The SOUL Street Headers are designed for Porsche 997 and 997.2 GT3 / GT3 RS owners looking for improved exhaust flow, throttle response, power potential, and a more pronounced naturally aspirated flat-six exhaust note while retaining catalytic converters.
Even on Porsche's motorsport-derived GT3 platform, the factory exhaust manifolds are constrained by catalytic-converter packaging, primary-runner dimensions, and mass-production requirements. SOUL addresses these restrictions with larger, freer-flowing runners, optimized transitions, and SOUL-designed 300-cell high-flow catalytic converters.
Each catalyst uses a custom-specified precious-metal coating and triple metal-matrix core, providing greater exhaust-flow capability than the restrictive factory components while maintaining a catted exhaust configuration. SOUL specifically designed the system to provide increased exhaust flow without triggering a check engine light.
The headers are constructed from mandrel-bent .065-inch-wall T304L stainless steel and incorporate billet CNC-machined cylinder-head flanges for a smoother transition from the engine's exhaust ports into the primary runners. The billet flanges also provide additional strength in an area subjected to substantial thermal and mechanical stress during aggressive street and track use.
The result is a direct bolt-on header upgrade that amplifies the GT3's high-revving character while preserving the greater street usability of a catalytic-converter-equipped exhaust system.
Fits 2006–2011 Porsche 997 / 997.2 GT3
Fits 2006–2011 Porsche 997 / 997.2 GT3 RS
Compatible with both 997.1 and 997.2 GT3 generations
Compatible with the naturally aspirated 3.6L and 3.8L GT3 flat-six engines, depending on model year
Direct replacement for the factory header assemblies
Compatible with the factory rear exhaust system
Compatible with SOUL rear exhaust components designed around the factory header connection
Does not fit Carrera, Turbo, or GT2 models
SOUL specifies the Street Headers for all 2006–2011 Porsche 997 and 997.2 GT3 / GT3 RS vehicles.
Direct bolt-on replacement for the factory GT3 headers
Retains catalytic converters for a more street-oriented configuration
Uses SOUL-designed 300-cell high-flow catalytic converters
Catalysts feature a custom-specified precious-metal coating
Catalysts utilize a durable triple metal-matrix core
Designed to provide increased exhaust flow without triggering a check engine light
Larger, freer-flowing exhaust architecture reduces restriction compared with the factory header design
Optimized runner geometry improves exhaust flow from the cylinder heads
Designed to improve power potential, throttle response, and engine sound
Amplifies the sound of the GT3's high-revving naturally aspirated flat-six
Constructed from mandrel-bent .065-inch-wall T304L stainless steel tubing
Features billet CNC-machined cylinder-head flanges
Billet flange geometry provides a smoother transition from the exhaust ports into the primary runners
Reinforced flange construction provides additional durability during repeated high-temperature track use
Back-purged TIG welded using ARCAL Prime argon gas for proper penetration and long-term strength
Precision water-jet-cut brackets manufactured to approximately ±0.003-inch tolerances
Fabricated in thick-gauge aluminum fixtures that act as heat sinks during welding
Fixture construction helps minimize warping and maintain consistent fitment
Every set undergoes rigorous quality control
Every set is fixture-tested prior to shipment
New installation hardware included
Foam-packed prior to shipment for protection
Backed by SOUL Performance Products' Lifetime Warranty for both street and track use
A major distinction between the SOUL Street Headers and Competition Headers is the use of 300-cell high-flow catalytic converters.
Rather than eliminating the catalysts entirely, SOUL incorporates large-diameter converters designed around increased exhaust flow. Each catalyst uses a custom-specified precious-metal coating and a triple metal-matrix core.
This allows the Street Headers to substantially reduce the restriction associated with the original header and catalyst assemblies while retaining catalytic converters and SOUL's no-CEL design intent.
The factory GT3 exhaust manifold represents a compromise between performance, packaging, emissions requirements, manufacturing constraints, and durability.
SOUL focuses on improving the flow path between the cylinder head and downstream exhaust system through larger-diameter runners and optimized transitions.
