Exhuast questions

[skrelnik]

Hi guys - My 2006 A4 B7 Avant with Manual Tranny is in need of a new exhaust because the center muffler's hanger rusted off and the welds around the center muffler are deteriorating, due to rust. The rest of the exhaust looks okay for now, but it is rusty for sure. I am looking at replacing the entire system and going with one of the usual cat back systems. I am aware of the following brands and looking for some input on. Thanks in advance!

1) Quality - prefer the best quality. Long lasting, quality materials. Not looking for a cheap way out else I would weld the current OEM exhaust.
2) Sound - prefer non raspy/drone, more like stock with a little domestic cat purr
3) Price - Seems like they are all priced between $900 - $1200, so that difference is not too much and would not greatly impact my decision.
4) Install - Are there any DIYs out there? Do any of these systems come with good instructions? Do any vendors offer support, if needed? I have had great experiences with modbargains on another vehicle so looking for a good shop like that.
5) Any other thoughts about going this route? If I buy AWE I will need to buy this bolt and that washer, but the Billy Boat comes with everything you need.

1) Milltek
2) AWE
3) Billy Boat
4) Borla
5) CTS
6) Techtonics
7) Magnaflow
8) Europa fka Stasis

[vce1232000]

I wouldnt over [o_o] this 1 https://www.europaparts.com/performance-exhaust-system-a4-b7-2-0t-quattro-manual.html
And I have a AWE [wrench]ed https://i.imgur.com/08IbbA9.jpg

[skrelnik]

I wouldnt over [o_o] this 1 https://www.europaparts.com/performance-exhaust-system-a4-b7-2-0t-quattro-manual.html
And I have a AWE [wrench]ed https://i.imgur.com/08IbbA9.jpg

Thanks for this, I did read up on that and saw Europa bought the rights to the Stasis design or something like that.

How do you like your AWE, like when did you get it, did you install it, how does it sound? Any issues or regrets, or are you 100% satisfied with your purchase?

[yxri]

With a cat back you won't hear much. Just wondering if it's worth to you to spend that much money on no sounds really


[emoji573]

[skrelnik]

With a cat back you won't hear much. Just wondering if it's worth to you to spend that much money on no sounds really


[emoji573]

Great question. I need to do something as my center muffler is dangling and has a couple holes, all from rust. So if I buy just a new center muffler, it could be a b*tch to put in, plus I may as well spend the extra cash on upgrading the system.

But no, I do not want to spend money on this, but I have to do something, and it seems easier to install a new cat-back system rather than cutting the center muffler out and trying to fit an aftermarket version in there. The OEM center muffler costs as much as any of these cat back systems.

[gman959]

Or go the cheap OBX route if you just want to fix it.


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[skrelnik]

Or go the cheap OBX route if you just want to fix it.


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That comment is about as useful as tits are to a bull. Do you have any of those cat back systems or still on stock?

[gman959]

I'm sorry, I didn't realize that wasn't useful, you asked for a recommendation and I gave you one. I personally am still stock but am planning on getting the OBX exhaust since it held to be not too bad and a great steal so the price to performance ratio is way up. They can be found with or without the downpipe but since you said you want the whole system here is one with a downpipe. Also like it was metioned, you wont hear much without also gettting an aftermarket downpipe.

https://www.amazon.com/OBX-Catback-Exhaust-QUATTRO-Downpipe/dp/B005YELJWU

[vce1232000]

Or go the cheap OBX route if you just want to fix it.

Those OBX system's off E-Bay aint cheap no more[mad]. Last one I [o_o] was like $699.00 + shipping. Those $499.99 system's are long gone [:(]

[vce1232000]

Thanks for this, I did read up on that and saw Europa bought the rights to the Stasis design or something like that.

How do you like your AWE, like when did you get it, did you install it, how does it sound? Any issues or regrets, or are you 100% satisfied with your purchase?

