Exhaust Mod - Resonator replaced w/ X-Pipe (video)

[CardFan]

Sorry no vids yet from inside. Not sure when I'll get to it, maybe later this spring.
The resonated x pipe was $140 CAD taxes in and shipping included from Tdot Performance.
The ECS X pipe I got it from a member on the B8 S4 Facebook group, for $150 plus some shipping to the Maine border and I picked it up there, ended up about $270 cad.
Lap joint exhaust clamps were roughly $10 each, x4. from RockAuto.
And I did the work myself on jackstands, so I didn't have to pay a shop. Just used a grinder, a saws-all, 13-16-17mm sockets, and a short flat prybar for the exhaust hooks and some of the clamps.

I noticed this morning I have a small leak at the front of the magnaflow x pipe, I suggest using muffler tape on the joints before clamping them. That's what I'll do shortly.

I have the magnaflow 11385 and the ECS x-pipe, just haven’t gotten around to tackling the install yet. Which clamps did you buy from Rock Auto, and did you purposely not use the clamps provided with the ECS pipe, or did you just not have them? I at least need a couple for the magnaflow.

[mattro]

I used the Walker 33231 clamps.
http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....268997&jsn=340

The magnaflow 11385 is 2.25" ID, while your stock exhaust and the ECS x pipe is 2.25" OD.
So at the front and the back of the magnaflow you need lap joint clamps (4 of them).
Then at the back of the ECS x pipe you can use 2 of the butt joint clamps that come with the ECS kit. or even re-use your stock ones that you remove from the end of the downpipes if they're in good shape.

[CardFan]

I used the Walker 33231 clamps.
http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....268997&jsn=340

The magnaflow 11385 is 2.25" ID, while your stock exhaust and the ECS x pipe is 2.25" OD.
So at the front and the back of the magnaflow you need lap joint clamps (4 of them).
Then at the back of the ECS x pipe you can use 2 of the butt joint clamps that come with the ECS kit. or even re-use your stock ones that you remove from the end of the downpipes if they're in good shape.

Thanks

[jdkopecky]

Hey guys, I saw some had said that getting the 11386 magnaflow will give your car a deeper note due to the larger diameter, is there any truth to this? I’m looking to lower the overall note of the car & have heard some of the more straight piped cars having a very, dare I say “ricey” sound.

[jdkopecky]

Also beyond the stock mufflers and magnaflow, what are other options for specifically the muffler portion?

[extrabitter]

I just read through the whole thread -- tons of information. Thank you to everyone who posted.

So that it makes more sense in my head, I started adding the various configurations to a spreadsheet. Maybe this will help one of you? I made the file world editable, so if I got something wrong, please go ahead and fix it, or add others I missed. I'm sure I will not keep it up to date.

Spreadsheet:
Audi B8/B8.5 Custom Exhaust Options




Two questions:
- Plenty of people mentioned no horsepower gains from exhausts, but Integrated Engineering's downpipes say they add 8-12 hp. I mean they look nice, but isn't their part a similar end result as everyone who deletes their baby resonators? If so, wouldn't all of these baby resonator deletes add 8-12 hp?
- On post #1192, Magnaflow recommended the 12468 x-pipe, yet everyone seems to be running 11385. Has anyone tried it?

Our resonated X's will actually have a deeper tone than most stock units, and the freer flowing straight-through design gives a slight bump in volume. The best model for a deep, refined sound would be our #12468.

[Works2shoot]

I just read through the whole thread -- tons of information. Thank you to everyone who posted.

So that it makes more sense in my head, I started adding the various configurations to a spreadsheet. Maybe this will help one of you? I made the file world editable, so if I got something wrong, please go ahead and fix it, or add others I missed. I'm sure I will not keep it up to date.

Spreadsheet:
Audi B8/B8.5 Custom Exhaust Options

First off. This is the type of post that keeps this group alive and sets it apart from all others. Thank you!!

