VMR TEST PIPE REVIEW -- Installation, Smell, Sound, and Performance covered.

[ataylor]

Right -- I have a stock exhaust right now with the VMR TP, and it's the wrong kind of loud.

On our cars, I've decided that quieter is better.. because we'll never really have a truely respectable exhaust note like a 6cyl (and beyond) will.. I could deal with a slightly aggressive exhaust note on this car, but right now it's more in the 'fart can' territory. I was ok with it for about 2 weeks, but now it's become too much. It seriously prevents me from going WOT

[Sharkfin]

I'm going magnaflow and either TP or HFC, I want some sound, currently there is none and it's annoying.

[ataylor]

I get the feeling that part of the crappy noise is because I'm running the TP with the stock exhaust... and that larger pipes would help bring down the 'crackle'

[CBRmatt600]

I have not heard many B7 exhausts that weren't in the fart can territory. It is a 4 cylinder motor, there isn't a whole lot anyone is going to do to make it sound good.

[ataylor]

I have not heard many B7 exhausts that weren't in the fart can territory. It is a 4 cylinder motor, there isn't a whole lot anyone is going to do to make it sound good.

Yeah exactly so I think I'm going to find the quietest exhaust, go HFC, and even add some resonators if I have to. I'm finding that if the exhaust can't match my expectations for how an aftermarket exhaust SHOULD sound, then it needs to sound entirely stock and just perform like an aftermarket system.

[ataylor]

Another note.. I am pulling 20lbs of boost on command now. Is anyone with an HFC at stage2+ pulling 20? And what is the rest of your exhaust setup, if so.

if you find the original/later review helpful, +rep!

[Peter@VMRWheels]

Another note.. I am pulling 20lbs of boost on command now. Is anyone with an HFC at stage2+ pulling 20? And what is the rest of your exhaust setup, if so.

if you find the original/later review helpful, +rep!

+ rep from me.

[NERO Quattro]

I'm going magnaflow and TP .

^^ X2 Just ordered mine yesterday, we'll see how the install goes on Saturday . DIY and the review.

[supamannn99]

Same. This is what makes it hard to get rid of this thing for a HFC. I still love the quick spool, and don't want to sacrifice performance. Can I mod my HFC to be hi-flow ??

The last time I checked, HFC meant High Flow Cat.

[Charles]

I have not heard many B7 exhausts that weren't in the fart can territory. It is a 4 cylinder motor, there isn't a whole lot anyone is going to do to make it sound good.

Mine certainly doesn't sound like a fart can.

3" TP --> split to 2.5" --> into 2 Magnaflows

I'll try to get a sound clip if I can.

[ataylor]

The last time I checked, HFC meant High Flow Cat.

haha thanks, fixed

[Jer]

Mine certainly doesn't sound like a fart can.

3" TP --> split to 2.5" --> into 2 Magnaflows

I'll try to get a sound clip if I can.

That would be helpful because I have dual 3" in/out Magnaflows mufflers & tips sitting in boxes because I'm afraid it will be too loud/farty when completed.

[Msu2312]

I've had my vmr tp with stock exhaust for like 5 k miles, I'm use to the sound but I'm putting in a magnaflow system tommorrow , well see how it sounds

[Calabria]

Quiet exhaust, APR or build your own with big resonators and good mufflers.

[supamannn99]

funny. stasis exhaust is known to be one of the quieter exhaust systems out there. but when i put the testpipe on, it changed into quite a loud and raspy exhaust. i hate how the 2.0T sounds.

[spitfire11]

Good review

But even better is the fact that you have a Patriots license plate and are drinking Magic Hat #9. Makes me miss home!

[Charles]

That would be helpful because I have dual 3" in/out Magnaflows mufflers & tips sitting in boxes because I'm afraid it will be too loud/farty when completed.

Car was out of commission this weekend due to a dead battery (whole other story), so I'll see what I can do today or tomorrow.

[ataylor]

Good review

But even better is the fact that you have a Patriots license plate and are drinking Magic Hat #9. Makes me miss home!

haha thanks! but after yesterday's loss to the jets..

[Charles]

Ok, here's a short vid. I had some stuff in the back so you hear some vibrations at certain RPMs, but it should give you an idea.

Once again, 3" test pipe, 3" down to the split, from there, 2.5" into 2.5" inlet/outlet dual Magnaflows.

[NERO Quattro]

Sounds good IMO, now I really cant wait to put it on.

[Weem]

good write up!


I have the APR Test Pipe w/ APR exhaust...

Only smelt something the first few miles it was put on and since then haven't smelt one single thing (couple 1000 miles in) so I don't know what the fuss about smell is about either. don't smell anything at all and I always roll with the windows down

Sounds diiiiiiirrrrrtttttttyyyyyy but not too much at all. and no CEL either (and didn't need o2 sensor blockers). besides it not being street legal I have no idea why some1 would choose HFC > TP (unless for sound reasons...but it sounds awesome)

glad you like yours!

