FAQs

Company

• Do you participate in any racing events / track days?

  Absolutely, we are avid and well rounded motorsports enthusiasts. Our team members have experience in a variety of motorsports activities, some of which have been nationally ranked in Spec 944 and Shifter Kart racing. We have a team member currently competing in AER and Lemons endurance racing, and schedules 40+ days at various Motorsports events every season.

  Our marketing manager has over a decade of experience covering track events from grassroots drifting to professional rally racing as a published photographer. SOUL also sponsors and helps run the novice program for the private track group TrackXperienz in the NY/NJ/PA area at tracks such at New Jersey Motorsports Park and New York Safety Track. We have a PCA trained National Instructor that volunteers at all of Riesentoter PCA’s track events to work with new and improving drivers in the club. To fill in the blanks, we also enjoy autocrossing, drag racing, karting, and wrenching on our cars ourselves.

• Why do you show dyno results from independent / third parties?

  We believe in real, repeatable results. We do not manufacturer numbers or dyno charts to mislead or inflate advertised performance gains – when you think about it, what’s stopping anyone from doing that? While we often incorporate dynos into our development process, we like to show results from third parties that are authentic and realistic numbers you could get if you were to dyno your own car at a shop. Interested in helping us get more results on your own car? Let’s chat about incentivizing you to do so, the community can always benefit from more information.

• What is your warranty policy?

  From day one we’ve had an industry leading Lifetime Warranty for original owners on all of our exhaust components. The HJS catalytic converters have a 3 year warranty and we will replace them once at our cost as long as no leaded / race fuel is used or no physical damage is present. We approach warranty issues with a very open and friendly mindset, we’ll make sure you are taken care of. You can read all the details on our warranty here.

• What project cars have you built?

  • 987.2 Cayman R which is being built up for track duty
  • 987.2 Cayman S which enthusiastically sees daily driven street action
  • 83′ 944 cup car build. full cage suspension etc
  • Several 944 street cars
  • 1990 Miata with homemade GT2560R turbo setup so clean you could eat off it
  • Integra GSR, Honda CRX Si with B16A swap and all the mods during the Fast and Furious days when that was acceptable
  • 98′ Camaro with built LS7, amazing suspension setup – class winner in autocross
  • E46 M3 – oh how we miss it
  • 94′ White Performance 700 hp SBC Camaro drag car
  • 1 Rabbit, 2 Beetles, 4 Jettas, 5 GTI
  • Subaru BRZ, WRX, Legacy – all with intact pistons and transmissions
  • 80′ Jaguar XJ6 with 350 swap

• What does it mean when you say you foam pack your exhausts?

  The foam packing process involves two different chemicals being injected into a bag. When mixed, these chemicals turn to foam and expand. When packing, we place our components into an appropriately sized box and surround them with the bags to support and lock each part into place so that they do not touch and have adequate protection during shipping. The foam offers strong resistance to crushing or puncturing during transit. It’s very important to us that we take every precaution to have your exhaust components arrive in perfect condition.

• Do you have a fitment guarantee?

  We don’t have a company policy guaranteeing fitment. We design and build our systems using thick, high grade aluminum fixtures to ensure the best proper fitment. We do everything we can on our end to make sure our components fit. If there is ever an issue, we will work with you with the utmost courtesy and speed to establish what is causing the fitment issue – and we mean it. We’ve seen scenarios such as parts installed incorrectly, alignment issues due to other existing components being tweaked, and some of our customers have found damage to their vehicles that they didn’t even know about which are causing the issues. Long story short, we don’t have a blanket one size all policy to cover fitment, but we will go out of our way to rectify any scenario caused by us at our cost to ensure you are made right. Worried about having an issue? Don’t be, our customer service is our right to exist. Having an issue? Call / email / or chat us and let’s get started on sorting out why.

• Why don't you build product X out of titanium too?

