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

[fally]

Anyone try the magnaflow resonated x pipe muffler in place of center resonator? If so any sounds clips? I know diegom tried it with magnaflow mufflers which sounds amazing, but wanted to see if anyone used stock mufflers.

[YelloJello]

I'm wondering too, but my guess is somewhere between stock and non-res x-pipe

[jkc1985]

I am curious if anyone has just replaced the stock mufflers and left the whole x-pipe ordeal alone. Basically something like the Remus system.

[jkc1985]

so I found this while looking around at exhaust options…

http://www.magnaflow.com/02product/s...ayproducts.asp

Its basically a magnaflow catback. This would allow changing the mufflers, piping, and resonators and keep the stock downpipes….thoughts?

[ASDBS]

I recently tried replacing the center resonator with an x-pipe.
I did like it at first, but after a week of commuting the drone was just too much for me to handle.
went back and got resonator welded back in place.

[afdent11]

Do you have the S-tronic?

[afdent11]

Anyone try the magnaflow resonated x pipe muffler in place of center resonator? If so any sounds clips? I know diegom tried it with magnaflow mufflers which sounds amazing, but wanted to see if anyone used stock mufflers.

I was wondering this also. I was thinking it might not make much of a difference since you're basically replacing a resonator with a resonator, right? I think the only reason it worked in diegom's case was because he eliminated the very restrictive stock mufflers. I wonder if the sound would be much different in his case if he had never touched the center resonator and just replaced the mufflers.

[saxon]

i would be willing to bet that the resonated magnaflow x pipe would make it louder and less restrictive than the stock one

[ASDBS]

Do you have the S-tronic?

Yes S-Tronic.

[fally]

I recently tried replacing the center resonator with an x-pipe.
I did like it at first, but after a week of commuting the drone was just too much for me to handle.
went back and got resonator welded back in place.

Was x-pipe placed where center resonator was or placed up front ? Reason I ask is bc I had xpipe recently installed and I placed it up front and I do not get drone.

[saxon]

Drone is subjective. I might think my car has very little and another would find it unbearable

[fally]

Had my x-pipe installed up front by front resonators.. Here are 2 sound clips from in car.

first clip is heavy throttle





second clip is light throttle

[drob23]

Sounds great, a lot like mine, maybe less rasp on the WOT shifts but hard to tell from movie. Switch transmission to manual mode and see how it sounds when you give moderate throttle at steady 55-60 MPH in 7th gear. That's the drone test lol

[afdent11]

Yeah, sounds great. Thanks for posting! If you get a chance, can you take some video from the outside of the car just revving? Thanks!

[fally]

Yeah, sounds great. Thanks for posting! If you get a chance, can you take some video from the outside of the car just revving? Thanks!

I will def do this, but Im in NY and expected snow again tonight. Don't think I will have anything soon, but when I get to it, I'll post it.

[drob23]

I made a pretty crappy video, but the point was to show off the drone while driving at highway speeds. Back seat is up, so this is normal driving (albeit cold as hell lol). You should be able to hear the worst of it around 0:15 where I give it gas in 7th at 75 MPH - about 2k rpm which to me is the area of the worst drone.

[Neuro]

Still curious if anyone has tried the reasonated magnaflow x-pipe yet?

[jzamorski]

I was going to and bought the stuff. Returned it though because I found a local guy with a used awe exhaust. Better deal in the long run since I'm not hacking up the OEM exhaust.

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[saxon]

I made a pretty crappy video, but the point was to show off the drone while driving at highway speeds. Back seat is up, so this is normal driving (albeit cold as hell lol). You should be able to hear the worst of it around 0:15 where I give it gas in 7th at 75 MPH - about 2k rpm which to me is the area of the worst drone.

that noise doesnt bother me one bit

i guess im not as picky because my past with "rice burners"

[diegom305]

regular x pipe with OEM mufflers i had NO DRONE at all... i had it where the center muffler was.

My dislike here was the high pitch raspiness at high RMPs...

[drob23]

I just swapped out my xpipe for something new (will make a thread once I get some vids) The drone was not too bad with the xpipe, but it sounds nothing like the new exhaust up top. I also had the xpipe mig welded on, so it was already starting to rust.

The xpipe really improved the noise down low, gave more feedback when you first started the car. Then would drone around 2k and get quiet once above 3k RPM, I'd hear my roc euro intake over the exhaust. The shifting was also very raspy under WOT, banging a really thin tin gong is the best way I could describe the tone lol. Now, car sounds like a jet up top I'm glad I tried the xpipe and enjoyed the time I had it, but should have just gone with catback from day one!

[ASDBS]

I just swapped out my xpipe for something new (will make a thread once I get some vids) The drone was not too bad with the xpipe, but it sounds nothing like the new exhaust up top. I also had the xpipe mig welded on, so it was already starting to rust.

