Opinions Wanted: Exhaust Choices for 3.0T

[mdgrwl]

I've been youtube'ing my face off the past 3 days, checking out AWE, APR, Statis, Milltek, etc... and due to the variation of recording quality and acoustics (some recording in a garage) - I can't really make out what sounds like what.

Of the popular exhaust choices out there (AWE, APR, Stasis, Milltek, etc...) could someone give me a quick breakdown in how they sound?

I'm looking for a sporty, deep & rich sound compared to a high pitch raspy sound. I'm NOT looking to be the loudest, most obnoxious on the road.

Thoughts? How does AWE compare to APR to Stasis to Borla to Milltek....?

So far it seems I like the AWE Touring... but again, due to variations in recordings on youtube, its hard to tell.

[lisn2me]

I just went through the same thing and I can say to get that sound Milltek or AWE Resonated. I went with AWE and love it.

[Pilfer]

I have AWE resonated, it's a deep sounding exhaust. I love it more now that I'm driving with the window down more. It pops and burbles letting off the throttle, you won't be disappointed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[mdgrwl]

To save cost, I really didn't want to get down pipes... anything wrong with keeping the OEM down pipes?

[Jones2012s4]

To save cost, I really didn't want to get down pipes... anything wrong with keeping the OEM down pipes?

It will be louder, possible to most likely case of drone.

[Wusty]

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/376019-PNW-B8-S4-Exhaust-Fest-2010

[SteveYem]

I could never get a clear answer out of anyone on what exactly the difference would be on a 2012 6MT car using stock DPs vs AWE Resonated DPs with their system. I ended up selling my resonated DPs to fund my roof rack investment because the stock DPs were livable and I didn't want to go through the hassle of installing them to get no real return on my investment, since nobody had a straight answer for me.

Here is my specific questions regarding 2012 6MT with AWE full resonated system: does it fill the cabin with boominess when climbing a hill at partial to moderate throttle below 3000 RPM? Or is that boomy/droney phenomenon reduced or eliminated? Because that's really the only condition under which my AWE system with stock DPs becomes annoying.

Under most other conditions I really enjoy it, especially during nice weather with the windows down since the open air flow prevents the cabin from becoming a resonance chamber.

[raudiace4]

Awe resonated

/thread.

[Black_V!per]

Audi S4 V6T full set Armytrix F1 ver. Valvetronic Exhaust System.

http://www.armytrix.com/Audi-S5.php

That is all.

[B8_Jim]

Here is my specific questions regarding 2012 6MT with AWE full resonated system: does it fill the cabin with boominess when climbing a hill at partial to moderate throttle below 3000 RPM? Or is that boomy/droney phenomenon reduced or eliminated? Because that's really the only condition under which my AWE system with stock DPs becomes annoying.

I get a droney resonance in the cabin occasionally with the full resonated system on my S5/6MT. It seems to be related to temperature - and it tends to move in RPM from being centered at 2400 rpm to about 2700 before going away entirely as I drive the car more. I wonder if something is wrong with my system, but it's not horrible so I've just lived with it. Thought about removing the res dp's and putting the stock back on to see how it changes the behavior, but haven't had the opportunity and motivation to do it yet... I have checked multiple times to makes sure that nothing on the exhaust is contacting any part of the car.

The other 98% of the time, I really enjoy the sound of the AWE and am not regretting the purchase at all -- just wish I could fix that one issue.

[SteveYem]

I get a droney resonance in the cabin occasionally with the full resonated system on my S5/6MT. It seems to be related to temperature - and it tends to move in RPM from being centered at 2400 rpm to about 2700 before going away entirely as I drive the car more. I wonder if something is wrong with my system, but it's not horrible so I've just lived with it. Thought about removing the res dp's and putting the stock back on to see how it changes the behavior, but haven't had the opportunity and motivation to do it yet... I have checked multiple times to makes sure that nothing on the exhaust is contacting any part of the car.

