Porsche 991.1 / 991.2 GT3 / GT3 RS / 911R SOUL Competition Headers

$5,495.00

Product Description

The SOUL Competition Headers are a complete catless long-tube header system engineered for Porsche 991.1 and 991.2 GT3 / GT3 RS models, the 911R, and the 991.2 GT3 Cup.

SOUL replaces the restrictive factory header and catalytic-converter assemblies with long-tube runners, smooth-radius large-diameter bends, billet CNC-machined head flanges, and purpose-built billet merge collectors with merge spikes. The system is designed to improve exhaust scavenging, throttle response, high-RPM breathing, and naturally aspirated flat-six sound while eliminating the restriction created by the factory catalytic converters.

Unlike a conventional fabricated or slip-on collector, SOUL machines its merge collector from billet stainless steel. This allows optimized internal geometry, increased primary-runner length, fewer welded joints, and a leak-resistant connection designed for repeated hard track use.

Independent Dynojet testing on an otherwise stock 991.2 GT3 RS showed gains throughout the upper power band, including approximately +24.4 whp at 8,400 RPM and maximum torque improvements exceeding 26 lb-ft.

FITMENT:

• Fits 2014–2016 Porsche 991.1 911 GT3

• Fits 2016 Porsche 991.1 911 GT3 RS

• Fits 2016 Porsche 911R

• Fits 2018–2019 Porsche 991.2 911 GT3

• Fits 2018–2019 Porsche 991.2 911 GT3 with Touring Package

• Fits 2019 Porsche 991.2 911 GT3 RS

• Fits Porsche 991.2 GT3 Cup

• SOUL specifies fitment for all 991.1 / 991.2 GT3 and GT3 RS models, including the 911R and 991.2 GT3 Cup

• Direct replacement for the factory header and catalyst assemblies

• Compatible with the factory downstream exhaust system

• Compatible with applicable SOUL center and side-muffler exhaust upgrades

DETAILS:

• Complete Long Tube Competition Header system

• Completely catless

• Removes the factory catalytic converters

• Long-tube primary-runner architecture

• Smooth-radius, large-diameter bends

• Optimized cylinder-head-to-primary transition

• Performance-oriented collectors with integrated merge spikes

• Bespoke billet CNC-machined merge collectors

• Billet collector design maximizes available primary-runner length

• Billet collector eliminates several conventional fabricated weld joints

• Slip-on merge collectors deliberately avoided to reduce the possibility of exhaust leaks

• Billet 304L stainless-steel head flanges

• Billet 304L stainless-steel merge collectors

• Head flanges and collectors precision machined using 5-axis CNC equipment

• Constructed from mandrel-bent .065-inch-wall T304L stainless steel

• Back-purged TIG welded

• ARCAL Prime argon used during welding

• Designed to increase exhaust flow

• Designed to improve throttle response

• Designed to increase naturally aspirated power

• Produces a substantially more aggressive flat-six exhaust note

• Developed for aggressive street and track use

• Thick-gauge aluminum fabrication fixtures minimize welding distortion

• Every set undergoes rigorous quality-control inspection before shipment

• Foam-packed following final inspection

• Optional Jet-Hot ceramic coating available by special order

• Backed by SOUL Performance Products' Lifetime Warranty for street and track use

CATLESS LONG-TUBE DESIGN:

The factory GT3 exhaust manifolds must satisfy requirements beyond outright performance, including:

• Emissions compliance

• Catalyst packaging

• Noise regulations

• Mass-production requirements

• Manufacturing cost

• Durability targets

These compromises restrict primary-runner length, runner diameter, and collector geometry.

SOUL's Competition Headers remove the factory catalytic converters entirely and allow the header architecture to be optimized around exhaust flow and naturally aspirated engine performance.

LONG-TUBE PRIMARY RUNNERS:

Primary-runner length and geometry directly influence exhaust-pulse behavior.

Longer, smoother runners can improve the way pressure waves travel from the exhaust ports toward the collector.