The billet CNC-machined cylinder-head flanges provide a more efficient transition from the exhaust ports into the primary tubes while adding strength to an area subjected to repeated thermal cycling during aggressive driving.
Combined with the high-flow catalytic converters, the revised header architecture is designed to improve exhaust flow and throttle response without requiring the owner to move to a completely catless exhaust configuration.
The SOUL Street Headers increase the GT3's exhaust presence while preserving the basic character of the factory rear exhaust system.
Expect:
Greater naturally aspirated flat-six presence
Sharper throttle-dependent exhaust character
Stronger high-RPM GT3 wail
Increased mechanical character
Greater exhaust intensity as engine speed rises
Because the catalytic converters remain in place, the Street Headers provide a more controlled exhaust character than SOUL's completely catless Competition Headers.
The final volume and tone will depend heavily on the downstream exhaust configuration. Pairing the Street Headers with the factory rear exhaust will provide a more restrained result than combining them with a SOUL Center Muffler Bypass or Side Muffler Bypass system.
SOUL specifically designed the Street Headers to provide increased exhaust flow without triggering a check engine light.
The integrated 300-cell catalytic converters retain catalyst functionality while allowing substantially more exhaust flow than the original header assemblies.
As with any modified exhaust system, individual vehicle condition, engine calibration, oxygen sensors, and other modifications can affect diagnostic behavior, so no aftermarket exhaust component should be interpreted as an absolute guarantee against unrelated fault codes.
The SOUL Street Headers retain 300-cell high-flow catalytic converters, providing increased exhaust flow, response, and sound while maintaining a catted configuration and SOUL's no-CEL design intent.
The SOUL Competition Headers completely eliminate the catalytic converters and use a long-tube architecture with billet merge collectors for a less restrictive, more competition-focused exhaust configuration.
For customers who want a significant header upgrade while retaining catalytic converters, the Street Headers are the appropriate SOUL option.
For dedicated track or competition builds prioritizing maximum exhaust flow and a catless configuration, SOUL offers the Competition Headers.
The SOUL Street Headers are designed for Porsche 997 and 997.2 GT3 / GT3 RS owners looking for improved exhaust flow, throttle response, power potential, and a more pronounced naturally aspirated flat-six exhaust note while retaining catalytic converters.
Even on Porsche's motorsport-derived GT3 platform, the factory exhaust manifolds are constrained by catalytic-converter packaging, primary-runner dimensions, and mass-production requirements. SOUL addresses these restrictions with larger, freer-flowing runners, optimized transitions, and SOUL-designed 300-cell high-flow catalytic converters.
Each catalyst uses a custom-specified precious-metal coating and triple metal-matrix core, providing greater exhaust-flow capability than the restrictive factory components while maintaining a catted exhaust configuration. SOUL specifically designed the system to provide increased exhaust flow without triggering a check engine light.
The headers are constructed from mandrel-bent .065-inch-wall T304L stainless steel and incorporate billet CNC-machined cylinder-head flanges for a smoother transition from the engine's exhaust ports into the primary runners. The billet flanges also provide additional strength in an area subjected to substantial thermal and mechanical stress during aggressive street and track use.
The result is a direct bolt-on header upgrade that amplifies the GT3's high-revving character while preserving the greater street usability of a catalytic-converter-equipped exhaust system.
Fits 2006–2011 Porsche 997 / 997.2 GT3
Fits 2006–2011 Porsche 997 / 997.2 GT3 RS
Compatible with both 997.1 and 997.2 GT3 generations
Compatible with the naturally aspirated 3.6L and 3.8L GT3 flat-six engines, depending on model year
Direct replacement for the factory header assemblies
Compatible with the factory rear exhaust system
Compatible with SOUL rear exhaust components designed around the factory header connection
Does not fit Carrera, Turbo, or GT2 models
SOUL specifies the Street Headers for all 2006–2011 Porsche 997 and 997.2 GT3 / GT3 RS vehicles.