The other 98% of the time, I really enjoy the sound of the AWE and am not regretting the purchase at all -- just wish I could fix that one issue.

Mine definitely does not sound like drone/resonance due to metal on metal contact, which is usually a much harsher percussive sound (I know because I experienced it in my other car). What's really perplexing to me is that my exhaust sounds as though it has gotten much louder than when I first installed it, when all accounts claimed that after ~1000 miles the carbon buildup inside the pipes would actually make it a bit quieter. Now that the weather is nicer I may get the car up in the air and check around for leaks at all the slip joints. After all of the installing, adjusting, uninstalling, reinstalling, adjusting and more adjusting that I did, I'm sure there isn't any of that gray muffler cement crap left in the joints that AWE provided with the kit for installation so maybe I have a leak or five.

[NWS4Guy]

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/376019-PNW-B8-S4-Exhaust-Fest-2010

Nice that people still reference my thread so many years later [:)]

[IanCH]

Nice that people still reference my thread so many years later [:)]

It should be a sticky, great thread.

[adamkb26]

Save money and go with Borla. Sounds just as good as the AWE system.

[roger v]

AWE

[BlackHawk23]

Audi S4 V6T full set Armytrix F1 ver. Valvetronic Exhaust System.

http://www.armytrix.com/Audi-S5.php

That is all.

At first I thought it sounded fantastic, but as the video went on, I started laughing because its quite obvious that they turned the gain WAY WAY up on the microphone. That being said, after watching all the other videos I'd like to hear this thing in real life, but we'll see who the first person is to spend the million or so dollars they'll likely be charging for this. [rolleyes]

[Trevor K]

It should be a sticky, great thread.


Nice that people still reference my thread so many years later [:)]


http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/376019-PNW-B8-S4-Exhaust-Fest-2010


It should be a sticky, it's a great tool to compare exhaust systems. I have it saved but some people may have a harder time finding it.

[izzyy]

I've been youtube'ing my face off the past 3 days, checking out AWE, APR, Statis, Milltek, etc... and due to the variation of recording quality and acoustics (some recording in a garage) - I can't really make out what sounds like what.

Of the popular exhaust choices out there (AWE, APR, Stasis, Milltek, etc...) could someone give me a quick breakdown in how they sound?

I'm looking for a sporty, deep & rich sound compared to a high pitch raspy sound. I'm NOT looking to be the loudest, most obnoxious on the road.

Thoughts? How does AWE compare to APR to Stasis to Borla to Milltek....?

So far it seems I like the AWE Touring... but again, due to variations in recordings on youtube, its hard to tell.

AWE Non resonated I have DSG the drones not bad after 1000 miles, sounds really good especially with the gun shot sounding DSG pop that comes with it, completely different from the 6.2 V8's ;)

[GeoJoe]

AWE non res on 6mt for the win


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1eKb6ck7KM&sns=em

[mact3333]

I was mulling over same exact choices until last week. I went AWE with stock dp's. Price was right at TAG. Think AWE sounds the best.

[Usa]

Milltek

[$nooze]

Nice that people still reference my thread so many years later [:)]

I just finally understood why a lot of people I talk to love miltek. I think I found my love

[mdgrwl]

Save money and go with Borla. Sounds just as good as the AWE system.

Do they make it for an S5 though? Thats my ride...

[mdgrwl]

AWE Non resonated I have DSG the drones not bad after 1000 miles, sounds really good especially with the gun shot sounding DSG pop that comes with it, completely different from the 6.2 V8's ;)

Thanks for the input. Most say go resonated...

Im trying to keep cost to a minimum... would it sound okay with the stock down pipes? I too have DSG.

[mdgrwl]

I was mulling over same exact choices until last week. I went AWE with stock dp's. Price was right at TAG. Think AWE sounds the best.

DSG or 6MT? How is the drone, if any?

I'm really trying to save a buck by sticking with stock dp's... but I dont' want to regret the decision either. Sux cuz I've never heard any of these in person.

