Porsche 992 Turbo S Performance Upgrades: The Definitive Stage 2 Recipe
2023 Porsche 992 Turbo S Performance Upgrades: The Definitive Stage 2 Recipe
The 992 Turbo S is an engineering marvel, but from the factory, it is suffocated by restrictive emissions equipment and a whisper-quiet exhaust note that fails to match its performance data.
The Short Answer (TL;DR)
To wake up the 2023 Porsche 992 Turbo S, you need a specific "Stage 2" combination: High-Flow Cats (Soul or Fabspeed) to reduce thermal stress, a Valved Exhaust system for tone, do88 Inlet Hoses for airflow, and an M-Engineering Tune. This setup pushes power to ~750whp and fixes the muted sound profile.
The Community Question
A forum member recently transitioned from a heavily modified 996 Turbo to a new 2023 992 Turbo S. While impressed with the stock performance, they found the car too quiet and sterile.
They specifically requested a modification path that provides a "Jekyll and Hyde" personality: calm and compliant in Normal mode for daily driving, but aggressive and rowdy with distinct turbo spool noises in Sport mode. The user asked for validation on mixing components from Fabspeed, Soul Performance, and M-Engineering.
The Mechanical Diagnosis: Why It's So Quiet
The factory 992 exhaust system is designed for global compliance, not excitement. It utilizes dense catalytic converters (and in some markets, particulate filters) that act as massive corks in the exhaust flow, killing turbo whistle and exhaust volume.
Additionally, Porsche programs the factory electronic exhaust valves to remain partially closed at low RPMs, even when the "Exhaust Button" is pressed. You don't get full flow until approximately 4,000 RPM. This creates a disconnect where the car feels fast but sounds like a vacuum cleaner at city speeds.
The Engineering Solution: De-restriction and Tuning
The solution involves three mechanical changes and one software change. First, swapping the factory cats for 200-cell HJS High Flow Cats drastically reduces backpressure, allowing the turbos to spool faster and louder.
Second, the factory plastic inlet hoses are prone to turbulent airflow; upgrading to do88 silicone or carbon inlets smooths the air path to the compressors. Finally, the M-Engineering tune is the glue that holds the build together.
Unlike a simple piggyback unit, this ECU flash reprograms the exhaust valve logic to open fully in Sport modes—eliminating the need for a separate valve controller—and suppresses the Check Engine Light (CEL) associated with high-flow cats.
Recommended Stage 2 Package: Soul Performance Sport Cats, Akrapovic or Soul Valved Exhaust, do88 Inlet Hoses, BMC Air Filters, and M-Engineering Tune.
Shop Porsche 911 Turbo S Upgrades Here
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate exhaust valve controller?
No. While the stock valve programming is annoying, the M-Engineering tune features a user-selectable option to force the valves 100% open in Sport/Sport+ modes. This is a cleaner solution than installing a third-party piggyback controller.
Will changing the catalytic converters cause a Check Engine Light?
Physically, yes, the rear O2 sensors will detect increased flow. However, the M-Engineering tune (and other reputable flash tunes) will suppress this specific code, keeping your dashboard clean while delivering maximum power.