Plenty of people mentioned no horsepower gains from exhausts, but Integrated Engineering's downpipes say they add 8-12 hp. I mean they look nice, but isn't their part a similar end result as everyone who deletes their baby resonators? If so, wouldn't all of these baby resonator deletes add 8-12 hp?

Secondly. The HP gains for exhaust are usually measured at the crank. AWE claims 8-9 with their touring catback. With drivetrain loss, you're never getting more than a few whp.

[juniorcruzer]

Thank you very much for doing the spreadsheet,

Would love to see a column for DSG/maunal, and drone/no drone.

Jon

[maty360414]

B8.5 Double Non Res X-Pipe

https://youtu.be/7ktnpRmKIr0

[kelseysautobody]

I just read through the whole thread -- tons of information. Thank you to everyone who posted.

So that it makes more sense in my head, I started adding the various configurations to a spreadsheet. Maybe this will help one of you? I made the file world editable, so if I got something wrong, please go ahead and fix it, or add others I missed. I'm sure I will not keep it up to date.

Spreadsheet:
Audi B8/B8.5 Custom Exhaust Options




Two questions:
- Plenty of people mentioned no horsepower gains from exhausts, but Integrated Engineering's downpipes say they add 8-12 hp. I mean they look nice, but isn't their part a similar end result as everyone who deletes their baby resonators? If so, wouldn't all of these baby resonator deletes add 8-12 hp?
- On post #1192, Magnaflow recommended the 12468 x-pipe, yet everyone seems to be running 11385. Has anyone tried it?

Great idea and thank you! You might want to add a column in for stock cats/test pipes/ headers. That's going to make a huge difference in sound for each set up. I see you linked my video and Darkrock's for reference. I'm running headers and he's on stock cats. I got a decibel meter in my car yesterday and at WOT hit 104 db haha.

On your questions. I would doubt just deleting the baby resonators is going to net much of anything for hp. They are a straight through design. Maybe the additional piping diameter helps flow a little bit but you're still stepping down in size as soon as you get to the center resonator section.

Most people run the 11385 because it has 2.25" piping and a shorter overall length (I think) where the 12468 is 2.5". It's a lot easier to clamp or weld in to the factory exhaust.

[Csir_130]

I just read through the whole thread -- tons of information. Thank you to everyone who posted.

So that it makes more sense in my head, I started adding the various configurations to a spreadsheet. Maybe this will help one of you? I made the file world editable, so if I got something wrong, please go ahead and fix it, or add others I missed. I'm sure I will not keep it up to date.

Spreadsheet:
Audi B8/B8.5 Custom Exhaust Options

It might be a stupid question but, why would there be a difference putting a straight pipe for the center resonator compared to ecs x pipe ? I have a DSG B8.5 and thinking of putting the 11385 for the baby resonators and I have a magnaflow x pipe for the center but I’m scared for the drone.

[Gberg888]

Anyone know the stock exhaust diameter?

Miltek Exhaust diameter?

I am looking into putting a X-Pipe into my Resonated Miltek. I know they offer a x pipe replacement for the front resonator. I am wondering about the center resonator.

[mattro]

It might be a stupid question but, why would there be a difference putting a straight pipe for the center resonator compared to ecs x pipe ?

The reason I went with ECS x pipe for the middle section is so that I could do it all myself in my garage without the need to bend pipes or welding. Not sure if it changes a whole lot in the sound, maybe a little smoother. But it ended up being cheaper for me instead of paying a shop

[Csir_130]

The reason I went with ECS x pipe for the middle section is so that I could do it all myself in my garage without the need to bend pipes or welding. Not sure if it changes a whole lot in the sound, maybe a little smoother. But it ended up being cheaper for me instead of paying a shop

That’s what I thought too. For me it was cheaper to get the magnaflow x pious and take it to weld. I want to switch my baby resonators for the magnaflow 11385 but I’m just very skeptical for the drone (for DSG)

[4Rings3Liters]

I just swapped a magnaflow 11385 in along with Maganflow mufflers in the back and there is minimal drone. It cleaned up the drone a lot from just the mufflers.

