Exhaust Advise (Not Necessarily Sporty)

[Mike1960]

Hi,
my car has just passed its MOT with an advisory for the exhaust so I am on the lookout for another one at some point in the next few months.
2010 987.2 2.9l with no mods. I am after opinions on a replacement that is not necessarily more sporty or with a better noise. I am happy with the stock performance and definitely do not want to annoy my neighbours with a growler.
We already have a distant neighbour with a race exhaust on his bike and we know when he goes for an early morning spin.
I have seen one in PorscheShop for £750 which I fancy the price of, but not sure why it’s so much less than others I have seen.
Does anyone have any recommendations that won’t break the bank and won’t draw attention when in traffic.
I also intend to fit it DIY. Is this a good idea. I have already replaced some seized bolts from the header so they shouldn’t be a problem now.
Regards Mike

Edit. After a couple of hours reading I have discovered that the rear boxes are not, as I thought, the cats. Has anyone ever had them patched with welds.

 

[zagamuffin]

I’d imagine when someones upgrading to a sports exhaust which happens a lot you’ll be able to pick a nice cheap std one as no one wants then (bar you)

zags

Koi

 

[911hillclimber]

Ref patching the cats, not sure the MoT man would allow that, bet ask him before going to the hassle.
the welded area will be visible, and I'm not confident you won't damage the internal structure of the cats with the welding.
my experience over the years is that welding exhaust material is nasty, weak poor steel and the coating can be dangerous to the welders health.
2 new cats may not be as expensive as you think, but will need the manifold removing from the heads which means risk to stud breakage.
maybe a quick call to an indie like Zuffenhaus in Birmingham might help?
Graham.

 

[Mike1960]

Hi Graham,
After some reading up the back boxes are just mufflers and the catalytic converters are in the headers so was wondering if anyone has had welding repairs to the mufflers.
The leak may just be at the joint between the manifold and nearside exhaust pipe. The car is in for a big service on Thursday so they will have a look then.
However Koi was correct that used standard exhausts are fairly inexpensive and plentiful. So if it turns out that it needs replacing, it shouldn’t break the bank.
Regards Mike

 

[911hillclimber]

Please post what you find, my 2.9 is a year older than yours, be good to be aware of another weakness with these Boxsters.
G.

 

[laura]

Have you looked at what Gert Carnewal has to offer? He offers modified stock exhausts on an exchange basis - so you would have to come to some arrangement if yours aren't in good enough condition for him. The sound they give is lovely - not irritatingly noisy and at cruise speeds you wouldn't notice any difference from standard but - when you put your foot down it's just

 

[Mike1960]

Hi Graham,
Had it up on stands yesterday with the rear wheels off and discovered the exhaust is leaking at the joint. I had the studs replaced in Feb and it looks as though one has loosened.
I will give the garage that did the work the opportunity to sort it before I have a moan.
These studs are a s**t to get at and rather than try myself and possibly round a head I will let qualified people with better tools spend 10mins sorting it out, which I am sure they will.
I am a great fan of forums to spread knowledge to lesser mortals such as myself. I do approach them knowing that you can end up as a bit of a hypochondriac, always thinking that your car is not right, because you get to read a lot of horror stories and I try not to fall into that category.
I am also aware that I could be shot down for not knowing something that is obvious to others.
Like you I keep an eye on any similar age vehicles with comparable mileage to see what might be about to go on mine and nip things in the bud. I have got mine as a bit of a project and enjoy keeping it in good order and have learned loads since having it. Driving it is still my passion closely followed by making it all it can be.
Laura, I did look at the option you suggested. If my exhaust does give up the ghost, I may buy a used one, clean it up and regalvanise it. Then send that off for modding before fitting it.
Regards Mike