The Best Porsche 718 GTS | GT4 Exhaust Upgrades Explained...

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about upgrading the exhaust system on the 718 GT4 and GTS.

With our demo GT4 and extensive experience working with renowned brands and customers, we’ve curated a selection of finely balanced exhaust system upgrades. Tailored to suit various budgets and sound preferences, we’ve got the insights you need to make the right choice for your Porsche 718.

How can your Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 | GTS exhaust be modified?

This question is highly subjective. The exhaust system on the Porsche 718 4.0, featured in the Cayman GT4, GTS, Boxster GTS, and Spyder, often sparks debate among new owners. Especially those who previously owned the earlier 981 GT4. The introduction of a gasoline particulate filter (GPF), positioned between the exhaust manifolds and the cat-back exhaust, significantly muffles the iconic flat-six roar that Porsche enthusiasts cherish.

Porsche tried to enhance the sound with the back box on the 718 Cayman GT4’s exhaust. This design was later adopted across other models. However, the combination of the legislated GPF and a heavily silenced rear exhaust box severely limits the ability to recreate the signature exhaust note.

The subdued sound profile is the main reason many owners opt for a 718 GT4 exhaust upgrade.

Below, we will outline the options for upgrading the Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster exhaust, arranged by budget.

Cargraphic 718 GTS | GT4 Exhaust Controller

Prices from £330

This innovative product from Cargraphic gives users complete control over the exhaust valves on the 718 4.0L exhaust system. In stock configuration, Porsche sets the exhaust valves to fully open only after 3,700 RPM. With the Cargraphic exhaust valve controller, you can override this. This enables the valves to remain permanently open in sport modes, at the push of a button.

There are two options for the Cargraphic controller:

1. Two-Mode Controller: Offers fully open valves or a factory setting when switched off.
2. Three-Mode Controller: Provides factory control, permanently closed valves, or permanently open valves.

Those with basic technical knowledge can complete the installation as a DIY project. Alternatively, we offer a professional installation service at our Porsche workshop in Yorkshire.

Porsche 718 Over Axle Pipes

Prices from £900 to £2,795

The primary limiting factor of the 718 Cayman GTS, GT4, or Spyder exhaust system is the standard PPF/GPF filter. Introduced to meet legislative requirements, this filter functions similarly to a diesel particulate filter (DPF), repurposed for petrol engines. The honeycomb material inside is designed to filter emissions. It also creates significant restrictions on both performance and sound.

Replacing the GPF with GT4 GTS over-axle pipes eliminates the muffled factory noise while delivering noticeable performance gains.

To properly utilise OPF delete pipes on your Porsche 718, an ECU remap is essential. This prevents any MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) lights from appearing on the dashboard. If chosen, this can also enhance performance further—achieving outputs of up to 450bhp.

We offer a range of high-quality options from trusted manufacturers, including Akrapovič, JCR Exhaust, Brooke Race Exhausts, and many more. vary depending on the material used, as does the resulting sound profile.

This product offers the most cost-effective solution to increase noise and power.

*FOR OFF-ROAD USE ONLY

Porsche 718 Cayman 4.0l | Boxster Manifolds

Prices From £500 to £6,000

Stock Porsche exhaust manifolds across all models are renowned for their restrictive design. Upgrading to a performance set of headers improves exhaust gas flow. This improves power output while also slightly increasing volume, even when used with a stock OPF. When combined with upgraded over-axle pipes, the result is a significantly enhanced GTS or GT4 exhaust sound.

The price range for Porsche headers varies considerably depending on the material. With options ranging from basic stainless steel, to high-performance race-grade Inconel.

For those aiming to achieve the supercar howl, we recommend a full Inconel exhaust system.

Installing race manifolds alone does not require an engine remap. However, pairing them with over-axle pipes will necessitate one.

This not only eliminates MIL lights but also boosts performance to an impressive 460bhp.

Porsche 718 GT4 | GTS Cat Back Exhaust Systems

Prices From £2,500 to £7,500

In our opinion, this is where investing wisely makes a real difference. For those looking to enhance the sound of the standard 718 GTS or GT4 exhaust, upgrading the OPF-back portion of the system is often a popular choice. While it’s a straightforward approach, it’s not always the most effective or cost-efficient solution.

The stock OPF-back system from Porsche has been fine-tuned by the factory to improve the exhaust tone despite the presence of the OPF filter. With this in mind, we strongly recommend investing in an Inconel or Titanium aftermarket exhaust system.

A stainless steel option is available and does provide a volume increase. It tends to produce a dull tone, largely because of the removal of the silencers. Most stainless systems feature a straight-through design when the valves are open, resulting in a louder but less refined sound.

Opting for a Titanium or Inconel exhaust system for your GT4 or GTS 4.0L provides a noticeable boost in volume. Additionally, delivers a much more refined and superior exhaust tone compared to the factory setup. Additionally, these materials provide considerable weight savings.

Inconel is the most robust material used in high-end exhaust systems, closely followed by Titanium. Inconel’s exceptional strength allows for thinner wall sections. Making it a highly sought-after material in motorsports, from Formula 1 to other racing disciplines. Lightweight, durable, and capable of producing a distinctive exhaust note, Inconel is a top choice for performance enthusiasts.

Conclusion:

The most budget-friendly way to amplify the exhaust sound of your Porsche 718 GT4 or GTS 4.0L? We recommend stainless steel over-axle pipes combined with an engine remap. (Please note that this setup serves for off-road use only.)

For a road-legal option with a distinctive and high-quality exhaust sound, we recommend choosing a Titanium or Inconel OPF-back exhaust system. We supply and install systems from renowned brands such as JCR Exhaust, BC Fabs, Brooke Race Exhausts, and Akrapovič.

For installation, our bespoke independent Porsche workshop, located just outside Leeds, West Yorkshire. Our team of specialist technicians are fully equipped to handle your Porsche 718 GTS or GT4 exhaust upgrade.