AWE is okay. I got this from a [wrench] out for $500.00 + my old stock oem system. Which was about to fall apart anyway. Imo was worthless [:(]. He did me a favor by taking it [:p]. It was [wrench] going on 4 years now and was a year old when I got it. My system drones a little due to the TT 2.5 inch DP and test pipe. No regrets. But its not an exhaust I would purchase new @ full retail thou. HTH with your decision [:)]

[skrelnik]

Those OBX system's off E-Bay aint cheap no more[mad]. Last one I [o_o] was like $699.00 + shipping. Those $499.99 system's are long gone [:(]..

[skrelnik]

Or go the cheap OBX route if you just want to fix it.


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Haha, my bad. When you said OBX I thought that was an acronym for obnoxious...haha. Thanks for that brand recommendation which I will look into.

[skrelnik]

AWE is okay. I got this from a [wrench] out for $500.00 + my old stock oem system. Which was about to fall apart anyway. Imo was worthless [:(]. He did me a favor by taking it [:p]. It was [wrench] going on 4 years now and was a year old when I got it. My system drones a little due to the TT 2.5 inch DP and test pipe. No regrets. But its not an exhaust I would purchase new @ full retail thou. HTH with your decision [:)]

It does. Thank you. How was the install, straight forward?

[vce1232000]

It does. Thank you. How was the install, straight forward?

I have access to lifts. So it was a 20 minute [wrench] for both cars to swap. But very straight forward. Easier to drop the muffler hangers from the chassis with the exhaust then to screw around with the rubber hangers.

[yxri]

Just go to an exhaust shop and get it fixed. It will be around 150. I'm assuming you aren't looking for any performance since you have the Catalytic converter still on. Just looking for your best options. If you don't care... Well get the AWE exhaust or a different one for $1100


[emoji573]

[EvolutionArmory]

AWE is okay. I got this from a [wrench] out for $500.00 + my old stock oem system. Which was about to fall apart anyway. Imo was worthless [:(]. He did me a favor by taking it [:p]. It was [wrench] going on 4 years now and was a year old when I got it. My system drones a little due to the TT 2.5 inch DP and test pipe. No regrets. But its not an exhaust I would purchase new @ full retail thou. HTH with your decision [:)]

Don’t most free flowing performance exhausts drone to some extent anyway? I don’t think it really matters what brand someone buys. You could ask 10 guys which exhaust has the worst drone and you would get 10 different answers.

I think he could pick anyone of the 8 listed and probably be satisfied with his purchase.

[Okedokey]

No drone on my BSR exhaust. Love it.

[vce1232000]

Don’t most free flowing performance exhausts drone to some extent anyway? I don’t think it really matters what brand someone buys. You could ask 10 guys which exhaust has the worst drone and you would get 10 different answers.

I think he could pick anyone of the 8 listed and probably be satisfied with his purchase.
Imo I think my droning issue is that I have no catalytic converter or even a HFC [wrench]ed. That would problem adsorb alot of the droning [confused]. Ive been in other peoples B7 A4's that had identical exhaust with the converter still [wrench]ed and didnt sound like mine @ all. Pretty docile imo. But I love the [race] of the test pipe to much to give it up. So Im gonna have to live with it.

But imo he would be [:)] with any of them on that list. Its more a preference then anything else

[EvolutionArmory]

Is your exhaust resonated VCE?

[Hugh@EuropaParts]

034 HFC / Test pipe + europa exhaust = [race][drive]

[oVeRdOsE]

CTS + HFC from CTS, for the price is quite good . Great build quality,

Since all exhaust from your list are illegal where I live, CTS was the more appropriate one . ( low tone, oem look)

[vce1232000]

Is your exhaust resonated VCE?
yes [up]

[skrelnik]

Just go to an exhaust shop and get it fixed. It will be around 150. I'm assuming you aren't looking for any performance since you have the Catalytic converter still on. Just looking for your best options. If you don't care... Well get the AWE exhaust or a different one for $1100


[emoji573]

Where I live, this job could not be done for $150 at any shop, unless they are using duct tape to fix it. Hourly rates around my area are $100/hour, or $150 at the dealership.

Since a new aftermarket center muffler costs $200, that $150 is not realistic. My current center muffler is rusted through and no good at this point.

So I need a new center muffler, but Id personally rather pay up now, and then start saving for more parts, like a turbo, tune and intercooler.

