Exhaust Options

**aliens5** · 02-06-2012 04:30 PM

New to the forum. Picking up a 2010 S5 next week.
I am wanting to extract more sound out of the oem exhaust system. I am wondering is there parts of the exhaust where i can go aftermarket?
I am not looking for any full exhaust system due to a tight budget.
Also, if someone can give me a detail diagram or explanation on the set up of the s5 exhaust would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

**Bullwheel** · 02-06-2012 05:22 PM

For your info:
In a few days I will get my CARGRAPHIC super sound axel back system! The quality, sound and price are perfect!
On the S5 you don't need a cat back system or downpipes....it is just not worth the money!
But if somebody want more sound any X-pipe out there can be used in addition.

I chose the CARGRAPHIC system as it can be better adjusted than any other system out there and they offer the original design flushed tips.
There is nothing worse than scratching or misaligned tips.

**GSS5** · 02-06-2012 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by Bullwheel

For your info:
In a few days I will get my CARGRAPHIC super sound axel back system! The quality, sound and price are perfect!
On the S5 you don't need a cat back system or downpipes....it is just not worth the money!
But if somebody want more sound any X-pipe out there can be used in addition.

I chose the CARGRAPHIC system as it can be better adjusted than any other system out there and they offer the original design flushed tips.
There is nothing worse than scratching or misaligned tips.

dont know where you got that idea.

**Bullwheel** · 02-06-2012 05:48 PM

Originally Posted by GSS5

dont know where you got that idea.

Detailed research!
Downpipes with sport metalic catalysator cost huge $$$ and the effect is just not big enough!
If you choose to stay with a center box the original is fine....the x-pipe just changes the sound not really the hp!

Take 10 cars with same set up and differnt driver and I promise you you will get 10 differnt hp measures.
Most hp gains come from the rear mufflers on the S5!
If you supercharge then things change, but not with the standard S5 engine.

**GSS5** · 02-06-2012 05:58 PM

Originally Posted by Bullwheel

Detailed research!
Downpipes with sport metalic catalysator cost huge $$$ and the effect is just not big enough!
If you choose to stay with a center box the original is fine....the x-pipe just changes the sound not really the hp!

Take 10 cars with same set up and differnt driver and I promise you you will get 10 differnt hp measures.
Most hp gains come from the rear mufflers on the S5!
If you supercharge then things change, but not with the standard S5 engine.

the cargraphic exhaust for the s5 is in the same general price range as any catback exhaust, at least here in the states. and unless i'm missing something, i'm pretty sure it has to be welded on since the stock exhaust does not come apart into pieces. that makes it much easier to install and adjust any aftermarket catback exhaust that comes in 4 pieces, especially the awe exhaust that has adjustable tips.

the awe track catback removes the two rear mufflers and two mid mufflers, and replaces everything with one mid muffler, which i'm sure makes for a much less restrictive setup than any axleback with mufflers.

**aliens5** · 02-06-2012 06:03 PM

Originally Posted by GSS5

the cargraphic exhaust for the s5 is in the same general price range as any catback exhaust, at least here in the states. and unless i'm missing something, i'm pretty sure it has to be welded on since the stock exhaust does not come apart into pieces. that makes it much easier to install and adjust any aftermarket catback exhaust that comes in 4 pieces, especially the awe exhaust that has adjustable tips.

the awe track catback removes the two rear mufflers and two mid mufflers, and replaces everything with one mid muffler, which i'm sure makes for a much less restrictive setup than any axleback with mufflers.

What do you guys think about the awe downpipe? Does it make a lot of sound difference alone with oem exhaust setup?

**GSS5** · 02-06-2012 06:07 PM

Originally Posted by aliens5

What do you guys think about the awe downpipe? Does it make a lot of sound difference alone with oem exhaust setup?

i have always wondered that. the downpipes are .1" larger in diameter and remove a set of resonators so i figure there will be a noticeable difference. there is a substantial difference between an awe exhaust with and without the downpipes. it is much louder without the downpipes, but there is also much more drone. i think awe downpipes on a stock setup is definitely something worth looking into.

**aliens5** · 02-06-2012 06:21 PM

Originally Posted by GSS5

i have always wondered that. the downpipes are .1" larger in diameter and remove a set of resonators so i figure there will be a noticeable difference. there is a substantial difference between an awe exhaust with and without the downpipes. it is much louder without the downpipes, but there is also much more drone. i think awe downpipes on a stock setup is definitely something worth looking into.