[gamov3r]

B8.5 Double Non Res X-Pipe

https://youtu.be/7ktnpRmKIr0

Any drone at all?

[maty360414]

Any drone at all?

Zero Drone

[jdkopecky]

How does it sound with the baby resonators still intact and a unresonated x pipe?


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[maty360414]

How does it sound with the baby resonators still intact and a unresonated x pipe?


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it sounds good but its still very quiet for my taste

[jdkopecky]

Appreciate it, I’m starting with a custom fabricated non res x pipe in place of the large resonator first, if it’s not loud enough my buddy said he’d chop the baby resonators off.


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[extrabitter]

First off. This is the type of post that keeps this group alive and sets it apart from all others. Thank you!!

Secondly. The HP gains for exhaust are usually measured at the crank. AWE claims 8-9 with their touring catback. With drivetrain loss, you're never getting more than a few whp.

@Works2shoot: thanks for the feedback, much appreciated! Interesting. I was under the assumption that drivetrain loss was flat (25-30% on this platform). Appreciate the correction.

@juniorcruzer: added two columns -- 6MT drone and DSG drone. I'm not going back the 2250+ posts though to populate that right now -- someone else can go nuts :)

@kelseysautobody: added two columns -- headers and cats. I also moved your soundclip to a new line with upgraded headers. What kind of headers? Or feel free to update that spreadsheet with the info.

Also, that makes sense about the Magnaflow 12468. Thanks!

Shortened link for the spreadsheet: https://goo.gl/N9bV8f

[jdkopecky]

Picked up the car yesterday with the custom x pipe and baby res still intact, perfect amount of sound, minimal drone, now to get different mufflers that change the overall note. What options do I have regarding mufflers?


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[mattro]

I fixed my exhaust leaks from the clamps so it sounds cleaner now.

decided to weld on some 90mm (3.5") exhaust tips to go with the 11385 and ECS x pipe to finish it off.
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Inlet-2-25-O...ZYhBlc&vxp=mtr

Sounds good and looks good now
yes I know the car is really dirty, it's been really hard to keep up this winter

[Works2shoot]

I fixed my exhaust leaks from the clamps so it sounds cleaner now.

decided to weld on some 90mm (3.5") exhaust tips to go with the 11385 and ECS x pipe to finish it off.
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Inlet-2-25-O...ZYhBlc&vxp=mtr

Sounds good and looks good now
yes I know the car is really dirty, it's been really hard to keep up this winter

Looks nice and clean - the exhaust that is

What options do I have regarding mufflers?

The answer you seek is already in this thread.

[944thomas]

Thanks Mattro. Just ordered these tips with the Dodge dampeners. Hopefully this will be the end of exhaust fiddling.

[mattro]

Thanks Mattro. Just ordered these tips with the Dodge dampeners. Hopefully this will be the end of exhaust fiddling.

no problem !
Suggestion: our stock pipes aren't quite 2.25" so the tips will fit loose and don't hold in place. I put the tips in a vice to crush the ends a little bit so they fit snug, then it was easy to weld on.

[theweebabyseamus]

Has anybody picked up a light buzzing type of vibration after they installed the 11385 that only manifests under moderate to heavy throttle?

[darkrock]

Just had everything welded up. Sounds so much better without it leaking everywhere with clamps. Highly recommend welding the whole system up. Mine was leaking a lot and welding it up made a huge difference

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[darkrock]

Forgot to mention...it also took care of the vibration on deceleration somehow

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[AudiFishers]

Hi all. First i want to thanks so much for all the info here! Love all the sound! I got the B9 S5 Sportback and i wonder if this will work for my car? I cut the center Res but it doesn’t male a big difference. I want to try the X pipe but idk if it will work...thanks for any advice.

[jdkopecky]

So, had the custom xpipe welded in about a week ago and at certain RPMs I get a very strange exhaust note. Imagine the noise made when you have a window open and the air baffling around the car. Now apply that to the exhaust. It’s only under full throttle between a specific RPM range, around low 3k. Is it a poor welding job & air is escaping? I can try and record a video however it seems the sound is most apparent under throttle in gear as the car stays in that RPM range for a longer amount of time.