I am trying to figure out the differences between AWE and the others. What separates themselves from each other, or are they all basically like coke or pepsi, with that OBX being RC cola?

[skrelnik]

I have access to lifts. So it was a 20 minute [wrench] for both cars to swap. But very straight forward. Easier to drop the muffler hangers from the chassis with the exhaust then to screw around with the rubber hangers.

Great, thanks again. Sounds like I can tackle this then. I don't have a lift but I do have four jack stands. As long as no specialty tools are required then yeah, this should be straigh forward.

[bknewtype]

Where I live, this job could not be done for $150 at any shop, unless they are using duct tape to fix it. Hourly rates around my area are $100/hour, or $150 at the dealership.

Since a new aftermarket center muffler costs $200, that $150 is not realistic. My current center muffler is rusted through and no good at this point.

So I need a new center muffler, but Id personally rather pay up now, and then start saving for more parts, like a turbo, tune and intercooler.

I am trying to figure out the differences between AWE and the others. What separates themselves from each other, or are they all basically like coke or pepsi, with that OBX being RC cola?

since you are not caring about loudness, which none of these exhaust will be loud, I think ANY of them will satisfy your needs. they are all stainless steel I believe so quality will at LEAST be decent , which exception of OBX, I know nothing about that.

if you actually cared about the tone/loudness, then we can prob further help in choosing the right exhaust. but it seems like for your current purpose, any will do if you really want to replace the full unit.

150$ is doable to have a straight section welded in place of the muffler, but that's going to give you some loud with some drone and rasp, unless you add a muffler. if the rest of your exhaust is decent, I don't see why you wouldn't want to just purchase a muffler for like 200 and 150 for labor, making it 350 vs spending close to 1k for an exhaust that you probably don't really care about in terms of performance and sound

if I was in your shoes, just wanting the center fixed, and did not care about sound, or performance increase, I would just get it fixed with either a straight section or a stainless steel muffler

[skrelnik]

No drone on my BSR exhaust. Love it.

Where did you get the BSR exhaust from? I went on thier site and it seems like they only sell a tune for our car.

[skrelnik]

Imo I think my droning issue is that I have no catalytic converter or even a HFC [wrench]ed. That would problem adsorb alot of the droning [confused]. Ive been in other peoples B7 A4's that had identical exhaust with the converter still [wrench]ed and didnt sound like mine @ all. Pretty docile imo. But I love the [race] of the test pipe to much to give it up. So Im gonna have to live with it.

But imo he would be [:)] with any of them on that list. Its more a preference then anything else

Good to know. Appreciate the comment.

[skrelnik]

034 HFC / Test pipe + europa exhaust = [race][drive]

Since I am buying an exhaust system very soon, why is your brand better than the others. Sell me on your brand over the others.

[skrelnik]

CTS + HFC from CTS, for the price is quite good . Great build quality,

Since all exhaust from your list are illegal where I live, CTS was the more appropriate one . ( low tone, oem look)

Great comment on CTS, thanks. Why would these systems be illegal? I assumed once you remove the cat it is illegal, but if the cat is kept I assumed these were all DOT approved.

[skrelnik]

since you are not caring about loudness, which none of these exhaust will be loud, I think ANY of them will satisfy your needs. they are all stainless steel I believe so quality will at LEAST be decent , which exception of OBX, I know nothing about that.

if you actually cared about the tone/loudness, then we can prob further help in choosing the right exhaust. but it seems like for your current purpose, any will do if you really want to replace the full unit.

150$ is doable to have a straight section welded in place of the muffler, but that's going to give you some loud with some drone and rasp, unless you add a muffler. if the rest of your exhaust is decent, I don't see why you wouldn't want to just purchase a muffler for like 200 and 150 for labor, making it 350 vs spending close to 1k for an exhaust that you probably don't really care about in terms of performance and sound

if I was in your shoes, just wanting the center fixed, and did not care about sound, or performance increase, I would just get it fixed with either a straight section or a stainless steel muffler

Completely agree with what you wrote. The rest of the exhaust piping is rusting as well, so my fear is once the center muffler is removed it will expose more rust damage. I was touching the muffler welds and pipes and chunks were coming off.