I think I've boiled it down to AWE as well... now I'm just trying to decide between reso dp's or stick with my OEM dps...

Any thoughts would be great.

[adamkb26]

Oh I think Borla only has a version for the V8 S5 for now.

[mdgrwl]

Is it me or does the Milltek sound like its just a whole lotta bass ?

[mact3333]

Haven't received it yet. I have dsg. I didn't get dp's either to try to save money and you can always add it later.



DSG or 6MT? How is the drone, if any?

I'm really trying to save a buck by sticking with stock dp's... but I dont' want to regret the decision either. Sux cuz I've never heard any of these in person.

I think I've boiled it down to AWE as well... now I'm just trying to decide between reso dp's or stick with my OEM dps...

Any thoughts would be great.

[VADERS4]

Maybe I'm wrong....but in that video, they kept showing an S5 badge on the white car but the fender badge said "V8T" and the car was actually an S7! Did I miss something?

[Pilfer]

I have resonated dp's and the drone at first was significantly louder than the stock exhaust. On the DSG cars i heard a drone with the stock exhaust while driving on the freeway in D and stepping on the accelerator at speed. Once the AWE exhaust had a several hundred miles the drone went away and there is now less when cruising in D on the freeway. If you have a DSG I would get the downpipes

[brooklyn86]

Here is my specific questions regarding 2012 6MT with AWE full resonated system: does it fill the cabin with boominess when climbing a hill at partial to moderate throttle below 3000 RPM? Or is that boomy/droney phenomenon reduced or eliminated? Because that's really the only condition under which my AWE system with stock DPs becomes annoying.

I can't speak relative to a 6MT with the stock downpipes because I came straight from complete stock, but with the resonated downpipes, I would say it's reduced to the point where it isn't apparent.



Awe resonated

/thread.

+1

My entire build revolves around keeping the car looking OEM while maintaining the classy, sophisticated feel that an S4 should have. With the AWE res. system, it increases the sound of the exhaust just enough over stock that it truly enhances the driving experience without significantly altering (for worse) the in-cabin sounds.

[izzyy]

Thanks for the input. Most say go resonated...

Im trying to keep cost to a minimum... would it sound okay with the stock down pipes? I too have DSG.

Stock is going to be louder then resonated by a bit, with the s4 exhaust you really gotta hear it in person, videos don't do it justice I was very surprised when the guys at TAG did a fly by, also crackles in at 2000 rpm when u let off the gas. Just a bonus the 102 mm AWE offers looks better then any other exhaust tips out there.

[noshadow]

You know what would make up your mind? Just reach out to people nearby and put together a BBQ or a fun meetup and listen. It's social, fun, and you can make a decision without worrying.

[raudiace4]

Audi S4 V6T full set Armytrix F1 ver. Valvetronic Exhaust System.

http://www.armytrix.com/Audi-S5.php

That is all.

Yeah but dude that things like a million bucks. OP is trying to get a reasonable priced system.

[Audi Advocate]

Nice that people still reference my thread so many years later [:)]

I went Milltek after reviewing this thread - absoloutley the most helpful - you should have been paid commission for the best sellers!

I had a Milltek on my B6 and stayed brand loyal - basso profundo when you open it up and easy on the ears when cruising. Cannot go wrong with Milltek or AWE - just do not go cheap!

[NWS4Guy]

It should be a sticky, it's a great tool to compare exhaust systems. I have it saved but some people may have a harder time finding it.

So should the heat exchanger DIY for getting protection and prevent road debris from puncturing it and costing money out of pocket, but I digress.

[Nels2012]

DSG or 6MT? How is the drone, if any?

I'm really trying to save a buck by sticking with stock dp's... but I dont' want to regret the decision either. Sux cuz I've never heard any of these in person.

I think I've boiled it down to AWE as well... now I'm just trying to decide between reso dp's or stick with my OEM dps...

Any thoughts would be great.