  Titanium is incredibly light weighing in at almost 45% less than stainless steel and also looks fantastic as it turns colors when ran hot, but it also has limitations. Titanium exhausts usually have thinner walls than stainless steel which can lend a more aggressive, metallic note which in some cases is not desirable. Titanium is also around three times as expensive which can move it out of most people’s considerable price range. Titanium systems that are constructed of pie cuts (small pieces welded together instead of bends) have many welds and consequently heat affected zones which if not done properly could all be potential points for failure. We offer titanium very strategically on some of our higher end exhausts where performance and lightness can be gained and the price point is justifiable for the class of vehicle.

• Will you build me a one-off exhaust?

  Thank you for thinking of us! This would be difficult for us as we are primarily focused on the production of our existing products which we try to keep in stock whenever possible and developing new products as part of our R&D schedule. Building a one off exhaust would take a lot of time from the R&D team to evaluate and produce a top quality exhaust for your vehicle and we prefer to do nothing less. Understandably this would put quite a damper on our production process and would be very expensive given the time and labor necessary. We invite you to send a proposal to info@soulpp.com for consideration from the R&D team and if it’s a project we approach in the future we would be happy to work with you.

• Do you warranty your systems for track use?

  ot only do we warranty for track use – we encourage it under our Lifetime Warranty! The exception to this is components with catalytic converters – they are covered for up to 3 years as long as physical damage does not occur or leaded gas/race gas/additives are not used. We build our systems for longevity and to withstand the abuse of track conditions but catalytic converters do have their limitations. We generally recommend choosing catless components for vehicles that will be extensively tracked due to the sustained high heat conditions that will wear any catalytic converter regardless of make – aftermarket or OEM alike. If you ever have any issues that occur, we stand by our product and service and will make you right with minimal hassle, and fast.

• How does your experience compare to that of companies that have been around for over 20 years?

  The 1901 Curved Dash Oldsmobile was the first mass produced vehicle in the US. Should Henry Ford have bothered if someone else was already doing it? Competition is good for everyone. It drives companies to build better products and mind pricing. Potential buyers have more options to choose from when it comes to what they value – be it customer service, pricing, or what have you. The first is not always the best – we’d be happier coming in late with the best designed product any day – and that’s why we are here for you. We look at what is currently out there and how we can operate in a way that it matters to YOU. We’re always looking to incorporate new technology and find places in the market where a new exhaust solution could do well. How far can we push drone fighting technology? What other companies can we work with to get the best possible fitment and performance? How can we offer customization to enrich the experience for our customers? We’re lean, agile, and with our broad network SOUL is able to develop unique exhaust solutions at the best possible pricing. We’ve worked in the automotive industry cumulatively for decades as well. We’ve been racing our cars, that we built ourselves. We’re at the meets on the weekends and researching late at night. We’d love to chat with you to give you the true SOUL experience.

• Do you have any dealers and recommended installers near me?

  Our dealer network is always growing and we’re constantly adding new dealers and installers to our Dealer Locator map. If we don’t have a solution near you, please contact us and we will assist you in finding a suitable dealer and or installer for your modifications.

• What are your hours? Are you open on weekends?

  Our posted hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM eastern time. That said, we’re often in early, usually stay late, and can be available on weekends with advance notice. If you need after hours help, we are sometimes able to remotely answer incoming phone calls and we also respond on the forums and Instagram promptly.

• Can I pick up exhaust parts from you?

  Yes you can. We highly recommend calling before visiting to make sure we have that particular component / configuration ready to go. We keep some components built but not 100% finished until receiving your order request. Some systems – like our titanium exhausts – are built to order and are usually marked as such on the website. You are able to examine different tip finishes and styles in person to place the ideal order for you to be received at a later date as well.

• Do you do tours of your facility?

  We can. We ask that you contact us to schedule a visit if possible as we’re often very busy and the fabrication team needs to be aware of anyone entering the production area.

Customization

• What are your customization options?

  We can do custom logos – or no logo. We’re partnered with Jet-Hot to ceramic coat your parts for high heat protection. We can also PVD coat your tips any number of colors for a unique look. The length of tips is adjustable – and we can even build custom tips from scratch for you. Thinking outside of the box but don’t see what you want listed in this one? Contact us to discuss your ideas!

