Project 987.2 - Part 1: Carnewal GT exhaust + Soul X-Pipe install with sound & performance tests

The first mod of the 2012 Porsche Cayman S as part of Project 987.2 is to replace the stock rear exhaust with a Carnewal cat-back system and a Soul Performance X-Pipe. This video shows the removal of the stock system, my major battle with corroded connectors, painting of the Carnewal system, and installation of the new system with a new x-pipe and tips from Soul Performance Parts. It also contains before and after sound samples, along with analysis of 0-60 times (with lots of nerdy math) and the answer to the ultimate question: Does the Cayman now look better, sound better, and go faster?
Product Links:
Carnewal - www.carnewal.com
Soul Performance X Pipes - soulpp.com/product/porsche-bo...
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[@CliffsGarage]

Before someone brings it up: Yes, I did a standard T-test to verify there was a statistically significant difference between the two population (0-60) groups. Also, oops ... Gert let me know they're actually located in Belgium, not the Netherlands ...

[@ReubenBrunson]

Out of curiosity for your 0-60 tests, were you leaving from idle, or applying some level of brake torque in lieu of launch control? It's great to see some real world gains!...

[@CliffsGarage]

@@ReubenBrunson From idle, just release the brake and stomp the gas.

[@garynorman5179]

One of the best exhaust change video I have seen so congrats.I also put a Carnewal on my 987 and it continued to improve over 500km. I changed the tailpipes to a 981 Cayman Twin outlet black chrome.My sound now is rather stock up to about 4000rpm which is perfect with no drone and then it is a loud wail all the way.Its a perfect exhaust in that it sounds stock at low and performance when pushing.In regards to performance the 2 biggest things for me was installing a sprintbooster to improve reponsiveness and the second thing which was really amazing was changing my tyre size profile at the back to a 295/30/19 which reduced the rotating size of the tyre and it improved the pickup and push in a very noticable way.

[@SoulPerformanceProducts]

Thank you for rocking SOUL and making this video! -Mike

[@saleemt8498]

I can appreciate the math and the mods... glad I found your channel.

[@MonsterMarcS4R]

Enjoyed watching your video. Keep up the good work Cliff! I've a Carnewal on my 987.1 and it sounds just great.

[@CliffsGarage]

Thanks 👍

[@paulking7272]

Nice one Cliff - I feel for you when you forgot the gaskets - Just goes to show you cant do these jobs in a rush! - Im still at the stage of removing broken studs from my RH head on my 3.4 Boxster in Scottish weather with a touch more rust! had to cut most of my bracket bolts. Like your black paint and tips look magic - interesting maths theory on your acceleration but I'm with you when you say you just know what feels better! Thanks again Cliff for your time ! Cheers PK

[@frodoOG]

amazing freeflow on carnewal. I must get them

[@StyleXtube]

Great video. I got a Carnewal GT on my 987.1 Cayman and now on my 987.2 Boxster. It was certainly worth it on the 987.1, but hardly noticeable on the 987.2. I think it is due to the cats (as you may know). The 987.1 has 2 cats in the exhaust and 2 in the headers. The Carnewal GT exhaust deletes the ones in the exhaust. The 987.2 has all 4 in the headers, that stay there when you install the Carnewal GT exhaust. I think 75% of the sound improvement on the 987.1 comes from the removal of the cats in the exhaust.

[@victorblick1318]

Great video. 👍

[@richarduk5373]

Very interesting and helpful. Thank you

[@StuartGreenBinkyBMF]

Thanks for a great video, very very detailed. I had almost given up on a replacement exhaust for the 987.2 as all the options were for the .1 version. Will check out Carnewal. Wonder if he does a drive over and swap out service from the UK :)

[@regamel]

Thanks Cliff for the insight. I am thinking the Soul Performance system since they are headquartered 30 mins away. But I appreciate your in-depth approach on the review.

[@CliffsGarage]

Make sure to check out my video on the Soul valved exhaust. I've been super-happy with it and highly recommend it. I also just installed their catless competition headers. They make the Cayman sound absolutely insane.

[@regamel]

@@CliffsGarage just watched it. I am so excited to get the Soul Performance Exhaust and headers installed.

[@luisnina1191]

I’m looking for an exhaust for my 987 and definitely this one won’t be the one to choose

[@justinfroehlich]

Let me know if you decide to go another exhaust route. I’m interested in your Carnewal setup. Great video. 👍🏻

[@CliffsGarage]

OK, I'll keep that in mind. I'm almost definitely going to change to a valved exhaust, I'd like it to sound more, in my wife's words, "obnoxious" :)

[@eds8633]

agree, sound is not a dramatic change from stock. $800 is a big $ for maybe 15-20% sound/tone increase.

