Porsche 991.1 / 991.2 Turbo / Turbo S SOUL Sport Headers

Product Description

The SOUL Sport Headers are a direct bolt-on performance upgrade for the 2013–2019 Porsche 991.1 and 991.2 911 Turbo / Turbo S, engineered to improve exhaust-gas flow into the turbochargers, sharpen boost response, increase usable power throughout the RPM range, and add more character to Porsche's 3.8L twin-turbo flat-six.

The factory turbo header uses a relatively basic double-wall design and incorporates an internal support structure within the center runner that interrupts the exhaust-gas flow path. SOUL replaces this arrangement with a freer-flowing single-wall T304L stainless-steel header built around an optimized 3-into-1 merge collector.

SOUL sizes the header outlet at approximately 1.63 inches inside diameter to transition smoothly into the approximately 1.54-inch factory turbocharger inlet. Combined with optimized runner geometry and internal volume, the design is intended to increase exhaust velocity into the turbochargers and provide noticeably quicker response when the driver requests boost.

In addition to the performance benefits, the single-wall construction allows more of the Turbo's mechanical and exhaust character to be heard, producing a sharper exhaust note, increased turbocharger sound, stronger burbles, and more pronounced pops between shifts and during deceleration without intentionally sacrificing ground clearance or introducing undesirable drone.

FITMENT:

• Fits 2013–2016 Porsche 991.1 911 Turbo

• Fits 2013–2016 Porsche 991.1 911 Turbo S

• Fits 2017–2019 Porsche 991.2 911 Turbo

• Fits 2017–2019 Porsche 991.2 911 Turbo S

• Fits Coupe and Cabriolet applications where offered

• SOUL specifies fitment for all Porsche 991 Turbo vehicles

• Compatible with the factory catalytic converters

• Compatible with SOUL Sport Catalytic Converters

• Compatible with SOUL Cat Bypass Pipes

• Compatible with the factory rear exhaust

• Compatible with SOUL X-Pipe exhaust systems

• Compatible with SOUL Valved Exhaust configurations

DETAILS:

• Pair of performance Sport Headers

• Optimized 3-into-1 merge collector

• Designed to increase exhaust velocity into the turbochargers

• Designed for quicker turbocharger response

• Improved exhaust-flow path compared with the factory header

• Eliminates the obstructive internal support found in the factory center runner

• Approximately 1.63" header outlet inside diameter

• Factory turbocharger inlet approximately 1.54" inside diameter

• Smooth transition into the factory turbocharger inlet

• Optimized internal header volume

• Designed to improve usable power throughout the RPM range

• Designed with daily-driven ground clearance in mind

• Single-wall construction replaces the factory double-wall header design

• Sharper exhaust tone

• Increased turbocharger sound

• Increased exhaust presence

• More pronounced burbles and pops during shifts and deceleration

• Designed without intentionally introducing undesirable drone

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

• Mandrel-bent tubing

• Laser-cut flanges

• Back-purged TIG welded

• ARCAL Prime argon shielding gas used during fabrication

• Manufactured in thick-gauge aluminum fixtures to control heat distortion

• Fixture-tested before shipment

• High-grade installation hardware included

• OEM Porsche gaskets included

• Direct bolt-on installation

• Designed and manufactured in-house in the USA

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

OPTIMIZED 3-INTO-1 MERGE COLLECTOR

The factory 991 Turbo manifold must collect the exhaust pulses from three cylinders and direct them into each turbocharger.

SOUL redesigns this transition around an optimized:

3-into-1 merge collector

intended to create a smoother path for exhaust gases entering the turbocharger.

The objective is not simply to use larger tubing. Runner geometry, collector shape, internal volume, and the transition into the turbine inlet all affect how efficiently exhaust energy reaches the turbo.

SOUL developed the Sport Headers around improving this complete flow path.

FACTORY CENTER-RUNNER RESTRICTION

Looking inside the factory header reveals an internal support structure in the middle runner.

That structure sits directly in the exhaust-gas path and interrupts what would otherwise be a smoother transition toward the collector.

SOUL eliminates this obstruction as part of its redesigned header architecture.