• Can you do custom logos on the exhaust tips or exhaust?

  We sure can – after all it’s your exhaust! Logos need to be one color and have lines thick enough to withstand the process. We charge a $50 artwork, setup, and customization fee for custom logos which covers our time setting up the logo artwork, preparing for application, and the actual application process. Logos will show up with a polished / black chrome like finish depending on the top coat. If you have more questions or want to order your exhaust with custom logos, please contact us!

Porsche

• How To Pair SOUL Valve Controllers to HomeLink

  Steps to Pair Valve Controllers to HomeLink:

  1. Clear HomeLink Memory: Start with the car in ignition/on mode. Press and hold the two outside HomeLink buttons (1 and 3) on your mirror or overhead console for 15–20 seconds until the indicator light flashes, then release.
  2. Pair the First Function (e.g., Open Valves): Press and hold your preferred HomeLink button (1, 2, or 3).
  3. Activate the Remote: Simultaneously press and hold the button on your valve controller remote.
  4. Confirm Pairing: Continue holding both buttons until the HomeLink indicator light changes from a slow flash to a solid light or rapid flash. For some vehicles (like Porsche), the turn signals will flash three times to confirm, or the HomeLink light will turn green.
  5. Pair the Second Function (e.g., Close Valves): Repeat the steps above using a different HomeLink button for the opposing valve function.

  Key Tips and Troubleshooting:

  • Range: Keep the valve remote fob very close to the HomeLink buttons during the pairing process.
  • Car-Specific Differences: Some vehicles, like Porsches, require you to perform the pairing steps while standing in front of the car’s bumper (where the antenna is) after initiating the process in the car.
  • Reprogramming: If you have trouble, try clearing the memory (step 1) again and ensure you don’t long-press the buttons after the first one is already set, or you may erase it.

• Is there an easy way to reduce drone in my 718 GT4 / Spyder / GTS?

  Yes, actually, there is! You can quickly cap off your sound symposer – a built in system which pipes engine sound into your car. When running aftermarket exhaust components you may find you no longer desire this effect. We sell a sound symposer cap kit which can be installed in around an hour and is easily reversible.

• How are you involved in the Porsche community?

  We are first and foremost Porsche owners and enthusiasts. You will see across various social media outlets that we chime in on a consistent basis not to sell, but to educate and be active members of the community. We have even started a Facebook group called Porsche Performance/Modifications to bring together key players and enthusiasts in the industry to openly crowd source information for maximizing the driving experience. We support our local Porsche dealerships such as Porsche Conshohocken and Porsche of the Mainline, sending customers their way and attend their social events. Starting in 2020 we will be an annual sponsor for the Smokies GT event benefiting The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. SOUL is an annual sponsor for PCA’s Hershey Swap Meet, the largest in the world. Our local Reisentoter region Porsche Club of America is very important to us. We aim every year to attend all of their events, especially their charity drives – the largest of which is the Phil-A-Frunk event in conjunction with WMMR’s Campout for Hunger. We also have a PCA trained National Instructor that volunteers at all of Riesentoter’s track events to work with new and improving drivers in the club. This same team member volunteers as an instructor with PCA to help teach teenagers hands on car control and handling in real world situations, as part of the Street Survival program. Every year we aim to give back more and more to the Porsche community, and welcome any proposals to do so!

• How do your bolt in X-pipes for Porsches compare to factory? Do cast X's flow worse than stock or the competition?

  We guarantee you no flow data exists which can substantiate said misleading claims. Our cast X-pipe allows for a smooth transition into and out of the X section. The casting of the interior is also smooth, without any protrusions from welds. A proper back purged weld with full penetration will most likely have some material on the backside in the X. Non-cast designs can and have failed at this point due to stress and possibly lack of proper welding techniques. We’ve made a very conscious decision to offer the most durable X solution possible with our customers in mind. To be realistic, the effects of any x-pipe would be small to where any power gains or losses would not be felt. You can expect a smoother exhaust note and we have a wealth of tip options with customization available to have your tips built exactly how you see fit.

