AWE Exhaust with 102mm Tips Installed

**SilveR316** · 10-28-2013 10:04 AM

First off, I apologize for the dirty car. It's impossible to keep it clean this time of year.

Finally got around to installing my AWE exhaust with 102mm tips. I opted for reusing the OEM downpipes, and after breaking in the system I think the sound is perfect. Initially, it was quite loud and raspy. I was pretty surprised the first time I started up the car and went for a drive. However, after putting 1200km (700km this weekend alone) the exhaust has quieted down a lot. There is no more rasp or drone. While cruising you can hardly tell you have an after market exhaust. The only time I get a bit of drone is going up a hill, but this is kind of expected without the resonated downpipes. I'm still working on getting the exhaust perfectly lined up, but it pretty close and not noticeable unless you look very closely.

The tone of this system is absolutely perfect. It's quiet when you want to just cruise around town, and just the right amount of loud when you bury the throttle. In the week I've had it on, several people have complimented the sound.

I have a slight issue that I'm hoping someone can help pin point. In the start up video I posted below, there is a short rattle around 13s in. Does anyone know what that might be?

**Vogz** · 10-28-2013 10:19 AM

Those are some large tips....

EDIT: No idea what that short "buzzing" noise is. Does it happen when driving at all?

**SilveR316** · 10-28-2013 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by Vogz

Those are some large tips....

EDIT: No idea what that short "buzzing" noise is. Does it happen when driving at all?

It happens occasionally when I give it a bit of gas and start moving in 1st. It doesn't happen always, and it seems to depend on the amount of throttle I give it. Something is rattling, but I have no idea what.

**KarimS3** · 10-28-2013 10:35 AM

I have that rattle (at 13s) and i'm completely stock. Pretty sure every car does it.

Unrelated: Your car has a pretty high gap. My 2011 titanium looks lowered in comparison to yours.

**cfritos** · 10-28-2013 10:37 AM

i get the same noise once in a while. It is like a little hissing sound. from what AWE has said and other forum members, when you run the stock down pipes, they cant handle the back pressure or something along those lines. It isnt an exhaust leak or anything of that nature. I also run stock down pipes.

**AzWildCat04** · 10-28-2013 10:57 AM

Looks good! Just placed an order for the 90mm system, cant wait...

**RedHotFlip** · 10-28-2013 11:01 AM

I wish I could get my tips set up like yours...I've fought with mine for hours

**SilveR316** · 10-28-2013 11:09 AM

Originally Posted by KarimS3

Unrelated: Your car has a pretty high gap. My 2011 titanium looks lowered in comparison to yours.

When we were comparing cars at the last meet here in Toronto, all of the B8 S4 cars sat slightly lower than the B8.5 cars. Not sure why, but I've also heard that cars with ADS sit a bit higher. Either way, new wheels and a drop are in order before spring hits.

**SilveR316** · 10-28-2013 11:11 AM

Originally Posted by RedHotFlip

I wish I could get my tips set up like yours...I've fought with mine for hours

Make sure the tips are actually sitting correctly on the y pipe coming out of the muffler. There is a suprising amount of available play in that area, so if you can't get the y pipe lined up correctly, you can loosen the tips and align them individually.

**phxS4** · 10-28-2013 12:13 PM

Thanks for the quick vid... I will probably be placing my order today... Im getting the 90mm tips though. Hope you sort out the rattling though. Might just be that back pressure thing like someone stated earlier. I don't have any rattle with my stock exhaust though.. Something that just might come with doing aftermarket stuff to our cars.

**The_Transporter** · 10-28-2013 01:41 PM

Originally Posted by SilveR316

That looks fantastic!!!! I love how the tips fill out the valance!

**Durwin@TAG** · 10-28-2013 01:52 PM

Looks great, The B8.5 definitely need the 102MM exhaust tips.

**roger v** · 10-28-2013 02:05 PM

These aren't the tips that come with the kit right? Where would you get them?

