AWE Rear Quad Valence Installed...

[Highlander1010]

So this process didn't actually go as intended, but the end result is still pretty good.

First off, don't try to mess with plastic (bumper) or fiberglass (AWE valence) parts when it is below freezing out. You're bound to (a) freeze your butt off and (b) break a few clips (which I did).

When I started, my rear valence was a "modification" of my existing dual exit to take in my APR Quads I put in this summer. That looked something like this (meh):


I followed dkky996's bumper removal instructions because I could see that there was no way to get the valence off without taking the bumper off:
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...Bumper-Valence

Mid-way through, here's 2 comparison shots:





The end result should look similar to many folks on the 'zine:




Due to it being cold, the install took about 4 hrs. If it wasn't so cold, it probably would have been 2 hrs.

I'd rate the AWE part quality as a 2 out of 5 in terms of line-up and ease of install into the OEM bumper. The part is also pretty brittle, especially when cold. That's not really a good thing and likely a poor material choice by AWE. But for $180, I suppose I got what I paid for.

Overall, I'm much happier than my "modified" stock rear valence, but this part is not a "keeper." I have a few more performance mods to go, then I'll come back to this one and replace with something more in the "Blake Approved" range.

[tenfour]

Still looks good nonetheless. 180 is a steal of a price. By your review, I am wondering about the durability.

[a4magnet]

Looks really good man! Congrats

[Audacious]

*twins*


DSC_0966 by Audacious A4, on Flickr

I dipped mine black in the summer, still holding up great.

[maga4]

Looks good! Do the muflers show through underneath easily or is it just the way the picture is?

[Blake P]

...I'll come back to this one and replace with something more in the "Blake Approved" range.

LOL, I approve already!

[xbimmer06]

Looks tons better highlander. Maybe its the picture angle but muffler tips seem a bit low? Maybe you can go to muffler shop to better align within exhaust cutouts in valance?

[Highlander1010]

Looks tons better highlander. Maybe its the picture angle but muffler tips seem a bit low? Maybe you can go to muffler shop to better align within exhaust cutouts in valance?

They are a bit low. I have APR Quads and they basically are what they are. On the insde of each of the mufflers there is an "L-Shapped" arm that is solid metal and about 1/2" in diameter that goes up and hangs into an OEM rubber bracket for the muffler. The only way to adjust the mufflers would be to get another rubber bracket (nothing out there yet) or cut and reweld the APR hanger (not going to do it...at least not until I have the final valence I want).

So the valence is an improvement, but not the end. I'm sure it works better with AWE's Quads because they selected it to fit with the way they locate their mufflers. A couple of notes to AWE and APR:

AWE - The quality of this part does not equal your reputation or what I expected from AWE. It almost seems like the exact ones folks are getting off eBay.

APR - You need to make a complete solution beyond your quads with an S-Line and Non-S-Line rear valence that complements the way you hang the mufflers and makes your stuff look great on our cars.

[Okan509]

looks good! I think the ebay one is just about the same product - still a good deal, especially since there aren't really any other affordable option out there

[coolwater]

Looks good and aggressive. Love the middle blade.
Maybe paint the valence in gloss black and wrap/paint the blade in ALU color.
Just like this pic:


Was thinking about this valence, but not sure how well my Stasis tips would fit in the cutouts.

-cW

[AKLifted]

AWE - The quality of this part does not equal your reputation or what I expected from AWE. It almost seems like the exact ones folks are getting off eBay.

APR - You need to make a complete solution beyond your quads with an S-Line and Non-S-Line rear valence that complements the way you hang the mufflers and makes your stuff look great on our cars.[/QUOTE]



I cannot agree with you more. I just received my AWE rear valance a couple days ago and I immediately noticed that the quality of the plastic is subpar at best. I paid 229.95 for the valance and 95.00 for shipping. AWE recently upped their price on the valance because they now paint the bottom "blade" a greyish color. The "blade" was painted so poorly that it looks absolutely ridiculous. It is almost embarrassing to put this on my Audi. The edges where it was taped off and painted are not straight or done in a "professional" manner. It was taped poorly so there is hanging overspray and a noticeable raised edge. Overall, I am super disappointed in AWE tuning for selling such a poor product. I really thought they were a "superior performance" brand that really took effort into detail and quality. Obviously, I was wrong. It makes me wonder which companies out there really stands by their product.