Direct bolt-on replacement for the factory GT3 headers
Retains catalytic converters for a more street-oriented configuration
Uses SOUL-designed 300-cell high-flow catalytic converters
Catalysts feature a custom-specified precious-metal coating
Catalysts utilize a durable triple metal-matrix core
Designed to provide increased exhaust flow without triggering a check engine light
Larger, freer-flowing exhaust architecture reduces restriction compared with the factory header design
Optimized runner geometry improves exhaust flow from the cylinder heads
Designed to improve power potential, throttle response, and engine sound
Amplifies the sound of the GT3's high-revving naturally aspirated flat-six
Constructed from mandrel-bent .065-inch-wall T304L stainless steel tubing
Features billet CNC-machined cylinder-head flanges
Billet flange geometry provides a smoother transition from the exhaust ports into the primary runners
Reinforced flange construction provides additional durability during repeated high-temperature track use
Back-purged TIG welded using ARCAL Prime argon gas for proper penetration and long-term strength
Precision water-jet-cut brackets manufactured to approximately ±0.003-inch tolerances
Fabricated in thick-gauge aluminum fixtures that act as heat sinks during welding
Fixture construction helps minimize warping and maintain consistent fitment
Every set undergoes rigorous quality control
Every set is fixture-tested prior to shipment
New installation hardware included
Foam-packed prior to shipment for protection
Backed by SOUL Performance Products' Lifetime Warranty for both street and track use
A major distinction between the SOUL Street Headers and Competition Headers is the use of 300-cell high-flow catalytic converters.
Rather than eliminating the catalysts entirely, SOUL incorporates large-diameter converters designed around increased exhaust flow. Each catalyst uses a custom-specified precious-metal coating and a triple metal-matrix core.
This allows the Street Headers to substantially reduce the restriction associated with the original header and catalyst assemblies while retaining catalytic converters and SOUL's no-CEL design intent.
The factory GT3 exhaust manifold represents a compromise between performance, packaging, emissions requirements, manufacturing constraints, and durability.
SOUL focuses on improving the flow path between the cylinder head and downstream exhaust system through larger-diameter runners and optimized transitions.
The billet CNC-machined cylinder-head flanges provide a more efficient transition from the exhaust ports into the primary tubes while adding strength to an area subjected to repeated thermal cycling during aggressive driving.
Combined with the high-flow catalytic converters, the revised header architecture is designed to improve exhaust flow and throttle response without requiring the owner to move to a completely catless exhaust configuration.
The SOUL Street Headers increase the GT3's exhaust presence while preserving the basic character of the factory rear exhaust system.
Expect:
Greater naturally aspirated flat-six presence
Sharper throttle-dependent exhaust character
Stronger high-RPM GT3 wail
Increased mechanical character
Greater exhaust intensity as engine speed rises
Because the catalytic converters remain in place, the Street Headers provide a more controlled exhaust character than SOUL's completely catless Competition Headers.
The final volume and tone will depend heavily on the downstream exhaust configuration. Pairing the Street Headers with the factory rear exhaust will provide a more restrained result than combining them with a SOUL Center Muffler Bypass or Side Muffler Bypass system.
SOUL specifically designed the Street Headers to provide increased exhaust flow without triggering a check engine light.
The integrated 300-cell catalytic converters retain catalyst functionality while allowing substantially more exhaust flow than the original header assemblies.
As with any modified exhaust system, individual vehicle condition, engine calibration, oxygen sensors, and other modifications can affect diagnostic behavior, so no aftermarket exhaust component should be interpreted as an absolute guarantee against unrelated fault codes.
The SOUL Street Headers retain 300-cell high-flow catalytic converters, providing increased exhaust flow, response, and sound while maintaining a catted configuration and SOUL's no-CEL design intent.
The SOUL Competition Headers completely eliminate the catalytic converters and use a long-tube architecture with billet merge collectors for a less restrictive, more competition-focused exhaust configuration.
For customers who want a significant header upgrade while retaining catalytic converters, the Street Headers are the appropriate SOUL option.
For dedicated track or competition builds prioritizing maximum exhaust flow and a catless configuration, SOUL offers the Competition Headers.