• Should I upgrade the center muffler or side mufflers on my GT3?

  Depends on your goals! We’ve outlined all of the differences in this blog post to help you make a decision. If that doesn’t clear it up, call us to chat! We have extensive professional experience building GT3 cars for both street and track use and we are well qualified to answer all of your questions.

TECHNICAL

• Will exhaust mods void my warranty?

  There is no yes and no answer to this question. There are dealerships that will not touch or support anything that doesn’t have an OEM part number on it. There are dealerships that purchase, sell, and install all manner of aftermarket products (including SOUL exhaust systems) and even have their own dedicated performance departments. What you will experience at your dealership will vary, and US dealerships have been found to be much more friendly than European dealerships. At the end of the day, it is up to the discretion of your dealership to take the necessary steps to ensure submitting a warranty claim in a way that will be accepted by the OE company. You can absolutely have aftermarket components on your car and still have your warranty intact and used without issue. This requires proper communication with your service manager and their willingness to accommodate any steps needed to fulfill the warranty requirements. If you would like to discuss this in more depth and/or have us contact your dealership to discuss an exhaust upgrade, please give us a call.

• Do I need an ECU tune for my exhaust mods?

  This can vary from car to car and product to product. Modern ECUs are incredibly advanced and make the necessary adjustments automatically for proper drivability. As a rule of thumb, none of our catback exhaust systems require an ECU tune, and none of our exhaust products that include our HJS 200 cell catalytic converters require an ECU tune. It is only when you delete the catalytic converters that you enter a scenario where you could consider an ECU tune “required.” When running catless, an ECU tune is required to conclusively prevent a check engine light from coming on. Running catless without an ECU tune on most modern cars has shown to still maintain proper drivability. An exception to this is the 718 generation Boxster/Cayman and McLarens, which running catless on requires a tune to prevent boost spiking/surging under hard acceleration. That said, an ECU tune is required to maximize the performance potential of any given vehicle and exhaust combination. If you would like to review ECU tuning for your specific vehicle and upgrades, please give us a call.

• What is PVD coating and why do you use it for your tips?

  Physical vapor deposition is the process of vaporizing metal in a high vacuum environment and depositing it on electrically conductive materials yielding a microns thick finish with a very durable bond. Powder coating would not suffice as it is not able to withstand the heat of an exhaust system nor does it adhere well to hard edges where it can crack. Ceramic coating will offer heat protection, but is much thicker and does not look uniform in appearance. We use PVD coating due to the high quality of the finish not only in terms of appearance but durability as well.

• What does it mean that some of your components are made in an ISO 9001 certified facility?

  Sometimes it makes sense to externally source the best possible solution for an individual component that we need for manufacturing. ISO certification is reflected in the quality of the individual components. More specifically, this means we ensure mandrel bent pipes and flanges are produced to the strictest tolerances with highly calibrated machines by highly trained professionals. The end result is the best possible fitment.

• Will my dealership install your parts?

  When in doubt, ask your dealership! We have some dealerships that will sell and install our parts. Some will not. Every dealership is different and we encourage you not to leave it up to chance or someone’s opinion – speak to your dealership(s) before proceeding with any modifications if you are still under warranty.

• What is the finish on your exhausts?

  SOUL uses a proprietary blend of premium blasting media that was specifically arrived on after much testing to get the look that you see on our systems today. This finish is called “Signature Satin.” Benefits of bead blasting include: helping fabricators ensure welding surfaces are free of contaminants; revealing imperfections in the welding process; being environmentally friendly; yielding a uniform, desirable finish that can be refreshed at any time; and allowing for custom logos. Signature Satin is our signature that every SOUL exhaust component has been thoroughly inspected and finished to our high standards.

• How does a valve controller work?