How popular is the awe downpipe on audis? Are there any negative comments on it?

**GSS5** · 02-06-2012 06:23 PM

Originally Posted by aliens5

How popular is the awe downpipe on audis? Are there any negative comments on it?

pretty much everyone who gets downpipes gets the awe downpipes. only negative is that they may cause drone.

**S5xy** · 02-06-2012 06:31 PM

Originally Posted by Bullwheel

For your info:
In a few days I will get my CARGRAPHIC super sound axel back system! The quality, sound and price are perfect!
On the S5 you don't need a cat back system or downpipes....it is just not worth the money!
But if somebody want more sound any X-pipe out there can be used in addition.

I chose the CARGRAPHIC system as it can be better adjusted than any other system out there and they offer the original design flushed tips.
There is nothing worse than scratching or misaligned tips.

Lol, what?

Among the few misconceptions in your post, I would like to point out that people who got AWE downpipes said it made a huge difference in sound. Plus, I don't think the Cargraphic exhaust sounds good.

**aliens5** · 02-06-2012 06:37 PM

Originally Posted by GSS5

pretty much everyone who gets downpipes gets the awe downpipes. only negative is that they may cause drone.

Thanks!!
And from awe's website, the downpipe is stated as resonated. So drone noise should be at its minimum. I think this will certainly be my first mod.

**aliens5** · 02-06-2012 06:39 PM

I see you are also in Vancouver, so do you know any shops that sell a lot of audi aftermarket stuff and awe products?

**GSS5** · 02-06-2012 06:43 PM

Originally Posted by aliens5

Thanks!!
And from awe's website, the downpipe is stated as resonated. So drone noise should be at its minimum. I think this will certainly be my first mod.

They have resonated and non resonated pipes. Make sure you get the non resonated. Resonated will be quieter than the stock downpipes. Its for people who got the awe exhaust but want to tone it down a little.

Sent from my iPhone

**Beast** · 02-06-2012 06:44 PM

AWE or nothin

**audi1234** · 02-06-2012 06:50 PM

I wonder if AWE would sell you an X pipe seperatly. Match up the X pipe with their non-resonated or resonated downpipes........Now that would be an interesting combo/sound

**S5xy** · 02-06-2012 07:35 PM

Originally Posted by aliens5

I see you are also in Vancouver, so do you know any shops that sell a lot of audi aftermarket stuff and awe products?

Designo Autohouse and Drivehard, both located in Richmond, can get you what you need and install them for you. I'd go to them, ask for quotes, etc. In some instances it might be cheaper if you purchase whatever you're getting yourself.

Btw, I definitely wouldn't recommend getting AWE's resonated downpipes as it'll make your car more quiet than it is now. You want a louder sound without spending big bucks, so if you go for their downpipes, get their non-resonated ones instead. Having said that, I'm not sure how AWE downpipes with the stock exhaust system would sound...I don't think there are members here who went down that route. I'd honestly suggest saving up for the AWE Track/Touring exhaust and leaving your exhaust as it is for now.

**ecrew16** · 02-06-2012 08:45 PM

Originally Posted by audi1234

I wonder if AWE would sell you an X pipe seperatly. Match up the X pipe with their non-resonated or resonated downpipes........Now that would be an interesting combo/sound

You can pick up a generic x-pipe that does the same thing for $80- at your local muffler shop. I would like the see the non-resonated downpipe + x-pipe combo on a stock exhaust! You're just opening up the stock exhaust up a bit more and I'm sure there will be volume gains.

**ecrew16** · 02-06-2012 08:52 PM

Also, OP, the S5 exhaust (at least what you will be touching) is as follows: downpipe/first cats, secondary cats, mid muffler (dual in dual out), 2 resonators, exit.

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong.

**GSS5** · 02-06-2012 08:55 PM

Originally Posted by ecrew16

Also, OP, the S5 exhaust is as follows: downpipe/first cats, secondary cats, mid muffler (dual in dual out), 2 resonators, exit.

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong.

i think the cats are up near the headers.

cats -> DPs (with resonators) -> mid resonators -> mufflers.

at least that is my understanding of the exhaust.