**lapisia** · 10-28-2013 02:19 PM

I'm shopping for the same system but with the res dp's cos mine is DSG. Where did you have it done and how much if you don't mind me asking?

**Durwin@TAG** · 10-28-2013 02:31 PM

Originally Posted by roger v

These aren't the tips that come with the kit right? Where would you get them?

the tips are the new 102MM option available from AWE. We have 102MM exhaust in stock ready to ship.

**SilveR316** · 10-28-2013 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by lapisia

I'm shopping for the same system but with the res dp's cos mine is DSG. Where did you have it done and how much if you don't mind me asking?

Installed it myself in a few hours in my driveway. I bought the system from TAG, send them a PM regarding pricing. I thought was quite reasonable.

**SilveR316** · 10-28-2013 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by AzWildCat04

Looks good! Just placed an order for the 90mm system, cant wait...

Thanks! You'll love it.

Originally Posted by phxS4

Thanks for the quick vid... I will probably be placing my order today... Im getting the 90mm tips though. Hope you sort out the rattling though. Might just be that back pressure thing like someone stated earlier. I don't have any rattle with my stock exhaust though.. Something that just might come with doing aftermarket stuff to our cars.

I didn't have the rattle on my stock exhaust either. Next time I get the rear end up on ramps, I'm going to have someone else start the car and I'll try to figure out what is causing it.

Originally Posted by The_Transporter

That looks fantastic!!!! I love how the tips fill out the valance!

Thank you!

Originally Posted by Nick@TAG

Looks great, The B8.5 definitely need the 102MM exhaust tips.

Thanks! Yeah, I'm definitely liking the 102mm tips better than the 90mm tips.

Originally Posted by roger v

These aren't the tips that come with the kit right? Where would you get them?

As Nick mentioned, they're the new 102mm tips offered by AWE.

**MrFunk** · 10-28-2013 02:47 PM

The rattle is your stock downpipes vibrating. It took me ages to figure that out after I installed my AWE system and noticed the sound. They will get louder as the outside temp drops in the winter season (I doln't hear it at all really during the summer hot months) - you will actually feel the car vibrate when it's really cold due to them vibrating/rattling around the 2k RPM area. Just something you'll need to live with... I think the colder temp causes them to vibrate more because the metal is stiffer (they sort of have a meshed metal which are supposed to be able to allow flex between the exhaust and the Headers)... Don't worry about it...

Those tips are rediculous big! I prefer the finish to the older tips but I think they are too large for the car IMO...

**phxS4** · 10-28-2013 03:00 PM

Haha I was going to recommend exactly what you said. Figure you'll have better ears getting under there yourself vs. camera.

**SilveR316** · 10-28-2013 03:09 PM

Originally Posted by MrFunk

The rattle is your stock downpipes vibrating. It took me ages to figure that out after I installed my AWE system and noticed the sound. They will get louder as the outside temp drops in the winter season (I doln't hear it at all really during the summer hot months) - you will actually feel the car vibrate when it's really cold due to them vibrating/rattling around the 2k RPM area. Just something you'll need to live with... I think the colder temp causes them to vibrate more because the metal is stiffer (they sort of have a meshed metal which are supposed to be able to allow flex between the exhaust and the Headers)... Don't worry about it...

Those tips are rediculous big! I prefer the finish to the older tips but I think they are too large for the car IMO...

I've noticed the vibration around 2k and its something entirely different. Does that go away with the AWE resonated downpipes?

The short rattle in the video seems to only be happening on the right side muffler. Maybe something is loose or touching somewhere.