  Our valve controller kits need a 12v source of power and a ground wired up to the control unit to operate. A third wire coming off of the control unit acts as the antenna. An included cable runs from the control unit to a solenoid to supply a signal. When the key fob is pressed, it sends a signal to the control unit, which determines if the solenoid is open or closed. The valve actuator / diaphragm will allow the valve to open or close depending on if there is a vacuum or not. The SOUL valve controller fobs can also be paired with your factory garage door opener buttons, or HomeLink on your Porsche.

• Why don't you have decibel readings for your products?

  Short of measuring in a soundproofed, climate controlled environment it is impossible to have a standardized dB reading for vehicles – but even then the results would vary in the real world. There are many conditions which affect sound: distance, measuring angle, weather, sensitivity of the testing device, other sources emitting noise, and even reflection from the environment nearby. If you’re worried about sound levels and/or passing sound restrictions at the track, give us a call to discuss your unique situation.

• Are your parts legal in California?

  Replacing your tips is a safe bet – anything else can get complicated. The sale and installation of an aftermarket exhaust system remains legal in California so long as it does not exceed a sound level of 95 decibels when tested under SAE J1492 and complies with all other exhaust and safety laws. Modifications with a CARB EO number/sticker are considered approved by CARB and will pass a smog check. Legally, you will not be able to delete your catalytic converters on a vehicle designed for road use.

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• How much do HJS cats flow compared to a straight pipe?

  Without flow data it’s impossible to make a valid claim. HJS cats do offer industry leading flow without triggering a check engine light due to the high amount of precious metals that perform the job of catalyzation. HJS claims a 60% reduction in exhaust back pressure.

• What's the best way to clean my exhaust?

  We highly recommend rinsing your exhaust with water every time you wash your car to remove contaminants, road grime, and salt. Salt is very corrosive and can cause surface rust if left on your exhaust, suspension, and other components. If you’re going through an automatic car wash, definitely consider an option that washes your undercarriage! To maintain the tips, we recommend non-aggressive cleaners without any type of grit to leave the finish intact. Wash your tips every time you wash your car.

• What does it mean to back purge a weld and why does it matter to me?

  Ensuring proper penetration and proper welding is crucial to ensure the longevity of exhaust components that are welded together. Purging the metal of oxygen with an inert shielding gas can keep the weld fully protected from oxidation that could lead to corrosion. The formation of oxides usually results in black “sugaring” on the back side of the weld. We seal any openings on the component we are welding and introduce a pinhole on one side to allow air to flow out and Argon to flow in from a cap on the other side. This process, combined with skilled fabricators, results in the most durable welds on your product, minimizing any chance of exhaust cracks or failures.

• What is a helmholtz resonator and how do they work?

  Helmholtz resonators (also known as anti-drone tubes) are an effective way to reduce undesirable frequencies at a targeted point in the RPM range when engineered and utilized correctly. Through calculations on factors such as number of cylinders, target RPM, and other factors you can determine the appropriate volume necessary to create the Helmholtz resonator. These “anti-drone tubes” can effectively reduce drone at a certain frequency without reducing desirable tone or volume like a muffler. The only downside is the added weight and reduction in space in which to craft the exhaust system itself, but the pros far outweigh the cons.

TROUBLESHOOTING

• I'm Missing Parts From My Multi-Part Order

  SOUL will frequently ship some components before others if it makes logistical sense. While an exhaust may take time to build, often we will ship out any additional third party components separately – sometimes directly from the manufacturer or other warehouse. If you’ve received non-exhaust related components prior to your exhaust, we’re just doing our best to get you everything as quickly as possible. Stay tuned for an additional tracking number when your other components ship! Need to check in on when your other components are coming? Please contact us for an ETA.

• I'm Missing Hardware / Gaskets / Etc From My Order

  SOUL foam packs our exhaust systems to prevent components from shifting around during transit and reduce the chance of damage to the box(es). We commonly place clamps, gaskets, and bags of hardware nestled securely into the foam for safe keeping. Please thoroughly cross reference the included ship sheet of components then check the entirety of the package and foam prior to throwing out the box. If anything is still missing after checking, please reach out to our team for assistance.