I'm running DSG on my S4 with AWE Non-Res DPs and exhaust, and have put about 2k miles into it. I can tell you the non-res does have a drone, and on long slight uphills it can be annoying, I've started looking into replacing for the Res DPs for road trip situations. My vote goes to Non-Res DPs with the exhaust to get the sound you are looking for. I have no idea what the OEM DPs with the exhaust will sound like, since I put it all in on the same night.

[AudiS4TW]

Here's the AWE non-resonated exhaust as heard from the passenger side of the car. In the first clip, you'll hear the exhaust sounds from three cars: B8 S4 DSG with non-res AWE, B8 S4 DSG with Magnaflow, and my B8.5 S4 MT with non-res AWE:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yau-Hk4ieNI

Next is the exhaust sound from the same side at moderate speed. The man was mad at the drivers before me who were speeding hastily in this residential area, including the Corvette that zoomed past us from behind, prompting the concerned resident to yell bloody murder:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z991zr_M_8c

Anyway, that's what AWE sounds like without projecting the mic at the tips. These were recorded with a GoPro video camera.


Sent from my iPhone

[alexnyc22]

AWE!

[Wavz]

I am getting really close to making my exhaust decision so research is getting more intense on my part. I have been siding more towards Borla because what I am hearing on YouTube videos. It seemed to habpve the deepest "bass" sound to it. I will have an Euro-Roc intake for the "treble".

However after hearing the Milltek I am now second guessing myself.

I want a great deep sound with droning since I am on my phone whenever I am in my car.

My question is does anyone one have experience with hearing Borla and Milltek. The Milltek sound on this video is amazing.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Wavz]

Another question pertaining to this thread. From what I read the Milltek was a non-res with downpipes. What helps the deep sound besides the exhaust, non-res and/or downpipes? Looking at pricepoint the downpipes really add some cost to the exhaust.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[RCSurgeon]

I am getting really close to making my exhaust decision so research is getting more intense on my part. I have been siding more towards Borla because what I am hearing on YouTube videos. It seemed to habpve the deepest "bass" sound to it. I will have an Euro-Roc intake for the "treble".

However after hearing the Milltek I am now second guessing myself.

I want a great deep sound with droning since I am on my phone whenever I am in my car.

My question is does anyone one have experience with hearing Borla and Milltek. The Milltek sound on this video is amazing.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk


I literally just had full non resonated Milltek exhaust put on this morning. It sounds so f-in awesome. It sounds like what I would expect the car should sound like when looking at it

[PopSMK]

I literally just had full non resonated Milltek exhaust put on this morning. It sounds so f-in awesome. It sounds like what I would expect the car should sound like when looking at it

+1

I've had my non-res Milltek for just about a year now and it's getting better with age.

[Wavz]

I literally just had full non resonated Milltek exhaust put on this morning. It sounds so f-in awesome. It sounds like what I would expect the car should sound like when looking at it

Did the Milltek have downpipes installed. Will I loose quality "sound" by not installing down pipes?

I am really impressed with the Milltek, the price jump over the Borla is $800+.

I know the chances are slim, but has anyone heard the two side by side?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[PopSMK]

Did the Milltek have downpipes installed. Will I loose quality "sound" by not installing down pipes?

I am really impressed with the Milltek, the price jump over the Borla is $800+.

I know the chances are slim, but has anyone heard the two side by side?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


The Milltek includes new downpipes.

[Wavz]

The Milltek includes new downpipes.

Got it. Thanks.

I am seeing lowest price for Milltek around $2,300.00. Anyone see prices any better?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jazza08]

My opinion on the AWE exhaust with resonated down pipes on my S4 with a DSG gearbox.

Beautiful exhaust note but it is a very quiet. Happy overall with it as my car is my daily. Some more noise wouldn't make it uncomfortable at all but it is what it is. Can't comment on drone etc as I have none.

[F40LM]

Anybody listen to that supersprint exhaust? That thing sounds like garbage. Millitek exhaust is my favorite and then AWE, but I'm still unsure about dropping that kind of coin on a catback exhaust.