To give you more color, I would like to beef it up down the road, tune, turbo and IC. I already installed the 034 RSB and links, bit funds are tight so I can do upgrades every few months. With black friday here I think I should be able to get a great deal on an exhaust system.

As for sound, the only comp I have is Eisenmann, they have a sport and race. I love the sound of the sport but not the race version.

So $350 to fix the center muffler, or a grand for a new system since I can do the install. I cannot cut and weld, that is beyond me.

[bknewtype]

Completely agree with what you wrote. The rest of the exhaust piping is rusting as well, so my fear is once the center muffler is removed it will expose more rust damage. I was touching the muffler welds and pipes and chunks were coming off.

To give you more color, I would like to beef it up down the road, tune, turbo and IC. I already installed the 034 RSB and links, bit funds are tight so I can do upgrades every few months. With black friday here I think I should be able to get a great deal on an exhaust system.

As for sound, the only comp I have is Eisenmann, they have a sport and race. I love the sound of the sport but not the race version.

So $350 to fix the center muffler, or a grand for a new system since I can do the install. I cannot cut and weld, that is beyond me.

in that case:

I had billyboat on my s5, and the fitment was HORRIBLE. I had to buy extensions to make the quad tips fit. different car I know, but that just completely makes me avoid billy boat

miltek Is good quality, but IMO, does not sound as good as the competitors ( comparing the 3.0 S exhausts )

my vote will be AWE. they are known to make great quality exhausts, and one of the best sounding, with great customer support. theres a reason why a majority of s cars aftermarket exhaust is AWE. im sure their system for your 2.0 will be no different

ANOTHER option is to actually have an exhaust shop fully custom fabricate your exhaust for around 5-600. it will be close to the branded for sure though, but it will be fully custom, aka you can choose what kind of piping, X pipe, Y pipe, however set up you want, and will assume it will be full stainless steel so as long as the shop does great work, you can have a great quality custom exhaust. you can choose your own tips as well

[skrelnik]

in that case:

I had billyboat on my s5, and the fitment was HORRIBLE. I had to buy extensions to make the quad tips fit. different car I know, but that just completely makes me avoid billy boat

miltek Is good quality, but IMO, does not sound as good as the competitors ( comparing the 3.0 S exhausts )

my vote will be AWE. they are known to make great quality exhausts, and one of the best sounding, with great customer support. theres a reason why a majority of s cars aftermarket exhaust is AWE. im sure their system for your 2.0 will be no different

ANOTHER option is to actually have an exhaust shop fully custom fabricate your exhaust for around 5-600. it will be close to the branded for sure though, but it will be fully custom, aka you can choose what kind of piping, X pipe, Y pipe, however set up you want, and will assume it will be full stainless steel so as long as the shop does great work, you can have a great quality custom exhaust. you can choose your own tips as well

Sweet, good to know. Thanks. It seems AWE does have a great name, and is slightly more expensive probably because of the "little things". Like in my former BMW, Evolution Raceworks were pricier than others, but the quality, parts and fitment was that much better than the rest.

We shall see if Europa can sell me on their system.

Great call on the custom muffler, I just dont know any good shops around CT.

Thanks very much!!!

[bknewtype]

Sweet, good to know. Thanks. It seems AWE does have a great name, and is slightly more expensive probably because of the "little things". Like in my former BMW, Evolution Raceworks were pricier than others, but the quality, parts and fitment was that much better than the rest.

We shall see if Europa can sell me on their system.

Great call on the custom muffler, I just dont know any good shops around CT.

Thanks very much!!!

if you want to go the custom route in CT, im sure we can find you a shop. you can post up in the local section and ask for recommendations. theres also some members I know that lives in CT I can ask.

also @mops@supremepower can help with ur AWE

[Hugh@EuropaParts]

Since I am buying an exhaust system very soon, why is your brand better than the others. Sell me on your brand over the others.

Numbers never lie and I'm pretty sure there are more of those exhausts out in the wild compared to any other.

[bknewtype]

Since I am buying an exhaust system very soon, why is your brand better than the others. Sell me on your brand over the others.

i just took a look at this. Europa exhaust comes with a downpipe, and exhaust is full stainless steel. seems like a good deal to me. iv just never heard of it nor seen anyone else with their exhaust so I cant comment on them.

