Does SOUL Performance make competition headers for the 981?

Yes. The SOUL Performance 981 Competition Headers is built by SOUL Performance for the 981 Porsche Boxster / Cayman.

Which models does this fit?

The Competition Headers is engineered for the 981 Porsche Boxster / Cayman. Fitment is specific to the chassis and model years listed in the Applications section above.

How does it change the sound?

SOUL engineers the Competition Headers to sharpen tone and character while controlling unwanted resonance. The final sound depends on the rest of your setup.

Is an ECU tune required?

A tune is not required to fit the Competition Headers. Many owners add a tune to maximize the gains.

How is it constructed?

SOUL builds the Competition Headers from durable mandrel-bent stainless steel with precise, fixture-tested fitment.

Is professional installation recommended?

Yes. We recommend installing the Competition Headers through a qualified technician to ensure correct fitment and a proper seal.

Description

Additional Info

Shipping policy

BP PRICING DIFFERENCE

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Description

SOUL Performance Competition Headers for 981 Porsche Boxster / Cayman

The SOUL Competition Headers for the Porsche 981 Boxster/Cayman are designed to replace the heavy, restrictive factory manifolds with a freer-flowing, race-inspired setup that delivers stronger response, lower operating temperatures, and a more aggressive flat-six tone. Engineered specifically for the 981 platform, the headers use properly sized 2-inch runners and optimized collectors to extract maximum power from the 3.4L engine while still producing meaningful gains on the 2.7L as well. Constructed from 14-16ga T304L stainless steel with port-matched flanges and smooth-radius primary tubing, each set is quality-checked for precise fitment, includes new high-grade hardware, and bolts on with included instructions. Expect notable weight savings (approximately 11 lb) and substantial performance potential – SOUL cites testing that showed gains of 26 whp and 24 ft-lbs of torque on a modified 981 Cayman S when the headers were added to an existing setup. Note that these are race and may trigger a check engine light, with optional O2 spacers available, and they are intended for race use only due to removal of the factory catalytic converters.

Development

SOUL Performance developed a dedicated 981-specific header design, focusing on properly sized 2-inch runners and optimized collectors to extract maximum power from the 3.4L engine while still producing strong gains on the 2.7L as well, and dyno testing supports the results: a 981 Cayman S equipped with a SOUL Valved Exhaust, intake, and ECU tune added SOUL Competition Headers along with an IPD plenum and GT3 throttle body for comparison, and when the average-performing runs from each session were compared, the setup showed gains of 26 whp and 24 ft-lbs of torque.

Construction

SOUL Performance precision-engineered headers are meticulously fabricated from T304L stainless steel and incorporate proven design elements such as port-matched flanges, smooth-radius primary tubing, and optimized collectors that work together to improve exhaust flow and maximize power gains. Every set is rigorously quality-checked prior to shipping. Each system is also constructed from mandrel-bent T304L stainless steel tubing and includes mufflers with fortified casings to enhance long-term durability.

Bolt On and Go

Each SOUL Performance exhaust is test-fit in a dedicated fixture to verify proper fitment, then foam packed to help ensure it arrives in perfect condition. Detailed installation instructions are included for a straightforward install that most DIY enthusiasts can complete. Valve operation is controlled through the factory valve button, SOUL’s valve controller fobs, and is compatible with HomeLink.

Features

981-specific design with 2-inch runners and optimized collectors
Freer-flowing, race-inspired headers for sharper response and a more aggressive tone
T304L stainless construction with port-matched flanges and smooth-radius primaries
Ultra lightweight and durable

Applications

Porsche Boxster: 981 | 2012-2016 | 2.7L F6
Porsche Boxster S: 981 | 2012-2016 | 3.4L F6
Porsche Cayman: 981 | 2013-2016 | 2.7L F6
Porsche Cayman S: 981 | 2013-2016 | 3.4L F6

Notes

For race use only

Frequently Asked Questions

Does SOUL Performance make competition headers for the 981? Yes. The SOUL Performance 981 Competition Headers is built by SOUL Performance for the 981 Porsche Boxster / Cayman.
Which models does this fit? The Competition Headers is engineered for the 981 Porsche Boxster / Cayman. Fitment is specific to the chassis and model years listed in the Applications section above.
How does it change the sound? SOUL engineers the Competition Headers to sharpen tone and character while controlling unwanted resonance. The final sound depends on the rest of your setup.
Is an ECU tune required? A tune is not required to fit the Competition Headers. Many owners add a tune to maximize the gains.
How is it constructed? SOUL builds the Competition Headers from durable mandrel-bent stainless steel with precise, fixture-tested fitment.
Is professional installation recommended? Yes. We recommend installing the Competition Headers through a qualified technician to ensure correct fitment and a proper seal.

