Image 1 of 4
Image 2 of 4
Image 3 of 4
Image 4 of 4
Porsche 997.2 Carrera / Carrera S / Carrera 4 / Carrera 4S / Targa / GTS SOUL Long Tube Street Headers
Product Description
The SOUL Long Tube Street Headers are designed for Porsche 997.2 Carrera owners looking for improved exhaust flow, throttle response, power potential, and a stronger naturally aspirated flat-six exhaust note while retaining catalytic converters.
The factory 997.2 header assemblies are constrained by mass-production requirements, compact runner geometry, and catalyst packaging. SOUL developed a dedicated long-tube architecture around correctly sized primary runners, smoother exhaust transitions, performance-oriented collectors, and large-diameter high-flow catalytic converters.
Longer primary runners improve the exhaust path from the cylinder heads into the collectors, while carefully shaped collector spikes help smooth the transition as the individual runners converge. SOUL specifically developed the system around the higher-output 3.8L DFI engine while also providing meaningful improvements for the 3.6L Carrera engine.
Unlike the catless Competition Headers, the Street Headers retain catalytic converters, making them the more street-oriented option for owners who want the benefits of SOUL's long-tube design without completely eliminating the catalyst system.
FITMENT:
Fits 2009–2012 Porsche 997.2 Carrera Coupe and Cabriolet
Fits 2009–2012 Porsche 997.2 Carrera S Coupe and Cabriolet
Fits 2009–2012 Porsche 997.2 Carrera 4 Coupe and Cabriolet
Fits 2009–2012 Porsche 997.2 Carrera 4S Coupe and Cabriolet
Fits 2009–2012 Porsche 997.2 Targa 4
Fits 2009–2012 Porsche 997.2 Targa 4S
Fits 2011–2012 Porsche 997.2 Carrera GTS Coupe and Cabriolet
Fits 2011–2012 Porsche 997.2 Carrera 4 GTS Coupe and Cabriolet
Compatible with the 3.6L DFI naturally aspirated flat-six used in Carrera, Carrera 4, and Targa 4 models
Compatible with the 3.8L DFI naturally aspirated flat-six used in Carrera S, Carrera 4S, Targa 4S, Carrera GTS, and Carrera 4 GTS models
Compatible with standard exhaust and factory Porsche Sport Exhaust (PSE) downstream systems
Does not fit 997.2 Turbo, Turbo S, GT2 RS, GT3, or GT3 RS models
SOUL describes the headers as fitting all 997.2 Carrera vehicles, while current specialist fitment data also extends the application through the 2012 model year.
DETAILS:
Complete long-tube catted header system
Retains catalytic converters
Uses large-diameter, free-flowing catalytic converters
Long primary runners designed to improve exhaust flow and engine response
Correctly sized primary tubing developed specifically for the 997.2 DFI engines
Performance-oriented collectors incorporate collector spikes to smooth exhaust flow as the runners merge
Developed to maximize the potential of the 3.8L DFI engine while also improving the 3.6L engine
Designed to improve power potential, throttle response, and flat-six engine tone
Constructed from mandrel-bent .065-inch-wall T304L stainless steel
Back-purged TIG welded for proper weld penetration and long-term durability
Water-jet-cut flanges manufactured to approximately ±0.003-inch tolerances
Fabricated in thick-gauge aluminum fixtures that act as heat sinks during welding
Fixture construction helps minimize heat distortion and maintain consistent fitment
Each set is fixture-tested before shipment
New high-grade hardware included for the header-to-exhaust connections
Detailed installation instructions included
Foam-packed to help protect the headers during transportation
Designed and manufactured in-house by SOUL Performance Products in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania
Backed by SOUL Performance Products' Lifetime Warranty for street and track use
LONG-TUBE HEADER DESIGN:
The factory 997.2 Carrera header assemblies must balance emissions requirements, manufacturing cost, packaging space, durability, and noise control.
SOUL developed a dedicated long-tube configuration around the performance characteristics of the direct-injected 3.6L and 3.8L naturally aspirated flat-six engines.
The longer primary runners provide a more deliberate path between the cylinder heads and collectors, while correctly sized tubing helps maintain exhaust-gas velocity rather than simply maximizing pipe diameter.
At the collectors, carefully shaped spikes help guide the individual exhaust streams together more smoothly, reducing abrupt changes in the exhaust path.
SOUL specifically focused development on extracting additional performance from the 3.8L engine, while noting that the same architecture also produces meaningful gains on the 3.6L.
HIGH-FLOW CATALYTIC CONVERTERS:
Unlike the SOUL Long Tube Competition Headers, the Street Headers retain catalytic converters.
The high-flow catalysts allow SOUL to substantially improve the surrounding header geometry while maintaining a catted exhaust configuration.