[B7S3wannabi]

i just took a look at this. Europa exhaust comes with a downpipe, and exhaust is full stainless steel. seems like a good deal to me. iv just never heard of it nor seen anyone else with their exhaust so I cant comment on them.

I have the Europa with test pipe. It sounds incredible. The only drone I got was while it was breaking in. It has a really nice tone to it. Deep with no rasp. Very subtle while cruising and quite noticeable at anything from half throttle to WOT. Love the sound of the K04R through it.


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[bknewtype]

I have the Europa with test pipe. It sounds incredible. The only drone I got was while it was breaking in. It has a really nice tone to it. Deep with no rasp. Very subtle while cruising and quite noticeable at anything from half throttle to WOT. Love the sound of the K04R through it.


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well, there ya go! sounds like a great option.

post up some vid clips for the op!

[skrelnik]

well, there ya go! sounds like a great option.

post up some vid clips for the op!

Exactly, does sound like a good option. From my reading, their exhaust design was from Stasis, but need Europa to formerly confirm.

[skrelnik]

Numbers never lie and I'm pretty sure there are more of those exhausts out in the wild compared to any other.

Agreed as I am a math-nerd so what are these numbers you speak of? AWE, CTS, Milltek and yours are in the running. You can post info on this thread or PM me, and also if you could PM me with a price without the 034 HFC as I don't want to fail emissions...quite yet. I have a 2006 A4 avant quattro with a manual tranny.

[Charles.waite]

With a cat back you won't hear much. Just wondering if it's worth to you to spend that much money on no sounds really


[emoji573]

Lolwut? A catback (really downpipe back for us) will make a huge difference in sound...

Techtonics downpipe and Magnaflow 16601 sounds great. Not too loud, little to no drone. You can leave the stock Cat or use an HFC if you want.

I believe PerformancePeddler is still running their discount if you use the promo code "audipipes" should come in under $900.

[skrelnik]

Lolwut? A catback (really downpipe back for us) will make a huge difference in sound...

Techtonics downpipe and Magnaflow 16601 sounds great. Not too loud, little to no drone. You can leave the stock Cat or use an HFC if you want.

I believe PerformancePeddler is still running their discount if you use the promo code "audipipes" should come in under $900.

Thanks...tried that discount and no good. $1,100 for the Magnaflow which I would pass on and go for the AWE, CTS or Milltek or Europa.

[Charles.waite]

Damn I was hoping that deal was still going on.

[skrelnik]

Damn I was hoping that deal was still going on.

Thinking about going Milltek - getting a really good price from a vendor.

[klrider44]

If your not looking for something super loud, get the JHM downpipe/Y-pipe and mate it to a b6/7 S4 catback. If you get a B7 S4 catback you will need an S4 rear valence. You can't beat it for the price, as you can usually pick up an S4 catback for dirt cheap. It will provide the best flow when compared to any other aftermarket B7 A4 exhaust due to the JHM downpipe (the stock downpipe and cat are the most restricting components of the stock setup)


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[skrelnik]

If your not looking for something super loud, get the JHM downpipe/Y-pipe and mate it to a b6/7 S4 catback. If you get a B7 S4 catback you will need an S4 rear valence. You can't beat it for the price, as you can usually pick up an S4 catback for dirt cheap. It will provide the best flow when compared to any other aftermarket B7 A4 exhaust due to the JHM downpipe (the stock downpipe and cat are the most restricting components of the stock setup)


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Thanks for the tip. I was looking for more of a plug n play rather than trying to source a S4 catback. Tough to argue against what you said, but the Avant has been down for a week and I need back up and running.

I ended up purchasing the Milltek exhaust. The price was great, free shipping and arrives on Tuesday. Pumped to get it installed and get the car back on the road. Plan will be to get a HFC, IC and upgraded turbo next year.

[vce1232000]

Cant go wrong with a Miltek system either [;)]..........happy [drive]

[GearHead7]

I don`t mean to jack OPs thread- but no sense in starting another while were on the topic.