The result provides a cleaner path from:

Cylinder Head → Primary Runner → Merge Collector → Turbocharger

with fewer internal disruptions to exhaust flow.

1.63" HEADER OUTLET

SOUL measured the factory turbocharger inlet at approximately:

1.54" inside diameter

The Sport Header outlet is sized to approximately:

1.63" inside diameter

This allows SOUL to maintain the improved flow characteristics of the larger header while creating a smooth transition into the turbocharger inlet.

The design avoids treating the turbocharger flange as an abrupt restriction at the end of the header.

IMPROVED EXHAUST VELOCITY

SOUL developed the runner geometry and collector to increase exhaust velocity into the turbocharger.

On a turbocharged engine, the energy reaching the turbine directly influences how quickly the turbocharger can respond to changes in engine load.

The Sport Header design is intended to provide:

• Faster boost response

• Sharper throttle feedback

• More immediate acceleration

• Improved power delivery throughout the RPM range

• More usable power before the transmission needs to downshift

The difference is intended to be felt as improved response rather than simply represented by a peak horsepower number.

QUICKER BOOST RESPONSE

The combination of:

• Optimized runners

• Improved collector geometry

• Cleaner internal flow

• Larger header outlet

• Reduced internal obstruction

is designed to deliver exhaust energy to the turbochargers more efficiently.

SOUL describes the result as noticeably quicker boost response when the throttle is applied.

This characteristic is particularly useful on the 991 Turbo because improved response can make the car feel stronger during transient acceleration even when the engine is not operating at peak RPM.

SINGLE-WALL VS. FACTORY DOUBLE-WALL CONSTRUCTION

The factory Porsche header uses a double-wall design.

SOUL replaces it with a single-wall stainless-steel design.

Beyond the flow-related changes, the single-wall construction changes how much exhaust and turbocharger sound is transmitted through the system.

The result is a sharper and more mechanical exhaust character.

INCREASED TURBOCHARGER SOUND

The headers sit immediately upstream of the turbochargers, making changes in this area especially noticeable in the Turbo's acoustic character.

SOUL's single-wall construction allows more:

• Turbocharger sound

• Mechanical exhaust character

• Exhaust pulse definition

• Throttle-related sound

to be heard compared with the heavier factory double-wall manifolds.

SHARPER EXHAUST CHARACTER

SOUL specifically developed the headers to increase exhaust tone without creating undesirable acoustic characteristics.

Expect:

• Sharper exhaust tone

• Greater engine presence

• Increased turbocharger sound

• More audible burbles

• Sharper pops between shifts

• More pronounced deceleration events

The degree of these changes will vary based on the rest of the exhaust system and vehicle calibration.

NO INTENTIONAL DRONE PENALTY

A performance header does not need to make the vehicle unpleasant during normal driving.

SOUL specifically states that the additional volume and tonal character were achieved without producing undesirable drone qualities in its development.

Actual cabin sound will still depend substantially on the downstream exhaust configuration.

A vehicle retaining the factory catalysts and rear exhaust will naturally be considerably more subdued than one using:

• Cat Bypass Pipes

• Competition X-Pipe

• Sport X-Pipe

• Valved Exhaust

• Other freer-flowing exhaust components

MAINTAINS GROUND CLEARANCE

SOUL specifically developed the headers while considering clearance on daily-driven vehicles.

The system is intended to improve the header geometry and exhaust flow without sacrificing the underbody ground clearance needed for normal street use.

This is important on lowered 991 Turbos and vehicles that regularly encounter:

• Driveway transitions

• Speed bumps

• Road crowns

• Track curbing

.065-INCH T304L STAINLESS CONSTRUCTION

The Sport Headers are constructed from:

.065-inch-wall T304L stainless steel

The material provides an effective combination of:

• High-temperature durability

• Corrosion resistance

• Structural strength

• Relatively low mass

• Long service life

• Suitability for repeated heat cycling

MANDREL-BENT TUBING

SOUL uses mandrel-bent tubing to maintain the intended internal cross-sectional area through the header runners.