About SOUL Performance

SOUL Performance Products was founded by a group of automotive enthusiasts with deep industry experience and a commitment to doing right by their customers. Their mission is to deliver outstanding performance parts at fair pricing, backed by quality service and one of the best warranties in the industry. SOUL develops high-performance exhaust systems and components that are engineered for exceptional sound and proven performance, with products ready to ship quickly worldwide. Guided by core values of honesty, transparency, and passion for cars, they build strong community connections and prioritize customer satisfaction at every step. Operating out of a dedicated facility in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, SOUL combines hands-on research, engineering, and manufacturing expertise to create parts that meet and exceed the demands of serious enthusiasts.

Additional Information

The Bulletproof Automotive website contains many thousands of products purchased in multiple different currencies. All of the prices are entered manually and accurately at the time of entry. Due to the consistently fluctuating international exchange rates, at times prices may not be able to be honored at their original intended rate. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, unfortunately our website is unable to compensate dynamically for what can at times be volatile changes in the cost of items due to currency values fluctuating, changes in prices from suppliers, changes in shipping and import duties, and other factors. Rest assured that any order you place on line will be at zero risk to you in this area. If in the event your order cannot be fulfilled at the original intended website price we will offer you a 100% refund, no questions asked. We will continue to do our best to maintain updated prices and we will always continue to offer our price match guarantees as well to ensure our prices are always the best for you. In short, prices may change without notice. It is always advised to give us a call prior to placing your order online to confirm availability and to confirm current pricing.

Shipping Policy

Items that are in stock in the US, either at Bulletproof’s warehouse or at a supplier’s warehouse, are generally delivered within 7-10 days. Special order items from overseas take considerably longer. As a courtesy Bulletproof offers delivery estimates to our customers which take into consideration manufacturer availability and shipping schedule. These estimates represent our best guess based on previous orders from the manufacturer and do not in any way imply a guaranteed delivery window. Many manufacturers work in a “just in time” inventory system and often take 2-20+ weeks to produce an item once an order is submitted. All deliverable items are then sent to our Japanese warehouse. Bulletproof ships a minimum of one full ocean freight container every month from Japan, oftentimes more than one a month. Ocean freight takes an average of 4 weeks. Typically it breaks down to one week in Japan for paperwork and customs, two weeks by boat and one week in US customs/clearance. Due to the wide number of variables between manufacturer and shipping schedules, delivery estimates are simply just that – estimates. We attempt to estimate conservatively and we usually deliver faster than our estimates suggest. It is not Bulletproof’s policy to guarantee delivery time of any special order item, this is impossible for us to do. By ordering you acknowledge that there is no required delivery ETA and an order may not be canceled or altered due to manufacturing or shipping delays, all ETA’s are provided as a best guess only. Please review the full Terms & Conditions here.

BP Pricing Difference

We do pricing a little differently on our JDM brands and we believe in making things simple and clear. No hidden fees or surcharges. Every price you see includes the shipping cost to our office in Los Angeles, California and all the associated taxes/duties/fees for bringing the products into the US. The only shipping you ever pay is from our facility in the US to your location. Be wary of resellers that don’t include the cost of international shipping in their pricing on JDM parts. While we believe we’ll always have the lowest all-in price on JDM products, we offer a price match guarantee for all authentic parts purchased from authorized dealers as well. For many international customers, it’s much more affordable to ship from the USA than from Japan directly, as the air freight and ocean freight costs are typically much less. However, for customers looking to ship directly from Japan outside of North America, or domestically in Japan, we can provide pricing specifically for that scenario. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any pricing questions or concerns. Please email us at sales@bulletproofautomotive.com with any inquiries.

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SOUL Performance Competition Headers for 981 Porsche Boxster / Cayman [POR.981.COH/POR.981.COHO2]

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SOUL Performance Competition Headers for 981 Porsche Boxster / Cayman

Development

Construction

Bolt On and Go

Features

Applications

Notes

Frequently Asked Questions

About SOUL Performance

Reviews