SOUL's design targets improvements in:

• Exhaust scavenging

• Cylinder evacuation

• Exhaust-gas velocity

• Throttle response

• Midrange performance

• High-RPM breathing

This is particularly important on Porsche's high-revving GT engines, where exhaust-flow demand becomes substantial as engine speed approaches redline.

BILLET CNC-MACHINED MERGE COLLECTORS:

A major engineering feature of the Competition Headers is SOUL's billet merge collector.

Rather than using a conventional slip-fit or fabricated collector, SOUL designed the collector digitally and machines it for a precise, repeatable internal geometry.

The billet collector allows:

• Longer effective primary runners

• Controlled runner convergence

• Integrated merge spikes

• Smoother exhaust-pulse interaction

• Fewer welded joints

• Reduced possibility of collector leakage

• Greater structural durability

The collector architecture is designed as an integral component of the complete header rather than simply a junction between several tubes.

MERGE SPIKES:

SOUL incorporates merge spikes into the collector.

The merge spike helps guide individual exhaust streams as the primary runners converge, reducing the abrupt collision of exhaust pulses inside the collector.

This is intended to improve:

• Exhaust-flow quality

• Scavenging

• Gas velocity

• Throttle response

• High-RPM efficiency

BILLET 304L HEAD FLANGES:

The transition between the cylinder-head exhaust ports and the primary runners is another important restriction point.

SOUL uses billet 304L stainless-steel head flanges precision machined on 5-axis CNC equipment.

The billet design provides:

• Improved exhaust-port transition

• Accurate primary-runner alignment

• Greater structural strength

• Improved sealing consistency

• Increased durability under repeated thermal cycling

SOUL specifically designed the flange area to resist cracking during repeated aggressive track use.

.065-INCH T304L STAINLESS CONSTRUCTION:

The primary tubing is constructed from mandrel-bent:

.065-inch-wall T304L stainless steel

SOUL back-purges each assembly during TIG welding to protect the inside of the weld and promote proper penetration.

The construction is intended to provide a balance of:

• Strength

• Heat resistance

• Corrosion resistance

• Long-term track durability

• Fabrication consistency

DYNO-PROVEN PERFORMANCE:

SOUL independently tested the Competition Headers on a Dynojet using an AutoQuest Motorsport Porsche 991.2 GT3 RS.

Importantly, SOUL states that the before-and-after testing was performed with no other modifications.

The manufacturer reports gains of approximately:

+20.9 wheel horsepower

and

+26.2 lb-ft of torque

appearing early in the measured power curve.

At approximately:

8,400 RPM

SOUL recorded approximately:

+24.4 wheel horsepower

and

+15.3 lb-ft of torque

The headers therefore produced increased power throughout the upper power band rather than simply generating a short isolated peak.

SOUL summarizes the testing as providing maximum gains exceeding approximately:

+24 wheel horsepower

and

+26 lb-ft of torque

TESTED ON A 991.2 GT3 RS:

The published dyno results were obtained specifically on a:

Porsche 991.2 GT3 RS

with no other modifications during the before-and-after comparison.

Actual gains can vary based on:

• Engine version

• Vehicle condition

• Fuel

• ECU calibration

• Downstream exhaust configuration

• Ambient and dyno conditions

The published figures should therefore be understood as manufacturer test results rather than guaranteed output for every 991 GT3-family application.

ECU TUNING:

SOUL notes that an appropriate ECU calibration can take additional advantage of the increased exhaust flow and unlock further gains.

A tune can also be used to address catalyst-related diagnostic faults created by removing the factory catalytic converters.

An ECU tune is not required for the headers to physically bolt onto the vehicle, but SOUL recommends custom calibration for track applications where catalyst-related check engine lights need to be disabled.

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT:

Because the Competition Headers completely remove the factory catalytic converters, SOUL states that the system may trigger a check engine light.

