Specifications:
Brand Name: FLASHARK
Model: EH28905
Certificate: ISO9001:2000
Application: Automobile Exhaust Header
Material: Stainless Steel
Surface: Mirror Polish
Exhaust Header VS Manifold, which is the better choice?
The structural differences between exhaust headers and manifolds are the material and size. From the material, exhaust headers are made of lighter, thinner steel, while exhaust manifolds are made of thick iron. Exhaust headers are also longer than exhaust manifolds. When in use, exhaust manifolds create back pressure, which lowers performance. Because each cylinder of the engine is given its own tube, however, headers eliminate this problem; thus, allowing the gases to exit without the creation of back pressure. Therefore, exhaust headers are a BETTER choice than an exhaust manifold.
Replacing or upgrading your exhaust header is necessary for both engine performance and sound. Whether on or off the track, exhaust headers provide more horsepower and improved exhaust sound. FLASHARK offers many products to help you create your own custom engine headers. It's really easy and convenient to use: direct bolt-on, no modification needed.
Fitment & Compatibility
| Brand | Model | Year Range | Full Compatible Specs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porsche | Boxster | 1999-2008 | 986/987.1 Chassis; Base & S Trims; Factory-Equipped 2.5L/2.7L/3.2L/3.4L Flat-6 (H6) |
Q1: Will these LCM-104 exhaust headers fit my 1999-2008 Porsche 911 (996 & 997.1)?
A1: Yes, absolutely! These FLASHARK LCM-104 performance exhaust headers are specifically engineered for the 1999-2008 Porsche 911 (both 996 and 997.1 generations). They are a perfect, direct-fit upgrade for Carrera, Carrera 4, and Carrera 4S models with 3.4L, 3.6L, and 3.8L flat-six engines. (Please note: If you notice any description typos on this page mentioning the Boxster 986 chassis, please ignore them—the LCM-104 is dedicated exclusively to the Porsche 911 chassis for precise flange alignment and perfect underbody clearance).
Q2: What are the performance and horsepower gains of upgrading to FLASHARK Porsche 911 headers?
A2: By replacing your restrictive factory exhaust manifolds with FLASHARK’s equal-length headers, you can expect a realistic dyno-proven gain of 10 to 15 horsepower and a noticeable increase in mid-range torque (around 12-15 ft-lbs). The equal-length primary runners and F1-style 3-into-1 merge collectors optimize exhaust scavenging, allowing your flat-six engine to breathe much more freely and deliver significantly sharper throttle response.
Q3: What material is used for these Porsche 911 exhaust headers, and will they rust?
A3: These headers are constructed from premium, heavy-duty T304 stainless steel. Unlike cheaper alternative brands that use rust-prone 201 stainless or mild carbon steel flanges, FLASHARK headers feature 100% T304 stainless steel throughout—including the primary tubes, collectors, and CNC-machined mounting flanges. The 3-stage mirror-polished finish provides ultimate resistance to heat discoloration and rust, ensuring show-quality aesthetics and long-lasting durability.
Q4: Will installing these aftermarket headers trigger a Check Engine Light (CEL) on my Porsche 996 or 997?
A4: No, they will not! One of the biggest advantages of the 1999-2008 Porsche 911 (996 and 997.1) is that the factory catalytic converters are located downstream in the crossover mid-pipes, NOT inside the headers. Since these headers do not replace or modify your catalytic converters, installing them is 100% safe for your OBD-II system and will not trigger a CEL or cause any emissions fault codes.
Q5: Is this a direct bolt-on installation, or are custom modifications required?
A5: The FLASHARK LCM-104 headers are designed as a direct bolt-on replacement for your factory manifolds. There is absolutely no cutting, welding, or custom fabrication required. The flanges are CNC-machined and port-matched to line up perfectly with your stock cylinder head studs and downstream catalytic converter pipes. We include all necessary replacement gaskets and hardware in the package to make your DIY installation as smooth as possible.
Q6: Why are FLASHARK equal-length headers better than the OEM Porsche cast manifolds?
A6: Stock Porsche 911 manifolds are mass-produced cast units designed with short, uneven pathways that create excessive backpressure, trapping hot exhaust gases inside the cylinders. FLASHARK headers solve this with equal-length, mandrel-bent T304 tubes. The smooth 1-5/8" (42mm) primary pipes allow exhaust pulses from each cylinder to travel independently and merge seamlessly in the collector, eliminating backpressure and maximizing scavenging efficiency.
Q7: How will these headers affect the exhaust sound of my Porsche 911?
A7: You will love the tone! Installing these headers unleashes the iconic, raw Porsche flat-six wail. It adds a deeper, more muscular, and sportier exhaust note under acceleration without being obnoxious. Most importantly, when paired with your stock side mufflers and catalytic converters, they do not cause any drone inside the cabin during highway cruising, giving you the perfect balance of sound and comfort.
Q8: Does the package include gaskets and installation hardware?
A8: Yes, the FLASHARK LCM-104 kit comes complete with high-quality multi-layer steel (MLS) head gaskets and heavy-duty flange connection bolts. We highly recommend applying anti-seize compound to the threads during installation. *Pro-Tip:* Since older Porsche exhaust studs are notoriously prone to rusting and snapping, we highly advise spraying them with a high-quality penetrating oil (like WD-40 or PB Blaster) 24 hours before you begin the install.
Q9: Are these headers compatible with Porsche 911 Turbo, GT2, or GT3 models?
A9: No, these headers are designed strictly for naturally aspirated (N/A) Porsche 911 models. They will NOT fit Turbo, GT2, or GT3 models due to different exhaust port configurations, turbocharger mounting setups, or chassis differences. They are perfectly compatible with 1999-2004 Carrera (996) 3.4L/3.6L and 2005-2008 Carrera/Carrera S (997.1) 3.6L/3.8L models.
Q10: How does FLASHARK offer premium stainless steel headers at such an affordable price?
A10: At FLASHARK, we manufacture our performance exhaust components in-house and sell directly to car enthusiasts, eliminating expensive middleman distributor markups. While boutique brands charge over $1,500 for similar headers, our lean production and direct-to-consumer model allow us to offer the same T304 stainless steel construction, precision TIG welding, and dyno-proven power gains at a fraction of the cost.
Q11: Do I need to get a custom ECU tune after installing these headers?
A11: A custom ECU tune is NOT required. Your Porsche’s factory DME (ECU) is highly adaptive and will automatically adjust its fuel trim and timing maps to optimize performance based on the improved exhaust flow. However, if you already have other modifications like a high-flow intake and sport cats, a custom tune can help unlock even more horsepower from your setup.
Q12: Will these headers pass my local emissions and smog checks?
A12: Yes, in most states and regions, these headers will easily pass tailpipe emissions and OBD-II smog checks because they do not alter or delete your vehicle’s factory catalytic converters. However, because they are aftermarket performance headers, we recommend checking your local state regulations regarding visual inspection compliance (such as CARB regulations in California) before purchasing.