[mact3333]

I was kinda like that for about a week...but why fight temptation and fate, as it's a losing battle... Especially if you have obsessive tendencies.

Then next day I caved and ordered springs too even though I gotta pay like a trillion dollars for install.



Anybody listen to that supersprint exhaust? That thing sounds like garbage. Millitek exhaust is my favorite and then AWE, but I'm still unsure about dropping that kind of coin on a catback exhaust.

[F40LM]

I was kinda like that for about a week...but why fight temptation and fate, as it's a losing battle... Especially if you have obsessive tendencies.

Then next day I caved and ordered springs too even though I gotta pay like a trillion dollars for install.

I totally have obsessive tendencies. I know for a fact I will end up with an exhaust. The only thing I don't know is when I will justify the purchase in my mind haha. I am trying to settle with stock suspension, but once I get my wheels put on I know I'll be screwed. I went from telling myself this car is going to be stock with not a single mod to wanting to mod this car more than my STi I had.

[JimmiK531]

I have a brand new AWE exhaust with 102mm stainless tips for sale if interested. I'll let it go for a great price. PM for more details

[Wavz]

I have a brand new AWE exhaust with 102mm stainless tips for sale if interested. I'll let it go for a great price. PM for more details

Pm'd you.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[roush85]

I have a brand new AWE exhaust with 102mm stainless tips for sale if interested. I'll let it go for a great price. PM for more details


Sent PM as well.

[Dominick's S4]

Why am I the only guy that went APR. I think APR is fine.. Closest to stock under normal driving conditions and opens up at WOT. I still have to pick up my kids at school..

[RCSurgeon]

The Milltek comes with new downpipes. Have had mine one since Saturday morning. I had no idea what I was missing until I had the Milltek installed!! Changes the whole attitude of the car. If you are contemplating a new exhaust I say just do it. Don't go cheap however, I'm a firm believer of you get what you pay for in this world. If you go cheap you're going to end up putting out more coin later on for the exhaust you should have boughten in the first place. I can only speak for Milltek... It sounds so sexy

[F40LM]

The Milltek comes with new downpipes. Have had mine one since Saturday morning. I had no idea what I was missing until I had the Milltek installed!! Changes the whole attitude of the car. If you are contemplating a new exhaust I say just do it. Don't go cheap however, I'm a firm believer of you get what you pay for in this world. If you go cheap you're going to end up putting out more coin later on for the exhaust you should have boughten in the first place. I can only speak for Milltek... It sounds so sexy

Ever since I watched all those exhaust vids i've become obsessed with getting an exhaust . Went from not wanting to spend any money on this car to like 4 grand in a month hahaha.

[drob23]

Ever since I watched all those exhaust vids i've become obsessed with getting an exhaust . Went from not wanting to spend any money on this car to like 4 grand in a month hahaha.

I told you to stay away from these forums...

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

[F40LM]

I told you to stay away from these forums...

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

No kidding haha. If I truly didn't want the mods though I would have stayed away. Its millitek or AWE for me when I decide to spend that kind of money on a catback. I feel like its requirement to have catback before I get the tune.

[noshadow]

I'll have my Milltek with resonated downpipes by Wednesday. I'll see if a friend of mine, who is a musician, will come over and record a few sound bites. Not sure if being a musician and all those mics will get a better and more realistic sound, but should be better than a regular iPhone right?

[F40LM]

I'll have my Milltek with resonated downpipes by Wednesday. I'll see if a friend of mine, who is a musician, will come over and record a few sound bites. Not sure if being a musician and all those mics will get a better and more realistic sound, but should be better than a regular iPhone right?

Do it from as much audio equipment as you can. Give me an excuse to spend extra money for the millitek haha. It's my money and i want vendors to take it NOWWWWWWWW,

[RCSurgeon]

go with the non resonated Milltek... you won't regret it... absolutely no buyers remorse.