SOUL Long Tube Street Headers. Porsche 987.2 Boxster / Cayman › POR.9872.STH

The SOUL Performance Long Tube Street Headers are high-performance aftermarket 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 the naturally aspirated 2.9-litre and 3.4-litre flat-six engines, these headers replace the original Porsche exhaust manifold and catalytic converter assemblies with a freer-flowing stainless steel design incorporating high-flow catalytic converters.

The factory exhaust system is engineered to balance performance, emissions control, noise regulations and everyday usability. SOUL Performance developed its Long Tube Street Headers to improve exhaust gas flow and enhance the engine's characteristic sound while retaining catalytic exhaust treatment.

Each header features 2-inch primary runners, carefully formed bends, port-matched mounting flanges and optimised exhaust collectors.

The long-tube design is intended to help exhaust gases leave the cylinder heads more efficiently, supporting improved engine breathing and throttle response.

The headers are manufactured from T304L stainless steel, providing corrosion resistance, strength and durability under demanding exhaust operating temperatures.

Large-diameter, free-flowing catalytic converters are incorporated into the assemblies to reduce exhaust restriction compared with the manufacturer's intended factory baseline while retaining a catalytic treatment stage.

Unlike catalyst-free Competition Headers, the SOUL Long Tube Street Headers maintain catalytic converters within the exhaust system.

They are specifically developed for the Porsche 987.2 platform, with the primary runner diameter and collector geometry selected to complement the performance characteristics of both the 2.9L and 3.4L engines.

SOUL Performance reports dynamometer testing on its project Cayman S equipped with PDK transmission and a compatible SOUL Valved Exhaust System.

The manufacturer recorded improvements in wheel horsepower and torque around 4,100 RPM, although the figures published in different sections of its product page vary.

In addition to improved exhaust flow, the headers are designed to produce a stronger, fuller and more distinctive flat-six exhaust note.

The final sound depends on the installed rear exhaust system, engine specification and driving conditions.

Each header assembly is quality-checked, tested in an installation fixture and supplied with fitting instructions.

New high-grade hardware for the header-to-exhaust flange connections is included.

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

The system is designed as a direct bolt-on replacement for the compatible original exhaust manifold arrangement, without requiring bespoke fabrication in a standard installation.

Backed by the SOUL Performance lifetime warranty, subject to the manufacturer's conditions, these headers provide an attractive upgrade for enthusiasts seeking improved exhaust flow, enhanced throttle response and a more engaging engine soundtrack.

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.

The Porsche 987.2 Boxster and Cayman use naturally aspirated flat-six engines, where efficient exhaust gas movement is important for engine breathing and power delivery.

The SOUL Long Tube Street Headers replace the original manifold and catalytic converter assemblies with longer primary runners and improved collector geometry.

Their main functions include:

• Collecting exhaust gases: Direct gases away from the engine's cylinder heads.
• Improving exhaust flow: Provide smoother internal passages to reduce unnecessary restriction.
• Supporting exhaust scavenging: Use runner length and collector design to encourage efficient exhaust pulse movement.
• Enhancing throttle response: Support improved engine responsiveness during acceleration.
• Increasing performance potential: Help the engine breathe more efficiently, particularly under load.
• Supporting mid-range performance: Provide an exhaust arrangement developed to improve torque delivery.
• Enhancing flat-six sound: Produce a fuller and more pronounced exhaust note.
• Retaining catalytic treatment: Pass exhaust gases through integrated high-flow catalytic converters.
• Reducing exhaust restriction: Use large-diameter catalysts and smooth-flowing tubing.
• Maintaining downstream connections: Connect to a compatible rear exhaust system.
• Providing durable construction: Use corrosion-resistant T304L stainless steel.
• Supporting performance modifications: Complement compatible rear exhaust upgrades and appropriate engine tuning.
  

Why Upgrading Matters:

1. Improved Exhaust Gas Flow

The headers use long primary runners, smooth-radius tubing and optimised collectors to improve exhaust gas movement away from the cylinder heads.

This helps reduce unnecessary restriction in the exhaust path.

2. Improved Throttle Response

SOUL designed the header geometry to support more responsive engine behaviour.

Improved exhaust flow may be noticeable during acceleration, particularly as engine speed increases.

3. Increased Performance Potential

SOUL Performance reports dyno testing on a Porsche 987.2 Cayman S equipped with PDK transmission and its Valved Exhaust System.

The manufacturer publishes gains around 4,100 RPM, with figures ranging from 7–8 wheel horsepower and 8–11 lb-ft of torque in different sections of the listing.

These are manufacturer-reported results for the tested configuration, not guaranteed gains from the headers alone.

4. Enhanced Flat-Six Exhaust Sound

The long-tube design changes the movement of exhaust pulses through the system.

This is intended to produce a fuller, more pronounced engine note, particularly during acceleration and higher engine speeds.

5. High-Flow Catalytic Converter Design

The headers incorporate large-diameter catalytic converters designed to provide an improved flow path while retaining catalytic exhaust treatment.

They are distinct from SOUL's catalyst-free Competition Headers.

6. Durable Stainless Steel Construction

T304L stainless steel offers corrosion resistance and suitability for repeated high-temperature operation.

The components are quality-checked before dispatch.

7. Weight Reduction Potential

SOUL reports a lower header weight than the original factory assemblies.

The manufacturer lists 26.25 lb for the factory headers and 24.45 lb for the SOUL headers, indicating a total reduction of approximately 1.8 lb (0.82 kg).

The listing also gives an inconsistent metric conversion, so the imperial figures should be used if quoting the manufacturer's weights.

8. Direct Bolt-On Installation

The headers are designed for the original compatible mounting arrangement.

SOUL checks each set in an installation fixture and includes fitting instructions.

9. Compatibility with Performance Exhaust Systems

The headers can be paired with the manufacturer's compatible Valved Exhaust System or other suitable downstream exhaust arrangements, subject to fitment verification.

10. Manufacturer Lifetime Warranty

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