SOUL Performance Products

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.

The SOUL Performance Long Tube Street 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  

The factory Porsche exhaust system is engineered to balance engine performance, emissions requirements, manufacturing costs and everyday driving refinement.

SOUL Performance developed its Long Tube Street Headers to improve the efficiency of the exhaust gas path while retaining catalytic exhaust treatment.

Each header incorporates 1.75-inch primary runners, carefully developed collector geometry and merge spikes designed to create a smoother transition as exhaust gases combine.

The long-tube construction is engineered to improve exhaust scavenging and support more efficient engine breathing.

By improving the movement of exhaust gases away from the cylinder heads, the headers are intended to enhance throttle response, support engine performance and produce a more distinctive naturally aspirated flat-six soundtrack.

The system is manufactured from T304L stainless steel, offering corrosion resistance and durability under demanding exhaust temperatures.

Precision waterjet-cut mounting flanges provide accurate attachment to the cylinder heads, while the internal collector design helps minimise unnecessary turbulence.

A distinguishing feature of these headers is the use of HJS 200-cell high-flow catalytic converters.

These catalysts are designed to combine effective exhaust gas treatment with reduced flow restriction.

HJS uses a double-foil wound catalyst substrate construction intended to improve strength and durability under repeated thermal cycling.

SOUL states that these converters are capable of meeting Euro 3 emissions performance requirements and are designed to reduce the likelihood of triggering a catalyst-related engine warning light.

However, this manufacturer statement should not be interpreted as proof that the complete exhaust modification is certified or road legal for every vehicle and jurisdiction.

Each header set is manufactured and quality-checked at SOUL Performance's Willow Grove, Pennsylvania facility.

The assemblies are tested in a precision fixture to maintain fitment accuracy and prevent fabrication distortion.

The headers are designed as a direct bolt-on replacement for the corresponding factory components, with new high-grade hardware supplied for the header-to-exhaust flange connections.

Backed by SOUL Performance's lifetime warranty, subject to the manufacturer's conditions, these headers provide a performance-focused upgrade for Porsche owners seeking improved exhaust flow, sharper throttle response and a more engaging engine sound.

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

The Porsche 987.1 Boxster and Cayman use naturally aspirated flat-six engines in which exhaust runner length, diameter and collector geometry can influence engine breathing and power delivery.

The SOUL Performance Long Tube Street Headers provide an alternative exhaust gas path using longer runners, optimised collectors and high-flow catalytic converters.

Their main functions include:

• Collecting exhaust gases: Direct gases away from the engine's cylinder heads.
• Improving exhaust flow: Provide smoother and more efficient gas passages.
• Supporting exhaust scavenging: Use long primary runners and collector geometry to encourage efficient exhaust pulse movement.
• Enhancing throttle response: Help the engine respond more effectively during acceleration.
• Supporting engine performance: Reduce unnecessary exhaust restriction.
• Improving exhaust pulse transition: Use merge spikes within the collectors to smooth gas flow.
• Retaining catalytic treatment: Incorporate HJS high-flow catalytic converters.
• Reducing catalyst restriction: Use 200-cell catalyst substrates designed for efficient gas movement.
• Enhancing exhaust sound: Produce a richer and more pronounced flat-six tone.
• Supporting high-temperature durability: Use T304L stainless steel construction.
• Maintaining downstream exhaust connections: Attach to compatible factory or aftermarket rear exhaust components.
• Preserving fitment accuracy: Use precision-cut flanges and fixture-tested construction.

The long-tube runners and optimised collectors are designed to provide a smoother route for exhaust gases leaving the engine.

This helps reduce unnecessary restriction and supports efficient engine breathing.

2. Enhanced Throttle Response

Improved exhaust flow and scavenging can support more responsive engine behaviour.

Drivers may notice a more immediate engine response during acceleration, depending on the overall vehicle configuration.

3. Increased Performance Potential

SOUL Performance developed the header runner dimensions and collectors to help extract additional performance from the 987.1 flat-six engines.

The manufacturer specifically highlights benefits for the 3.4L engine and improvements for the 2.7L engine.

Specific horsepower or torque increases have not been established from the official product specification for every engine variant. No numerical gain should be guaranteed without appropriate dynamometer testing.

4. Enhanced Flat-Six Exhaust Sound

The header design changes the movement of exhaust pulses through the system.

This can produce a fuller, richer and more sporting engine note.

The final sound depends on the original or aftermarket rear exhaust fitted.

5. HJS High-Flow Catalytic Converters

The integrated 200-cell HJS catalysts are designed to retain exhaust gas treatment while reducing restriction.

This is a key distinction from catalyst-free competition headers.

6. High-Quality Stainless Steel Construction

The T304L stainless steel construction offers corrosion resistance and durability in high-temperature exhaust applications.

The components are designed to withstand repeated heating and cooling cycles.

7. Optimised Collector Geometry

SOUL incorporates merge spikes within the collectors to improve exhaust gas transition.

This helps reduce turbulence where the primary runners combine.

8. Precision Mounting Flanges

Waterjet-cut mounting flanges are designed to provide accurate fitment and secure attachment to the cylinder heads.

Correct flange alignment is essential for preventing exhaust leaks.

9. Direct Bolt-On Installation

The headers are developed for the original mounting arrangement of compatible Porsche 987.1 vehicles.

SOUL tests each set in a fitting fixture to maintain dimensional accuracy.

10. Long-Term Durability

The stainless steel construction and HJS catalyst design are intended to provide resistance to corrosion, thermal stress and repeated exhaust temperature changes.

11. Manufacturer Lifetime Warranty

SOUL Performance backs the headers with a lifetime warranty for street and track use, subject to its published warranty conditions.