"When you work with A.W.E. Tuning, you are assured that any component we suggest for you is only of the highest caliber, and we back it all up with the exemplary customer service and solid warranties." - Quoted from the AWE Tuning informational brochure.

Bullshit..

[Limey]

My awe quad valence fit like shit too

[Josh/AWE]

I cannot agree with you more. I just received my AWE rear valance a couple days ago and I immediately noticed that the quality of the plastic is subpar at best. I paid 229.95 for the valance and 95.00 for shipping. AWE recently upped their price on the valance because they now paint the bottom "blade" a greyish color. The "blade" was painted so poorly that it looks absolutely ridiculous. It is almost embarrassing to put this on my Audi. The edges where it was taped off and painted are not straight or done in a "professional" manner. It was taped poorly so there is hanging overspray and a noticeable raised edge. Overall, I am super disappointed in AWE tuning for selling such a poor product. I really thought they were a "superior performance" brand that really took effort into detail and quality. Obviously, I was wrong. It makes me wonder which companies out there really stands by their product.

"When you work with A.W.E. Tuning, you are assured that any component we suggest for you is only of the highest caliber, and we back it all up with the exemplary customer service and solid warranties." - Quoted from the AWE Tuning informational brochure.

Bullshit..

Peter, I just received your email. I would like to look into this for you, since the valence that you purchased is the exact same one that is currently on the back of our VP's car. On his vehicle, the valence does not look "absolutely ridiculous" as you describe yours. I feel that the pictures on our website are a perfect representation of the kind of quality appearance that you can expect from this product. If you would, please PM me some pictures of your valence on your car and let me see if this is a unique issue, or a recurring one with our supplier.

[Limey]

I cannot agree with you more. I just received my AWE rear valance a couple days ago and I immediately noticed that the quality of the plastic is subpar at best. I paid 229.95 for the valance and 95.00 for shipping. AWE recently upped their price on the valance because they now paint the bottom "blade" a greyish color. The "blade" was painted so poorly that it looks absolutely ridiculous. It is almost embarrassing to put this on my Audi. The edges where it was taped off and painted are not straight or done in a "professional" manner. It was taped poorly so there is hanging overspray and a noticeable raised edge. Overall, I am super disappointed in AWE tuning for selling such a poor product. I really thought they were a "superior performance" brand that really took effort into detail and quality. Obviously, I was wrong. It makes me wonder which companies out there really stands by their product.

"When you work with A.W.E. Tuning, you are assured that any component we suggest for you is only of the highest caliber, and we back it all up with the exemplary customer service and solid warranties." - Quoted from the AWE Tuning informational brochure.

Bullshit..

Peter, I just received your email. I would like to look into this for you, since the valence that you purchased is the exact same one that is currently on the back of our VP's car. On his vehicle, the valence does not look "absolutely ridiculous" as you describe yours. I feel that the pictures on our website are a perfect representation of the kind of quality appearance that you can expect from this product. If you would, please PM me some pictures of your valence on your car and let me see if this is a unique issue, or a recurring one with our supplier.[/QUOTE]

It's not unique to him, I just installed mine and it doesn't sit flush at all in the centre, it's pops out a bit and on the sides it doesn't fit we'll too. I can post pics tomorrow once I fly home and see my car.

[audinepa]

Quality of valance ok but not top notch, expected better from AWE considering the price of catback exhaust system also last clip of valance on passenger side will not engage all the way tried bending, shoving, pushing you get the picture, seems either angle of clip is off or too short to fully lock into place.

On the positive side quality and workmanship of exhaust are superb, sounds and looks GREAT!!! Overall very happy with purchase just a little disappointed with quality of valance. Will look for other valance options that make sense.

[audiaudacity]

Peter, I just received your email. I would like to look into this for you, since the valence that you purchased is the exact same one that is currently on the back of our VP's car. On his vehicle, the valence does not look "absolutely ridiculous" as you describe yours. I feel that the pictures on our website are a perfect representation of the kind of quality appearance that you can expect from this product. If you would, please PM me some pictures of your valence on your car and let me see if this is a unique issue, or a recurring one with our supplier.

I saw the pictures of the quad AWE valence as I am planning on getting an exhaust from them...Even online the pictures of the Valence make it look sub-par. I was not impressed, and to hear that in person there are issues as well is a double turn-off. Going to stick with the Single dual exit so I can re-use my stock Valence.