**chrisbryan89** · 10-28-2013 03:24 PM

I've heard the valence holes are larger on the 13's, do the 102mm tips fit the 10-12 valence?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**AzWildCat04** · 10-28-2013 03:27 PM

Originally Posted by chrisbryan89

I've heard the valence holes are larger on the 13's, do the 102mm tips fit the 10-12 valence?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No

**AudiS4TW** · 10-28-2013 11:15 PM

Maybe do another video behind the car and this time try to do a few high revs. I'll compare it to what I'm experiencing. I have this tinny sound that results from presumably "rattle" somewhere in the pipeline. And like you, it seems to be coming from the right side muffler only as well. I'm still trying to investigate this myself.

Originally Posted by SilveR316

I've noticed the vibration around 2k and its something entirely different. Does that go away with the AWE resonated downpipes?

The short rattle in the video seems to only be happening on the right side muffler. Maybe something is loose or touching somewhere.

**Hsiang** · 10-28-2013 11:54 PM

Can you pm me with special pricing w/ resonated plz..

Originally Posted by Nick@TAG

the tips are the new 102MM option available from AWE. We have 102MM exhaust in stock ready to ship.

**Pho99** · 10-29-2013 03:49 AM

What is the price 102MM with black diamond tip and resonated?

**PitchS4** · 10-29-2013 05:27 AM

I guess I am alone in thinking that the 102s are just a little big for the car/bumper. But I might have forced myself to think that so I am happy with my 90s still :)

**MrFunk** · 10-29-2013 05:59 AM

Originally Posted by SilveR316

I've noticed the vibration around 2k and its something entirely different. Does that go away with the AWE resonated downpipes?

The short rattle in the video seems to only be happening on the right side muffler. Maybe something is loose or touching somewhere.

Ohhhhhhhhhh! Ok... yeah... that "buzz" noise. Mine also does that when you start it. Always has... I'm pretty sure it's normal.
And no - the vibration at 2k does not go away with the AWE resonated DP's. A few people have tried that also... most people don't notice it until it's pointed out to them... just try and not notice it. :)

**AudiS4TW** · 10-29-2013 06:57 AM

You're not alone. I prefer the 90mm tips too because I feel the 102s are just begging for attention. I like the subtlety of the 90mm tips.

Originally Posted by PitchS4

I guess I am alone in thinking that the 102s are just a little big for the car/bumper. But I might have forced myself to think that so I am happy with my 90s still :)

**SilveR316** · 10-29-2013 06:58 AM

Originally Posted by AudiS4TW

Maybe do another video behind the car and this time try to do a few high revs. I'll compare it to what I'm experiencing. I have this tinny sound that results from presumably "rattle" somewhere in the pipeline. And like you, it seems to be coming from the right side muffler only as well. I'm still trying to investigate this myself.

I'll see what I can do. I think this might only happen when the system is cold, but I'm not sure. I park in a condo garage in an isolated spot with walls, so revving the engine will be insanely loud.

Originally Posted by PitchS4

I guess I am alone in thinking that the 102s are just a little big for the car/bumper. But I might have forced myself to think that so I am happy with my 90s still :)

I originally thought it looked big when I saw pictures. However, I think it looks perfect in person. For some reason the pics hide the shadows and highlights of the tips, so they actually look a little bigger in the pics.

Originally Posted by MrFunk

Ohhhhhhhhhh! Ok... yeah... that "buzz" noise. Mine also does that when you start it. Always has... I'm pretty sure it's normal.
And no - the vibration at 2k does not go away with the AWE resonated DP's. A few people have tried that also... most people don't notice it until it's pointed out to them... just try and not notice it. :)

If that buzz is normal, then that's kind of disappointing for an exhaust that costs this much. As for not noticing the 2k vibration... too late lol. It's not very noticeable unless I start moving in 1st gear after stopping on a pretty steep incline.

**westwest888** · 10-29-2013 07:20 AM

Careful if you go on track. Tips that large will melt the plastic in the rear valence. Seen it happen on an S5.

**SilveR316** · 10-29-2013 08:09 AM

Originally Posted by westwest888

Careful if you go on track. Tips that large will melt the plastic in the rear valence. Seen it happen on an S5.