[@stonethecrows5334]

I have a 987 S with Carnewal exhaust and NHP race headers, 997 GT3 throttle body and plenum. The sound is Fantastic. Very throaty and quite loud as the revs build. I'm yet to hear a better system.

[@natemallory9141]

Good video Cliff. As a fellow 987.2 owner I appreciate. I have a FabSpeed SuperCup Race and love it.

[@TheCj71984]

i guess they cut out the cat in side that part of the muffler . cliff what was the weight difference from the stock and the carnewal?

[@ReubenBrunson]

Hey Cliff, one more question if you don't mind. Since you are in the States, I was curious if there was any particular reason that you ordered directly from Carnewal rather than Cantrell Motorsport?

[@live1053]

Do you know what the torque spec is for the nuts/bolts at the cat?

[@Hakunamutata916]

Hi Cliff, I appreciate all of your work out into the videos. I have a question in regards to the PSE. I notice that you have the PSE, does the carnewall exhaust effect the on/off switch? I guess my question is, are you able to “quiet” the exhaust when the PSE button is on the off mode?

[@CliffsGarage]

Actually, I don't have the PSE. Not sure what led you to believe that. But, even if I did, the Carnewal would't interact with it at all. There is no way to alter its volume,.

[@VforVolusia]

Hey Cliff - how did you remove the snapped bolts? Two of mine sheared off too.

[@akgarage450]

Very informative, thank you. I didn’t however hear in the video (maybe I missed it), which stock exhaust did you have? The regular or the PSE - porsche sport exhaust?

[@CliffsGarage]

Plain stock, no PSE

[@akgarage450]

@@CliffsGarage thanks!

[@johnpoo1662]

Do you think the Fabspeed x-pipe wouldv'e been more flush with the car? Are the underhanging bolts visible when standing behind the car from a distance?

[@CliffsGarage]

I really don't know how the FabSpeed would fit. As for the bolts, I think you'd have to be so far away you wouldn't notice them anyways.

[@Carnewal]

You should have installed the GT exhaust with the 987-2 S tail pipe instead of that Chinese X-thing.

[@CliffsGarage]

Well, why don't you ship me one and I'll test it out :)

[@SoulPerformanceProducts]

Disappointing to hear you talk poorly about other brands.

[@MrScubajar]

I'm considering ordering your GT exhaust for my 987.1. Im in the states and I understand you have a shop representing your product/modification. Would I be better off to order thru you or the rep here in the states?

[@Pedro-cj7mg]

Carnewal are based in Belgium, not the Netherlands!

[@johnpoo1662]

Do the wheels have to be removed, or it just makes it easier?

[@CliffsGarage]

I suppose it would be possible to remove/install the exhaust without removing the wheels, but it would be tremendously more difficult or nearly impossible.

[@militia814]

It seriously only took Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to arrive?

[@ReubenBrunson]

Thanks Cliff for this detailed video! I am considering a similar, or maybe identical, set up on my 987.2 Boxster. I may start with the Carnewal and stock tail pipes first, or possibly use the Fabspeed x-pipe (maybe the polished version would be less likely to scuff?). So much of this car's character and charm come from the exhaust note. I recently rented a 981 with PSE and was sold on it! The 981 is definitely the more modern car, but there are things I prefer with the 981 (especially the price ;-). No wrong choice, they are both are exceptional and amazing cars! I'd be curious of the perspective of the PSE vs. Carnewal, if you or others have a point of reference...

[@CliffsGarage]

Good question! I should have made that clearer. I just sat at a dead stop with my foot on the brake, then removed it and stomped the accelerator. As for the tips, I think a polished/chrome finish may be more durable, but I really like the satin look. It also ties in with what I'm going to be doing on the rest of the car.

[@ReubenBrunson]

@@CliffsGarage Thanks for the clarification on your 0-60 test. That seems like the most logical way to keep things consistent, and those are still great 0-60 run times all things considered. I can definitely see a Dragy in my near future, so I'll try to be a good subscriber and remember to hit the link above... ;-) On another note (pun intended), has the sound of the exhaust changed or mellowed any since installation? I'm curious how this exhaust sounds day to day without valves to quiet it down. It seems like its a great solution to drive around quietly as long as the RPMs are low....