This makes the Street Headers particularly attractive for owners who want:
Long-tube header performance
Improved exhaust flow
Sharper throttle response
Increased naturally aspirated flat-six sound
A catted exhaust configuration
The Street Headers therefore provide a middle ground between the restrictive factory assemblies and completely catless Competition Headers.
SOUND CHARACTER:
The SOUL Long Tube Street Headers increase the presence and character of the 997.2's naturally aspirated DFI flat-six without removing the catalytic converters entirely.
Expect:
Greater flat-six presence throughout the rev range
Sharper exhaust response to throttle inputs
Increased mechanical engine character
Stronger high-RPM exhaust tone
Additional volume under load
A more pronounced exhaust note when combined with aftermarket center or side muffler components
The final volume will depend heavily on the remainder of the exhaust system.
A vehicle retaining factory mufflers will remain substantially more restrained than one combining the Street Headers with a SOUL Center Muffler Bypass, Sport Side Mufflers, or Valved Exhaust System.
GTS COMPATIBILITY:
The SOUL Long Tube Street Headers are compatible with the 997.2 Carrera GTS and Carrera 4 GTS.
The GTS models use the 3.8L DFI engine and were equipped with Porsche Sport Exhaust from the factory.
Because the Street Headers replace the upstream header and catalytic-converter assemblies, they do not remove the downstream PSE side mufflers or their valve hardware.
A GTS can therefore use the SOUL Street Headers while retaining factory Porsche Sport Exhaust valve functionality.
STREET VS. COMPETITION HEADERS:
The SOUL Long Tube Street Headers retain high-flow catalytic converters and are intended for owners looking for improved exhaust flow, response, and sound while maintaining a catted configuration.
The SOUL Long Tube Competition Headers eliminate the catalytic converters entirely for the least restrictive exhaust path, greater weight reduction, and a more aggressive overall configuration.
Street Headers
Retain catalytic converters
More street-oriented configuration
Long-tube architecture
Increased flow and response
Increased flat-six sound
Competition Headers
Completely catless
Maximum exhaust flow
Approximately 7.25 lbs of published weight savings
More aggressive exhaust character
Catalyst-related fault codes are possible
EMISSIONS NOTE:
The SOUL Long Tube Street Headers replace the original factory catalytic-converter assemblies with aftermarket high-flow catalytic converters.
Retaining catalytic converters does not necessarily make an aftermarket header system legal for use on emissions-controlled vehicles in every jurisdiction.
The system is not CARB certified, and customers are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations before installation or use.
Product Description
The SOUL Long Tube Street Headers are designed for Porsche 997.2 Carrera owners looking for improved exhaust flow, throttle response, power potential, and a stronger naturally aspirated flat-six exhaust note while retaining catalytic converters.
The factory 997.2 header assemblies are constrained by mass-production requirements, compact runner geometry, and catalyst packaging. SOUL developed a dedicated long-tube architecture around correctly sized primary runners, smoother exhaust transitions, performance-oriented collectors, and large-diameter high-flow catalytic converters.
Longer primary runners improve the exhaust path from the cylinder heads into the collectors, while carefully shaped collector spikes help smooth the transition as the individual runners converge. SOUL specifically developed the system around the higher-output 3.8L DFI engine while also providing meaningful improvements for the 3.6L Carrera engine.
Unlike the catless Competition Headers, the Street Headers retain catalytic converters, making them the more street-oriented option for owners who want the benefits of SOUL's long-tube design without completely eliminating the catalyst system.
FITMENT:
Fits 2009–2012 Porsche 997.2 Carrera Coupe and Cabriolet
Fits 2009–2012 Porsche 997.2 Carrera S Coupe and Cabriolet
Fits 2009–2012 Porsche 997.2 Carrera 4 Coupe and Cabriolet
Fits 2009–2012 Porsche 997.2 Carrera 4S Coupe and Cabriolet
Fits 2009–2012 Porsche 997.2 Targa 4
Fits 2009–2012 Porsche 997.2 Targa 4S
Fits 2011–2012 Porsche 997.2 Carrera GTS Coupe and Cabriolet
Fits 2011–2012 Porsche 997.2 Carrera 4 GTS Coupe and Cabriolet
Compatible with the 3.6L DFI naturally aspirated flat-six used in Carrera, Carrera 4, and Targa 4 models
Compatible with the 3.8L DFI naturally aspirated flat-six used in Carrera S, Carrera 4S, Targa 4S, Carrera GTS, and Carrera 4 GTS models
Compatible with standard exhaust and factory Porsche Sport Exhaust (PSE) downstream systems
Does not fit 997.2 Turbo, Turbo S, GT2 RS, GT3, or GT3 RS models
SOUL describes the headers as fitting all 997.2 Carrera vehicles, while current specialist fitment data also extends the application through the 2012 model year.