Yeah, I could see that happening. I don't really plan to track this car and every time I've touched the exhaust tips after driving it they have only been slightly warm.

If I ever do end up taking it on the track I'll likely slide the tips out far enough so that they won't interfere with the valence.

**Mops@Nemesis** · 10-29-2013 08:26 AM

Originally Posted by SilveR316

Yeah, I could see that happening. I don't really plan to track this car and every time I've touched the exhaust tips after driving it they have only been slightly warm.

If I ever do end up taking it on the track I'll likely slide the tips out far enough so that they won't interfere with the valence.

My tips are just as tight, if not tighter, and my valence is painted. I have never had one issue, and I have heated mine up long term many times.

**IceFour** · 10-29-2013 08:29 AM

Originally Posted by SilveR316

If that buzz is normal, then that's kind of disappointing for an exhaust that costs this much. As for not noticing the 2k vibration... too late lol. It's not very noticeable unless I start moving in 1st gear after stopping on a pretty steep incline.

Mines bone stock and that short buzz you here just after it starts is very common for me so its not the AWE exhaust.

**SilveR316** · 10-29-2013 08:32 AM

Originally Posted by Mops

My tips are just as tight, if not tighter, and my valence is painted. I have never had one issue, and I have heated mine up long term many times.

That's good to know actually. The exhaust doesn't move very much side to side so hopefully there won't be any issues. I did take the car for some spirited driving this weekend on twisty country roads and the valence isn't melted yet.

If it does melt, I'll have an excuse to get the carbon fiber valence.

**SilveR316** · 10-29-2013 08:38 AM

Originally Posted by IceFour

Mines bone stock and that short buzz you here just after it starts is very common for me so its not the AWE exhaust.

I never had it with my stock exhaust... weird.

There has to be something causing it. I've watched lots of other cold start AWE exhaust on the S4 videos and none of them seem to have it either. I also have a weird sound coming from what seems like the center console or shifter area. It sounds like dash trim rubbing together, but I don't think that's it. Might be coming from the slip joint where the downpipes meet the rest of the exhaust. Almost sounds like the metal of the exhaust is stressing from the heat.

Going to try to get under the car again this weekend and retighten everything now that the exhaust has settled.

**Mops@Nemesis** · 10-29-2013 08:45 AM

Originally Posted by SilveR316

That's good to know actually. The exhaust doesn't move very much side to side so hopefully there won't be any issues. I did take the car for some spirited driving this weekend on twisty country roads and the valence isn't melted yet.

If it does melt, I'll have an excuse to get the carbon fiber valence.

I actually have a hard time threading my rag in between the tips and valence.

IMG_1197 by Audiyos, on Flickr

Even if you were to contact, you may never even notice, unless you go looking for it.

**Josh/AWE** · 10-29-2013 09:49 AM

Glad you like it SilveR316! The 102MM tips look incredible on your car. Huge

for the crew at TAG Motorsports.

**SilveR316** · 10-29-2013 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by Mops

I actually have a hard time threading my rag in between the tips and valence.

IMG_1197 by Audiyos, on Flickr

Even if you were to contact, you may never even notice, unless you go looking for it.

Mops, your car is hot. Those tips are very close and if it hasn't melted yet, then I think I'll be ok.

I would think that the tips would need to contact the valence for several seconds to melt anything anyways. A light tap here and there during cornering is probably nothing to worry about.

**Mops@Nemesis** · 10-29-2013 11:17 AM

Originally Posted by SilveR316

Mops, your car is hot. Those tips are very close and if it hasn't melted yet, then I think I'll be ok.

I would think that the tips would need to contact the valence for several seconds to melt anything anyways. A light tap here and there during cornering is probably nothing to worry about.

Thanks... yea you'll be fine. I have been like that for over two years now. The shop did not want to place them that close, but I told them to proceed. Its not not an issue, as long as you have some gap. I do not like saggy tips. Kills it for me. Even having rear mufflers would bug me now.