The vehicle's catalyst-monitoring strategy may recognize that the factory emissions equipment is no longer present.

SOUL recommends an appropriate custom ECU calibration to address these catalyst-related diagnostic faults for closed-course use.

SOUND CHARACTER:

Removing the factory catalytic converters and replacing the original manifolds with long-tube headers substantially changes the sound reaching the downstream exhaust.

Expect:

• Greater naturally aspirated flat-six volume

• Sharper throttle-related sound

• Increased mechanical engine character

• Stronger midrange tone

• Greater high-RPM intensity

• More aggressive downshifts

• Increased race-derived character

• More pronounced flat-six wail approaching redline

The final volume depends heavily on the downstream exhaust configuration.

WITH FACTORY REAR EXHAUST:

The Competition Headers can be paired with the original Porsche rear exhaust.

This retains the factory:

• Center muffler

• Side mufflers

• Exhaust valves

while replacing the restrictive catalytic header assemblies upstream.

This configuration provides a substantial increase in exhaust flow and sound while retaining Porsche's downstream sound-control hardware.

WITH SOUL CENTER MUFFLER BYPASS:

Combining the Competition Headers with SOUL's Center Muffler Bypass creates a significantly more aggressive exhaust system.

This configuration:

• Removes the factory catalysts

• Removes the factory center muffler

• Retains the factory side mufflers

• Retains factory exhaust-valve functionality

• Produces substantially greater flat-six sound

• Further reduces rear exhaust-system weight

WITH SOUL VALVED SIDE MUFFLER BYPASS:

Pairing the Competition Headers with SOUL's Valved Side Muffler Bypass Pipes provides:

• Catless long-tube headers

• 3-inch side-muffler bypass piping

• Factory center muffler retained

• Factory exhaust-valve functionality retained

• Significant rear weight reduction

• Reduced exhaust heat around the engine bay and rear tires

• Substantially increased exhaust flow

This provides an aggressive configuration while retaining driver-selectable sound control.

WITH SOUL NON-VALVED SIDE MUFFLER BYPASS:

Pairing the Competition Headers with the non-valved Side Muffler Bypass creates an even more track-focused configuration.

This combination eliminates:

• Factory catalytic converters

• Factory side mufflers

while retaining the factory center muffler.

The result prioritizes:

• Maximum weight reduction

• Increased exhaust flow

• Reduced heat retention

• Constant aggressive exhaust character

OPTIONAL CERAMIC COATING:

SOUL offers optional Jet-Hot ceramic coating for the Competition Headers by special order.

Available coating systems include:

Extreme 1300

and

Ultra Extreme Heat 2500

SOUL states that the coatings can reduce surrounding temperatures by as much as approximately 65% while also helping protect the headers from thermal oxidation and corrosion.

Ceramic coating is available at additional cost and should be quoted separately.

COMPETITION HEADERS VS. STREET HEADERS:

Competition Headers

• $5,495.00

• Completely catless

• Maximum available header flow

• Dyno-tested on an otherwise stock 991.2 GT3 RS

• Maximum manufacturer-tested gains exceeding 24 whp and 26 lb-ft

• More aggressive exhaust sound

• Greater catalyst-related diagnostic considerations

• Optional ceramic coating available

• Closed-course competition configuration

Street Headers

• $6,495.00

• Retain performance catalytic converters

• More street-oriented configuration

• Reduced emissions-related diagnostic concerns

• Same high-quality billet and stainless construction philosophy

The Competition Headers are the more aggressive option for customers prioritizing flow, sound, and track-oriented performance.

EMISSIONS / COMPETITION USE NOTE:

The SOUL Competition Headers completely remove the factory catalytic converters.

This product is not CARB certified and SOUL specifies it for closed-course competition use only.

United States customers purchasing the product are required by SOUL to sign its Catless Exhaust Component Waiver.

Use on emissions-controlled vehicles operated on public roads may violate applicable regulations.

Customers are responsible for determining compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws before installation or use.