DETAILS:
Complete long-tube catted header system
Retains catalytic converters
Uses large-diameter, free-flowing catalytic converters
Long primary runners designed to improve exhaust flow and engine response
Correctly sized primary tubing developed specifically for the 997.2 DFI engines
Performance-oriented collectors incorporate collector spikes to smooth exhaust flow as the runners merge
Developed to maximize the potential of the 3.8L DFI engine while also improving the 3.6L engine
Designed to improve power potential, throttle response, and flat-six engine tone
Constructed from mandrel-bent .065-inch-wall T304L stainless steel
Back-purged TIG welded for proper weld penetration and long-term durability
Water-jet-cut flanges manufactured to approximately ±0.003-inch tolerances
Fabricated in thick-gauge aluminum fixtures that act as heat sinks during welding
Fixture construction helps minimize heat distortion and maintain consistent fitment
Each set is fixture-tested before shipment
New high-grade hardware included for the header-to-exhaust connections
Detailed installation instructions included
Foam-packed to help protect the headers during transportation
Designed and manufactured in-house by SOUL Performance Products in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania
Backed by SOUL Performance Products' Lifetime Warranty for street and track use
LONG-TUBE HEADER DESIGN:
The factory 997.2 Carrera header assemblies must balance emissions requirements, manufacturing cost, packaging space, durability, and noise control.
SOUL developed a dedicated long-tube configuration around the performance characteristics of the direct-injected 3.6L and 3.8L naturally aspirated flat-six engines.
The longer primary runners provide a more deliberate path between the cylinder heads and collectors, while correctly sized tubing helps maintain exhaust-gas velocity rather than simply maximizing pipe diameter.
At the collectors, carefully shaped spikes help guide the individual exhaust streams together more smoothly, reducing abrupt changes in the exhaust path.
SOUL specifically focused development on extracting additional performance from the 3.8L engine, while noting that the same architecture also produces meaningful gains on the 3.6L.
HIGH-FLOW CATALYTIC CONVERTERS:
Unlike the SOUL Long Tube Competition Headers, the Street Headers retain catalytic converters.
The high-flow catalysts allow SOUL to substantially improve the surrounding header geometry while maintaining a catted exhaust configuration.
This makes the Street Headers particularly attractive for owners who want:
Long-tube header performance
Improved exhaust flow
Sharper throttle response
Increased naturally aspirated flat-six sound
A catted exhaust configuration
The Street Headers therefore provide a middle ground between the restrictive factory assemblies and completely catless Competition Headers.
SOUND CHARACTER:
The SOUL Long Tube Street Headers increase the presence and character of the 997.2's naturally aspirated DFI flat-six without removing the catalytic converters entirely.
Expect:
Greater flat-six presence throughout the rev range
Sharper exhaust response to throttle inputs
Increased mechanical engine character
Stronger high-RPM exhaust tone
Additional volume under load
A more pronounced exhaust note when combined with aftermarket center or side muffler components
The final volume will depend heavily on the remainder of the exhaust system.
A vehicle retaining factory mufflers will remain substantially more restrained than one combining the Street Headers with a SOUL Center Muffler Bypass, Sport Side Mufflers, or Valved Exhaust System.
GTS COMPATIBILITY:
The SOUL Long Tube Street Headers are compatible with the 997.2 Carrera GTS and Carrera 4 GTS.
The GTS models use the 3.8L DFI engine and were equipped with Porsche Sport Exhaust from the factory.
Because the Street Headers replace the upstream header and catalytic-converter assemblies, they do not remove the downstream PSE side mufflers or their valve hardware.
A GTS can therefore use the SOUL Street Headers while retaining factory Porsche Sport Exhaust valve functionality.
STREET VS. COMPETITION HEADERS:
The SOUL Long Tube Street Headers retain high-flow catalytic converters and are intended for owners looking for improved exhaust flow, response, and sound while maintaining a catted configuration.
The SOUL Long Tube Competition Headers eliminate the catalytic converters entirely for the least restrictive exhaust path, greater weight reduction, and a more aggressive overall configuration.
Street Headers
Retain catalytic converters
More street-oriented configuration
Long-tube architecture
Increased flow and response
Increased flat-six sound
Competition Headers
Completely catless
Maximum exhaust flow
Approximately 7.25 lbs of published weight savings
More aggressive exhaust character
Catalyst-related fault codes are possible
EMISSIONS NOTE:
The SOUL Long Tube Street Headers replace the original factory catalytic-converter assemblies with aftermarket high-flow catalytic converters.
Retaining catalytic converters does not necessarily make an aftermarket header system legal for use on emissions-controlled vehicles in every jurisdiction.
The system is not CARB certified, and customers are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations before installation or use.