This helps preserve consistent:

• Runner geometry

• Internal diameter

• Exhaust velocity

• Flow characteristics

through the bends leading toward the merge collector.

LASER-CUT FLANGES

The headers use precision laser-cut flanges to maintain accurate cylinder-head and turbocharger interface geometry.

Accurate flange positioning is critical for:

• Exhaust sealing

• Turbocharger alignment

• Fastener alignment

• Installation consistency

• Long-term reliability

BACK-PURGED TIG WELDING

SOUL uses back-purged TIG welding during header fabrication.

The inside of the tubing is protected with shielding gas during welding to reduce oxidation and promote clean, complete weld penetration.

SOUL specifically uses:

ARCAL Prime argon

during this fabrication process.

THICK-GAUGE ALUMINUM FABRICATION FIXTURES

Header fabrication generates substantial localized heat.

SOUL builds the headers in thick-gauge aluminum fixtures, which act as heat sinks during welding.

This helps control:

• Thermal distortion

• Flange movement

• Runner alignment

• Collector positioning

The rigid fixtures also help SOUL maintain consistent dimensional accuracy from one set of headers to the next.

OEM PORSCHE GASKETS INCLUDED

SOUL includes OEM Porsche gaskets with the Sport Headers.

New high-grade installation hardware is also supplied.

This provides the correct sealing components for installation without requiring the installer to reuse old exhaust gaskets.

FIXTURE-TESTED FITMENT

Each finished component is quality checked and tested in a dedicated fixture before shipment.

This verifies:

• Cylinder-head flange alignment

• Turbocharger connection alignment

• Runner geometry

• Overall dimensional consistency

The headers are then foam packed to help protect them during transportation.

DIRECT BOLT-ON INSTALLATION

The Sport Headers are designed as a bolt-on replacement for the factory turbo manifolds.

The package includes:

• Left Sport Header

• Right Sport Header

• High-grade installation hardware

• OEM Porsche gaskets

No permanent chassis modification is required as part of normal installation.

COMPATIBLE WITH FACTORY CATALYSTS

The Sport Headers are positioned upstream of the turbochargers.

They do not themselves replace the downstream catalytic converters.

A customer can therefore install the headers while retaining:

• Factory turbochargers

• Factory catalytic converters

• Factory rear exhaust

for a comparatively conservative first-stage configuration.

WITH SOUL SPORT CATALYTIC CONVERTERS

Pairing the Sport Headers with SOUL Sport Catalytic Converters addresses exhaust flow on both sides of the turbocharger.

Sport Headers:
Improve exhaust flow into the turbochargers

Sport Catalytic Converters:
Reduce restriction after the turbochargers

This creates a more comprehensive catted performance configuration while retaining catalytic converters.

WITH SOUL CAT BYPASS PIPES

For a competition-focused configuration, the Sport Headers can be paired with SOUL Cat Bypass Pipes.

This combination provides:

• Improved pre-turbo exhaust flow

• Optimized merge collectors

• Reduced post-turbo restriction

• No catalytic converters

• Increased turbocharger sound

• Greater overall exhaust presence

Cat Bypass Pipes introduce separate emissions and catalyst-monitoring considerations that do not originate from the Sport Headers themselves.

WITH SOUL X-PIPE EXHAUST SYSTEMS

The Sport Headers can be combined with SOUL's modular 991 Turbo rear exhaust lineup, including:

• X-Pipe Exhaust

• Sport X-Pipe Exhaust

• Competition X-Pipe Exhaust

• Valved Exhaust System

This allows the headers to remain in place as the rest of the vehicle's exhaust configuration evolves.

PERFORMANCE

SOUL states that the optimized header design provides:

• Increased power

• Improved boost response

• Improved throttle response

• More usable power throughout the RPM range

However, the current 991 Turbo Sport Header product page does not publish a controlled before-and-after dyno test or numerical horsepower / torque gain for POR.991T.SH.

DasMotoring therefore does not advertise a specific horsepower or torque increase for this product.

WEIGHT

SOUL's current 991 Turbo Sport Header page does not publish factory or Sport Header weights.

DasMotoring therefore does not advertise a numerical weight-savings figure.