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Porsche 987.2 Boxster / Cayman / Spyder / Cayman R SOUL Competition Headers
Product Description
The SOUL Competition Headers are designed for Porsche 987.2 Boxster and Cayman owners looking to maximize exhaust flow, reduce weight, sharpen engine response, and significantly increase naturally aspirated flat-six sound. By replacing the heavy and restrictive factory header and catalytic converter assemblies with a purpose-built catless design, the Competition Headers remove one of the major restrictions in the factory exhaust system.
SOUL developed this application specifically for the 987.2 platform using 2-inch primary runners and appropriately sized collectors. The runner and collector geometry was optimized around the 3.4L engine while also producing meaningful gains on the 2.9L flat-six. Port-matched flanges, smooth-radius primary tubing, and performance-oriented collectors work together to create a freer-flowing exhaust path from the cylinder heads into the remainder of the exhaust system.
Dyno testing on SOUL's Cayman S PDK demonstrated maximum gains of approximately 9 wheel horsepower and 10 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 RPM when the Competition Headers were paired with the SOUL Valved Exhaust System. Actual results will vary depending on engine configuration, exhaust system, fuel, environmental conditions, ECU calibration, and supporting modifications.
Weight reduction is another significant benefit. The factory header assemblies weigh approximately 26 lbs, while the SOUL Competition Headers weigh approximately 19 lbs without hardware, removing approximately 7 lbs / 3.2 kg from the vehicle.
For owners prioritizing maximum exhaust flow, reduced weight, sharper response, and a substantially more aggressive flat-six exhaust note, the SOUL Competition Headers provide the most aggressive header configuration for the 987.2 platform.
FITMENT:
Fits 2009–2012 Porsche 987.2 Boxster, Boxster S, Cayman, Cayman S, Boxster Spyder, and Cayman R
Compatible with 2.9L and 3.4L naturally aspirated flat-six engines
Includes fitment for the Boxster Spyder and Cayman R 3.4L models
SOUL specifies these headers for all 2009–2012 Porsche 987.2 Boxster and Cayman vehicles and specifically developed the header geometry to provide gains on both the 2.9L and 3.4L engines.
DETAILS:
Complete catless replacement for the factory header and catalytic converter assemblies
Developed specifically for the Porsche 987.2 platform
Features 2-inch primary runners
Runner and collector sizing optimized around the 3.4L engine while also providing performance improvements for the 2.9L
Port-matched flanges provide a smooth transition from the cylinder head into the primary runners
Smooth-radius primary tubing helps minimize unnecessary exhaust restriction
Performance-oriented collectors optimize exhaust flow through the header assembly
Designed to improve engine response, power delivery, and naturally aspirated flat-six exhaust character
Dyno testing demonstrated maximum gains of approximately 9 whp and 10 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 RPM when paired with the SOUL Valved Exhaust System
Weighs approximately 19 lbs / 8.6 kg without hardware
Factory header assemblies weigh approximately 26 lbs / 11.8 kg
Saves approximately 7 lbs / 3.2 kg compared with the factory components
Removal of the factory catalytic converters reduces a significant source of exhaust restriction and heat
Constructed from precision-fabricated T304L stainless steel
Direct bolt-on installation
Each header set is rigorously quality-checked prior to shipment
Each set is fixture-tested to help ensure accurate fitment
New high-grade hardware for the header-to-exhaust flanges included
Detailed installation instructions included
Optional O2 sensor spacers available
Optional SOUL Copper Header Gasket Set available
Backed by SOUL Performance Products' Lifetime Warranty for both street and track use
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT / ECU TUNING:
The SOUL Competition Headers remove the factory catalytic converters and may trigger a check engine light as a result.
SOUL recommends an appropriate custom ECU calibration to address catalyst-related fault codes on vehicles equipped with these headers. ECU tuning may also allow the engine to better take advantage of the increased exhaust flow provided by the catless configuration.
O2 SPACERS:
Optional O2 sensor spacers can be added to the Competition Headers at the time of purchase.
O2 sensor spacers reposition the downstream oxygen sensors farther from the direct exhaust stream and may reduce the likelihood of catalyst-efficiency fault codes on some vehicles.
Results can vary depending on vehicle condition and ECU calibration, and DasMotoring does not guarantee that O2 spacers will prevent a check engine light.
COMPETITION VS. STREET HEADERS:
The SOUL Competition Headers remove the catalytic converters entirely, providing a freer-flowing exhaust path, approximately 7 lbs of weight reduction, and a substantially more aggressive exhaust configuration.
The SOUL Long Tube Street Headers retain large-diameter, free-flowing catalytic converters while still improving runner geometry, exhaust flow, response, performance, and flat-six sound.
For owners prioritizing maximum flow, reduced weight, and sound—and who are prepared to address catalyst-related ECU faults—the Competition Headers provide the more aggressive configuration. For owners who want to retain catalytic converters and maintain a more street-oriented exhaust system, the Long Tube Street Headers provide the catted alternative.
OPTIONAL COPPER HEADER GASKETS:
A SOUL Copper Header Gasket Set can be added when installing the Competition Headers.
The gasket set replaces the old or worn factory gaskets at the header-to-cylinder-head and header-to-exhaust connections and is available as a $65 option.
SOUL specifies that its copper header gaskets should not be reused once installed.
EMISSIONS / USE NOTE:
The SOUL Competition Headers remove the factory catalytic converters and are not CARB certified. SOUL identifies this product as intended for off-road use only and notes that it may not be legal for use on emissions-controlled vehicles.