Everyone keeps commenting how the major name brands are all great if you do not want a loud exhaust. However, I would like a loud exhaust. I want an exhaust system that roars at half throttle... So to accomplish this objective whats my best bet? X-piped or Y-pipe? Resonated? Non-resonated? take me to school.

[vce1232000]

I don`t mean to jack OPs thread- but no sense in starting another while were on the topic.

Everyone keeps commenting how the major name brands are all great if you do not want a loud exhaust. However, I would like a loud exhaust. I want an exhaust system that roars at half throttle... So to accomplish this objective whats my best bet? X-piped or Y-pipe? Resonated? Non-resonated? take me to school.

[wrench] 2.5-3 inch straight pipe all the way back. Guaranteed to be loud as [poop]

[EvolutionArmory]

Thanks for the tip. I was looking for more of a plug n play rather than trying to source a S4 catback. Tough to argue against what you said, but the Avant has been down for a week and I need back up and running.

I ended up purchasing the Milltek exhaust. The price was great, free shipping and arrives on Tuesday. Pumped to get it installed and get the car back on the road. Plan will be to get a HFC, IC and upgraded turbo next year.

I had a Milltek cat back on my MK4 GLI and it was fantastic. Quiet at low RPM and really opened up under half to full throttle. A different animal but the quality should be the same.

[EvolutionArmory]

I don`t mean to jack OPs thread- but no sense in starting another while were on the topic.

Everyone keeps commenting how the major name brands are all great if you do not want a loud exhaust. However, I would like a loud exhaust. I want an exhaust system that roars at half throttle... So to accomplish this objective whats my best bet? X-piped or Y-pipe? Resonated? Non-resonated? take me to school.

Get something non resonated. Should be loud enough for you.

[skrelnik]

I don`t mean to jack OPs thread- but no sense in starting another while were on the topic.

Everyone keeps commenting how the major name brands are all great if you do not want a loud exhaust. However, I would like a loud exhaust. I want an exhaust system that roars at half throttle... So to accomplish this objective whats my best bet? X-piped or Y-pipe? Resonated? Non-resonated? take me to school.

OP gives full permission to jack. I beleive you would want nonresonated system, plus you 100% need a HFC or test pipe. I have no clue on x vs y pipe.

[QuattriumMT6]

amazing combo (DP And magnaflow 16601) and great bang for the buck. Fitment is perfect too. Bought mine from that site years ago.

[aluthman]

So to accomplish this objective whats my best bet? X-piped or Y-pipe? Resonated? Non-resonated? take me to school.

X-pipe is functionally worthless on an I-4 engine.

[vce1232000]

X pipes configurations are used mainly to balance psi between dual exhausts systems with V or opposing engines [:)]

[Charles.waite]

X-pipe is functionally worthless on an I-4 engine.

Especially one with a turbo.

[B7S3wannabi]

My setup. I'll try and get a video at some point. There weren't many videos when I was looking for my setup but apparently I am my neighbors alarm clock in the morning...


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[vce1232000]

I set off car alarms when I [drive] down the street [:p]

[yxri]

I don`t mean to jack OPs thread- but no sense in starting another while were on the topic.

Everyone keeps commenting how the major name brands are all great if you do not want a loud exhaust. However, I would like a loud exhaust. I want an exhaust system that roars at half throttle... So to accomplish this objective whats my best bet? X-piped or Y-pipe? Resonated? Non-resonated? take me to school.

Ohh baby I'll show you... Let me upload a YouTube video.

Ok I got the link. Sounds awesome to many and awful to many. Depends on what you like. I just wanted to cut weight and have it vibrate my entire car.


https://youtu.be/VW-nOTqrxD4





[emoji573]

[bknewtype]

I don`t mean to jack OPs thread- but no sense in starting another while were on the topic.

Everyone keeps commenting how the major name brands are all great if you do not want a loud exhaust. However, I would like a loud exhaust. I want an exhaust system that roars at half throttle... So to accomplish this objective whats my best bet? X-piped or Y-pipe? Resonated? Non-resonated? take me to school.

Find the system with the least amount of resonators, or you can remove them urself. Also add a test pipe or hfc for maximum loudness


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