 RPM.

Results will vary according to engine condition, ECU calibration, rear exhaust arrangement and other modifications.

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

4. Sharper Throttle Response

A freer-flowing exhaust arrangement can help the engine respond more readily to accelerator input.

This may be particularly noticeable during acceleration and mid-range engine operation.

5. Enhanced Flat-Six Exhaust Sound

The catalyst-free construction allows more exhaust sound to pass through the system.

This produces a stronger and more aggressive soundtrack, particularly when combined with a performance rear exhaust.

6. Reduced Exhaust Weight

SOUL Performance provides the following weight comparison:

Original factory manifold/catalyst assemblies: approximately 26 lb (11.79 kg). SOUL Competition Headers: approximately 19 lb (8.62 kg). Total saving: approximately 7 lb (3.17 kg).

These weights exclude installation hardware.

7. Durable Stainless Steel Construction

T304L stainless steel provides corrosion resistance and durability under demanding exhaust operating conditions.

The headers are designed to withstand repeated heating, cooling and vibration.

8. Optimised Runner and Collector Geometry

The 2-inch primary runners and optimised collectors are developed for the 987.2 engine characteristics.

This supports efficient gas movement and exhaust scavenging.

9. Direct Bolt-On Installation

The headers are designed for direct installation on compatible vehicles.

SOUL quality-checks each set and verifies fitment using a dedicated fixture.

10. Compatibility with Performance Exhaust Upgrades

The headers are designed to work with the manufacturer's Valved Exhaust System and appropriate downstream exhaust configurations.

They also form part of the SOUL Performance Competition Package.

11. Manufacturer Lifetime Warranty

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