Customers are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations before installation or use.
Product Description
The SOUL Competition Headers are designed for Porsche 987.2 Boxster and Cayman owners looking to maximize exhaust flow, reduce weight, sharpen engine response, and significantly increase naturally aspirated flat-six sound. By replacing the heavy and restrictive factory header and catalytic converter assemblies with a purpose-built catless design, the Competition Headers remove one of the major restrictions in the factory exhaust system.
SOUL developed this application specifically for the 987.2 platform using 2-inch primary runners and appropriately sized collectors. The runner and collector geometry was optimized around the 3.4L engine while also producing meaningful gains on the 2.9L flat-six. Port-matched flanges, smooth-radius primary tubing, and performance-oriented collectors work together to create a freer-flowing exhaust path from the cylinder heads into the remainder of the exhaust system.
Dyno testing on SOUL's Cayman S PDK demonstrated maximum gains of approximately 9 wheel horsepower and 10 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 RPM when the Competition Headers were paired with the SOUL Valved Exhaust System. Actual results will vary depending on engine configuration, exhaust system, fuel, environmental conditions, ECU calibration, and supporting modifications.
Weight reduction is another significant benefit. The factory header assemblies weigh approximately 26 lbs, while the SOUL Competition Headers weigh approximately 19 lbs without hardware, removing approximately 7 lbs / 3.2 kg from the vehicle.
For owners prioritizing maximum exhaust flow, reduced weight, sharper response, and a substantially more aggressive flat-six exhaust note, the SOUL Competition Headers provide the most aggressive header configuration for the 987.2 platform.
FITMENT:
Fits 2009–2012 Porsche 987.2 Boxster, Boxster S, Cayman, Cayman S, Boxster Spyder, and Cayman R
Compatible with 2.9L and 3.4L naturally aspirated flat-six engines
Includes fitment for the Boxster Spyder and Cayman R 3.4L models
SOUL specifies these headers for all 2009–2012 Porsche 987.2 Boxster and Cayman vehicles and specifically developed the header geometry to provide gains on both the 2.9L and 3.4L engines.
DETAILS:
Complete catless replacement for the factory header and catalytic converter assemblies
Developed specifically for the Porsche 987.2 platform
Features 2-inch primary runners
Runner and collector sizing optimized around the 3.4L engine while also providing performance improvements for the 2.9L
Port-matched flanges provide a smooth transition from the cylinder head into the primary runners
Smooth-radius primary tubing helps minimize unnecessary exhaust restriction
Performance-oriented collectors optimize exhaust flow through the header assembly
Designed to improve engine response, power delivery, and naturally aspirated flat-six exhaust character
Dyno testing demonstrated maximum gains of approximately 9 whp and 10 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 RPM when paired with the SOUL Valved Exhaust System
Weighs approximately 19 lbs / 8.6 kg without hardware
Factory header assemblies weigh approximately 26 lbs / 11.8 kg
Saves approximately 7 lbs / 3.2 kg compared with the factory components
Removal of the factory catalytic converters reduces a significant source of exhaust restriction and heat
Constructed from precision-fabricated T304L stainless steel
Direct bolt-on installation
Each header set is rigorously quality-checked prior to shipment
Each set is fixture-tested to help ensure accurate fitment
New high-grade hardware for the header-to-exhaust flanges included
Detailed installation instructions included
Optional O2 sensor spacers available
Optional SOUL Copper Header Gasket Set available
Backed by SOUL Performance Products' Lifetime Warranty for both street and track use
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT / ECU TUNING:
The SOUL Competition Headers remove the factory catalytic converters and may trigger a check engine light as a result.
SOUL recommends an appropriate custom ECU calibration to address catalyst-related fault codes on vehicles equipped with these headers. ECU tuning may also allow the engine to better take advantage of the increased exhaust flow provided by the catless configuration.
O2 SPACERS:
Optional O2 sensor spacers can be added to the Competition Headers at the time of purchase.
O2 sensor spacers reposition the downstream oxygen sensors farther from the direct exhaust stream and may reduce the likelihood of catalyst-efficiency fault codes on some vehicles.
Results can vary depending on vehicle condition and ECU calibration, and DasMotoring does not guarantee that O2 spacers will prevent a check engine light.
COMPETITION VS. STREET HEADERS:
The SOUL Competition Headers remove the catalytic converters entirely, providing a freer-flowing exhaust path, approximately 7 lbs of weight reduction, and a substantially more aggressive exhaust configuration.
The SOUL Long Tube Street Headers retain large-diameter, free-flowing catalytic converters while still improving runner geometry, exhaust flow, response, performance, and flat-six sound.
For owners prioritizing maximum flow, reduced weight, and sound—and who are prepared to address catalyst-related ECU faults—the Competition Headers provide the more aggressive configuration. For owners who want to retain catalytic converters and maintain a more street-oriented exhaust system, the Long Tube Street Headers provide the catted alternative.
OPTIONAL COPPER HEADER GASKETS:
A SOUL Copper Header Gasket Set can be added when installing the Competition Headers.
The gasket set replaces the old or worn factory gaskets at the header-to-cylinder-head and header-to-exhaust connections and is available as a $65 option.
SOUL specifies that its copper header gaskets should not be reused once installed.
EMISSIONS / USE NOTE:
The SOUL Competition Headers remove the factory catalytic converters and are not CARB certified. SOUL identifies this product as intended for off-road use only and notes that it may not be legal for use on emissions-controlled vehicles.
Customers are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations before installation or use.