The addage is always true, you get what you pay for and I'm sure we would all pay a bit more for a product matching our discerning taste. I have heard nothing but good things about your in-house manufactured exhausts though.

[audiaudacity]

Peter, I just received your email. I would like to look into this for you, since the valence that you purchased is the exact same one that is currently on the back of our VP's car. On his vehicle, the valence does not look "absolutely ridiculous" as you describe yours. I feel that the pictures on our website are a perfect representation of the kind of quality appearance that you can expect from this product. If you would, please PM me some pictures of your valence on your car and let me see if this is a unique issue, or a recurring one with our supplier.

p.s. If the "Customer" has an issue, marginalizing his problem in public and then justifying it before offering a solution comes across as bad customer service to potential net new customers like myself.

Pm him get pictures and offer to make it right. Now thats impressive.

[oc cc]

Can't find the thread now (fuckin Audizine search...) but a member on here got this valence after getting the AWE one:

http://www.blackboxmycar.com/product.php?id_product=79

He said it was MUCH thicker and more durable, and overall a much better product. Check it out.

[Josh/AWE]

Can't find the thread now (fuckin Audizine search...) but a member on here got this valence after getting the AWE one:

http://www.blackboxmycar.com/product.php?id_product=79

He said it was MUCH thicker and more durable, and overall a much better product. Check it out.

Thanks for bringing up that link, I was also looking for that same thread! We recently switched to this exact product which we saw was met with good reviews, as opposed to the valence that we previously offered and had some negatives reviews from earlier in this thread.

[Limey]

I must of got the earlier one then :(

[Highlander1010]

I have one of the "earlier ones" too and it is a piece of junk. The only reason I keep it on is because I haven't found another reasonably prices Non-S-Line one that I like yet. The lines are the part are all wavy and it was next to impossible to install. I also broke a piece installing it with minimal force in a direction that should have been more robust.

Overall I was surprised something so poor came from AWE.

[CloseEncounters]

p.s. If the "Customer" has an issue, marginalizing his problem in public and then justifying it before offering a solution comes across as bad customer service to potential net new customers like myself.

Pm him get pictures and offer to make it right. Now thats impressive.

Could not agree more....I really think the folks at AWE need to do a bit of soul searching...their response speaks for itself. I have noticed that their "Customer Service" personnel tend to have a whiff of arrogance when I've called with a concern...consider this positive customer feedback AWE and strive to do better.

[audinepa]

Thanks for bringing up that link, I was also looking for that same thread! We recently switched to this exact product which we saw was met with good reviews, as opposed to the valence that we previously offered and had some negatives reviews from earlier in this thread.

Yes I have received this valance with my dual quad tip exhaust about a month ago, experienced very hard time with fitment had to make an additional hole for last torx screw hole (off by about 1/8") underneath bumper also last clip on passenger side will not go in all the way not sure if angle or length of clip is off.

[oc cc]

Uh oh... not looking good for AWE right now.

PLEASE READ BELOW:

AWE is a great company. I have worked with them directly in the past, and Will is a really nice guy who cares about the quality of their products. They spend a fair amount of time researching and developing their products (which is why some of the S4 guys still have not seen a pulley yet!). What I think happened here is simple: AWE relies on a multitude of suppliers for certain parts, and this is just a case of picking a bad supplier by mistake. I do not think AWE themselves developed or designed this piece them selves, and probably outsourced it to a company that makes plastic valences for multiple makes. Hell, there may not have been any other choices at the time, so they ended up with the only option available to accommodate their newly released AWE exhaust system. Remember, no one will buy their exhaust if they can't get it to fit at a reasonable price. So AWE tried a one-stop-shop solution, and the supplier for the valence sucked. Well, turns out Black Box My Car has a really good valence, and as per Will at AWE himself said:

Thanks for bringing up that link, I was also looking for that same thread! We recently switched to this exact product which we saw was met with good reviews, as opposed to the valence that we previously offered and had some negatives reviews from earlier in this thread.

So let's all relax, stop the hate, take a deep breath, and work towards a solution between both parties (ya know, the thing Congress can't seem to do).

[audiaudacity]

Uh oh... not looking good for AWE right now.