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[944thomas]

Did the dodge dampeners and the tips mattro suggested over the weekend. 1) the 2000 rpm vibration is now gone. I did however pick one up between 1600-1800 that I can feel through the wheel. A little annoying but not as bad as before. 2) tips look awesome. They do touch slightly but it hasn't been causing any issues. No way you could fit 4" tips without some modding of the inlet.

Overall happy and I think the exhaust is finally done. I'll try to get some pics up here in the near future.

[ShopVac]

So...just replaced the baby resonators with the magnaflow, adding it to my ECS x-pipe. Initial thoughts...I just took the exhaust back to stock. :(

Definitely got rid of the little drone it had at 2800rpm uphill, but I lost the little pop backfires and sounds way too quiet.

Appreciate Matt's writeup (matteo) and answering the questions I had. Tossed in some muffler paste and tape to help seal things. So I'd recommend both if doing this and are not planning to weld.

Anyway, take it for what its worth...if you have the x-pipe and mostly like it, you may just want to leave things alone. Just my opinion.

[kelseysautobody]

So...just replaced the baby resonators with the magnaflow, adding it to my ECS x-pipe. Initial thoughts...I just took the exhaust back to stock. :(

Definitely got rid of the little drone it had at 2800rpm uphill, but I lost the little pop backfires and sounds way too quiet.

Appreciate Matt's writeup (matteo) and answering the questions I had. Tossed in some muffler paste and tape to help seal things. So I'd recommend both if doing this and are not planning to weld.

Anyway, take it for what its worth...if you have the x-pipe and mostly like it, you may just want to leave things alone. Just my opinion.

Let it break in a little bit. Mine got quite a bit louder and a little raspier after about 1000 miles... But I’m running headers.

[Sukks2bu]

Without having to read thru this entire thread , can someone tell me, if I straight pipe the front baby resonators, will the car get that dreaded drone? I'm not looking to change the exaust sound, I want to keep it as close to stock as possible, but I need to remove the resonators cause they are rattling.

[jdkopecky]

Has anyone on here tried a dual x pipe set up? Resonated x pipe in place of baby res and then a non res after to straight pipes. Is it redundant?


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[darkrock]

Has anyone on here tried a dual x pipe set up? Resonated x pipe in place of baby res and then a non res after to straight pipes. Is it redundant?


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Yes.. I have it.. magnaflow 11385 to am ecs xpipe.. I posted pics and a video of it. I love it

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[brs2c]

Has anyone on here tried a dual x pipe set up? Resonated x pipe in place of baby res and then a non res after to straight pipes. Is it redundant?

2 X-pipes doesn't hurt anything, however, it does not add any performance. An X pipe provides a pressure relief point for exhaust pulse imbalances in one bank to normalize pressure, by jumping to a lower pressure in the opposite bank. The most important thing is to position the X as far forward as possible (the sooner you balance the pressures, the greater the impact on the volumetric efficiency of the engine).

[jdkopecky]

2 X-pipes doesn't hurt anything, however, it does not add any performance. An X pipe provides a pressure relief point for exhaust pulse imbalances in one bank to normalize pressure, by jumping to a lower pressure in the opposite bank. The most important thing is to position the X as far forward as possible (the sooner you balance the pressures, the greater the impact on the volumetric efficiency of the engine).

Thank you sir, had a custom x pipe made for large resonator. It’s created a very turbulent exhaust note under moderate to heavy throttle. Almost like when you have your windows down on the highway... but coming from the exhaust. Very bizarre. Going to cut it out, add straight pipes & replace baby res with res magnaflow x pipe & cut out the mufflers. Wam bam thank you mam. I have a feeling when I cut the x pipe out and look at it it’s going to be piss poor.


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[jdkopecky]

Would this be more free flowing than the magnaflow x pipe? https://www.summitracing.com/parts/jex-sxp4


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