[Sharkfin]

Ok, here's a short vid. I had some stuff in the back so you hear some vibrations at certain RPMs, but it should give you an idea.

Once again, 3" test pipe, 3" down to the split, from there, 2.5" into 2.5" inlet/outlet dual Magnaflows.

How much did you pay for that setup? And who fabricated it for you?

[mark625]

would you happen to have a sound clip of outside the car

[Charles]

I don't, but I can try to get it tonight.

Shark, it was custom from a tuner guy here locally. I got a rather good deal. He spent all day, literally, building it for me. I supplied the bends and the mufflers/tips, and he supplied the straight pipes, bungs, connectors, etc. I think it was around 400 for his work and parts. I paid like 120 for two mufflers, 60 for the tips, another 120 for the mandrel stainless bends, and 15 bucks for some pizza and Pepsi. ;)

Overall, it's close to what you'd pay for a full exhaust, but I bought the parts in steps, so I didn't have to shell out 700 bucks all at once.

[elwigglero]

Yeah exactly so I think I'm going to find the quietest exhaust, go HFC, and even add some resonators if I have to. I'm finding that if the exhaust can't match my expectations for how an aftermarket exhaust SHOULD sound, then it needs to sound entirely stock and just perform like an aftermarket system.

Recently installed the 034 hfc and milltek exhaust and am very happy. Slightly louder than stock, but still sounds relatively mean. Noone would confuse this set up with a "fart can." The only "droning" (if you could call it that) is when off the gas cruising at 2k rpm and below...so downshifting/slowing to a stop. Performance gains were nice...getting fuel cut early in the rpm range now though, so I need to go apr hpfp.

[colt45]

any sound clips of the TP with stock exhaust?

[ataylor]

driving around town, you won't want to get on the throttle much. I try to prevent the exhaust from making any noise.

at high rpm or on the highway.. it's tolerable

[colt45]

wish someone around me had this setup. well if I don't like it I can always take it off. I would only be losing $70. not too bad.

[ataylor]

it's not enough to force me to put the stock cat. converter on.. the power gains are too great for that move. But it is sort-of annoying, and it's going to force me into a full-exhaust purchase sooner than I was planning.

[MurderedA4*20]

Have a shop make you a custom exhaust that will bolt up to your VMR test pipe.

[redlegs13m]

Good review

But even better is the fact that you have a Patriots license plate and are drinking Magic Hat #9. Makes me miss home!

i hear that i'm in iraq and this near beer is killing me haha

does anyone from nc know if we can get TP and still pass inspection??

[redlegs13m]

just bought my VMR TP on ebay the price is now 79.99 shipped will let yall know how it is when i get it on

[ataylor]

from what i understand, the inspection process relies on the computer to tell the tool if there's a problem with the emissions. If you flash with APR (eliminating this error in the computer) you should be fine. Someone else can chime in if they know otherwise.. my buddy does my inspections @ the dealer so..

[colt45]

well luckily we done have inspections in MD. only if you bought a used car privately. but we have emission tests every two years. but I think they just check the computer.

[redlegs13m]

thats good to know hopefully it will pass haha if not i will let everyone know

[tmqv34]

Just to let you know on the fitment issue's. My exhaust installer which is Ed Hanson over in San Diego did a great job. He did what he had to to install it. Later I went back and told him it was rubbing. Not the normal rubbing but the bang bang against my firewall. Eddy bent the pipe for me which was GRREAT!... now I have no issue's.... ED Hanson is amazing.



Note: I'm referring to having a VMR test pipe and APR Exhaust.

[eskimopunk]

well luckily we done have inspections in MD. only if you bought a used car privately. but we have emission tests every two years. but I think they just check the computer.

It won't pass.

[SykoraA4]

It won't pass.

in md as long as you dont have a cel your good. on my b5 i drove to the inspection station, cleared the code, passed, and had the cel come on on the way home.

[colt45]

in md as long as you dont have a cel your good. on my b5 i drove to the inspection station, cleared the code, passed, and had the cel come on on the way home.

good to know. so if I have a flash with a TP file I should be good right?

[Jmdavis13]

So right now i have a completely stock exhaust, well stock everything performance wise. i am thinking about adding a test pipe soon. i cant find the VMR one that is being discussed (think i read it was a special and they only had a certain amount) but this seems similar. says it has a down pipe too i think? both for $75 plus free shipping? doesnt seem reliable

http://www.ebay.com/itm/B7-AUDI-A4-0...ht_3646wt_1037

Also saw this one, seems similar, maybe identical

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2006-B7-AUDI...ht_4300wt_1037

any suggestions on finding one seeing as VMRs cant be found? i am looking more for noise than for performance. i have a b7 2.0T and this is my first mod, so avoiding screwups is kindof important. i need it to fit right. Will this void warranty? i do not have any tunes or chips so will this throw a CEL because of that? i have a ebay vag com with the LITE ross tech software so i dont think i can clear CELs myself. thanks for all the help

P.S. I live in louisiana and im almost positive we dont have emissions tests, so not a worry