PLEASE READ BELOW:

AWE is a great company. I have worked with them directly in the past, and Will is a really nice guy who cares about the quality of their products. They spend a fair amount of time researching and developing their products (which is why some of the S4 guys still have not seen a pulley yet!). What I think happened here is simple: AWE relies on a multitude of suppliers for certain parts, and this is just a case of picking a bad supplier by mistake. I do not think AWE themselves developed or designed this piece them selves, and probably outsourced it to a company that makes plastic valences for multiple makes. Hell, there may not have been any other choices at the time, so they ended up with the only option available to accommodate their newly released AWE exhaust system. Remember, no one will buy their exhaust if they can't get it to fit at a reasonable price. So AWE tried a one-stop-shop solution, and the supplier for the valence sucked. Well, turns out Black Box My Car has a really good valence, and as per Will at AWE himself said:



So let's all relax, stop the hate, take a deep breath, and work towards a solution between both parties (ya know, the thing Congress can't seem to do).

You mean across the aisle? Compromise?

[audiaudacity]

Still my preferred exhaust vendor- They are good at what they manufacture and can't always be liable for a bad supplier. However admit the product is sub par and offer a solution. At the end of the day we are probably the most hard to please segment of their customer base so I'm sure that for the majority of their customers the valence was satisfactory. If you are an audi enthusiast then most likely you have amazing taste and when something doesnt meet it it pisses you off.

I dont think we can pin all the blame on AWE but since we dont know who the supplier is and they put their reputation behind a sub-par (to people like us) product then they are the only ones we have to vent to.

[Highlander1010]

Uh oh... not looking good for AWE right now.

PLEASE READ BELOW:

AWE is a great company. I have worked with them directly in the past, and Will is a really nice guy who cares about the quality of their products. They spend a fair amount of time researching and developing their products (which is why some of the S4 guys still have not seen a pulley yet!). What I think happened here is simple: AWE relies on a multitude of suppliers for certain parts, and this is just a case of picking a bad supplier by mistake. I do not think AWE themselves developed or designed this piece them selves, and probably outsourced it to a company that makes plastic valences for multiple makes. Hell, there may not have been any other choices at the time, so they ended up with the only option available to accommodate their newly released AWE exhaust system. Remember, no one will buy their exhaust if they can't get it to fit at a reasonable price. So AWE tried a one-stop-shop solution, and the supplier for the valence sucked. Well, turns out Black Box My Car has a really good valence, and as per Will at AWE himself said:



So let's all relax, stop the hate, take a deep breath, and work towards a solution between both parties (ya know, the thing Congress can't seem to do).

I do 100% agree and I'm still looking to AWE for my future Cat back. That said, I'm still disappointed in what I received, but I'm not bitter either.

[S0l0]

Has anyone ordered the AWE valance recently? If so, is the quality now better?

[jadedx2]

Has anyone ordered the AWE valance recently? If so, is the quality now better?

I'm also curious if AWE has made any changes to the valence.

[SleeperCar]

I bet awe wishes this thread stayed dead....

[Calbee]

I bet awe wishes this thread stayed dead....

hahaha. lets all move to the EuroGEAR thread so we can pump out some quality cf quad valances for non s-line :P

[fidelcashflo]

Does the awe valence require additional hardware for the install or can you use the factory hardware?

[Josh/AWE]

Does the awe valence require additional hardware for the install or can you use the factory hardware?

The factory hardware is reused for this valence.

[Highlander1010]

BTW - I've had my AWE Downpipe -> Catback single sided dual tips on now for about 3K miles and I love it!! Thanks AWE!

[Amorphic]

When is there going to be a quad valence for the B8.5 NON-sline? I am dying to get an AWE quad exhaust but theres no damn valence available.

[Fburg A4]

time to break out the dremel!

[SleeperCar]

When is there going to be a quad valence for the B8.5 NON-sline? I am dying to get an AWE quad exhaust but theres no damn valence available.

this x10000. I have been waiting patiently, and im wearing out!!!!. I refuse to buy exhaust until i know there is an option. NO DREMEL or custom fab, i just want a plug and play option.

[Amorphic]

this x10000. I have been waiting patiently, and im wearing out!!!!. I refuse to buy exhaust until i know there is an option. NO DREMEL or custom fab, i just want a plug and play option.

C'mon Will, help us out. And while you're at it, give us the option for 102mm tips. Pleeeaaaaaaaseeee. I'd have money sent in an instant if this was possible.