The xpipe really improved the noise down low, gave more feedback when you first started the car. Then would drone around 2k and get quiet once above 3k RPM, I'd hear my roc euro intake over the exhaust. The shifting was also very raspy under WOT, banging a really thin tin gong is the best way I could describe the tone lol. Now, car sounds like a jet up top I'm glad I tried the xpipe and enjoyed the time I had it, but should have just gone with catback from day one!

+1 on this, my experience also

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[TSXCman]

Here is my actual configuration.

X-PIPE: http://www.magnaflow.com/02product/d...rtnumber=11385
MUFFLERS: http://www.magnaflow.com/02product/s...=main&id=11337
TIPS: http://www.magnaflow.com/02product/s...=main&id=11719

I looked up these part #'s and notice that the MagnaFlow exhaust tips and resonated X-pipe are 2.25" but the MagnaFlow mufflers were 2.5".
Any reason for this or just a mistake on the muffler part #?
Our original system is 2.25".....right?

I want to order parts and do this same exact Mod but want to be sure I get it right.....Thanks!!

I am going to do this setup I think.
A bit unsure of the 2.5in muffler vs the 2.25in. Sounds like the slight difference just got filled in by welds?

[drob23]

Here's my xpipe after about 4 months of use during an abnormally nasty winter. Note that if you do this, make sure it is (a) TIG welded (you can see my welds rusting) (b) Use stainless for all plumbing (c) use some rust proof material for the hangers. My installer (my responsibility of course) failed on both (a) and (c), the xpipe itself also looks slightly rusted.

[TSXCman]

Wow! Thanks for the warning. I am in a nasty winter area as well

[IanCH]

Gotta go to a good exhaust shop that uses only stainless

[KRp220]

I just did the x-pipe mod. its interesting to hear everyone's definition and tolerance for drone.

is there a spray or paint that can be applied to x-pipe, welds and hangers to prevent the rust? (hoping that's not a stupid question..)

[damndante]

I did the magnaflow xpipe + 2 magnaflow mufflers. Nice low rumble out the back, does still drone when under load 1900-2200 rpm, but I can live with it. Weird part is once up past 3k rpm, it's quiet as a mouse. Don't know maybe its all going out the back, from inside the cabin or with windows down, its too quiet for me. So no rasp at all (doesnt sound ricy at all). Now on the surprise side, my butt dyno feels a big difference (Stage 2 + intake). So I'll be keeping it for performance reasons alone. I might have them cut the front resonators out and put straight pipe in to see if I can get some 3K+ noise going, has anyone tried that (and what were the results)?

[diegom305]

I did the magnaflow xpipe + 2 magnaflow mufflers. Nice low rumble out the back, does still drone when under load 1900-2200 rpm, but I can live with it. Weird part is once up past 3k rpm, it's quiet as a mouse. Don't know maybe its all going out the back, from inside the cabin or with windows down, its too quiet for me. So no rasp at all (doesnt sound ricy at all). Now on the surprise side, my butt dyno feels a big difference (Stage 2 + intake). So I'll be keeping it for performance reasons alone. I might have them cut the front resonators out and put straight pipe in to see if I can get some 3K+ noise going, has anyone tried that (and what were the results)?

you are saying that x pipe and magnaflow mufflers are not loud? wow... i had it like for a month and almost went nuts. DRONE for DSG sucked, anything else was absolutely on point.

After switching to the resonated xpipe the volume went down i have to admit, absolutely ZERO drone... now i am thinking your proposal, get the baby resonators out. I tough on doing only 1 and test the volume, i dont want to go SUPER loud since most of my driving is with my 14 moths old baby in it. I think i will test removing only 1 to test and then maybe 2 if needed... dont want to do to and then regret...LOL right now i have a beautiful sound just a bit low volume for my perfect taste...

[TSXCman]

Yes, it seems that stating DSG vs 6MT is important here regarding drone.

[drob23]

Anyone local want to trade their stock exhaust for mine with the xpipe, let me know. I did mine on jack stands, so it's possible to do this in my garage. If/when I ever go back to stock, it will be when selling or trading in, so I'd probably be better off with the stock setup (I can pay someone to weld the center resonator back on, but that's just more money).

[damndante]

To be clear I have the resonated magnaflow xpipe + magnaflow mufflers. Just like you (well mostly), I don't have quad tips, just single tips. So its really close to yours (I did mine based on yours diegom305). The down low is nice, I still feel it qualifies as droning, and is quiet up top. My car is DSG.

Please let me know if you try the front resonator delete (fully or partially), I'm really interested in the results.

This got me thinking about how the aftermarket cat backs had drone issues with DSG as well, and some (AWE + Stasis) solved it by offering their own dowpipes. Can someone explain exactly which part got replaced with their downpipe and why it made it drone less?

[diegom305]

To be clear I have the resonated magnaflow xpipe + magnaflow mufflers. Just like you (well mostly), I don't have quad tips, just single tips. So its really close to yours (I did mine based on yours diegom305). The down low is nice, I still feel it qualifies as droning, and is quiet up top. My car is DSG.

Please let me know if you try the front resonator delete (fully or partially), I'm really interested in the results.

This got me thinking about how the aftermarket cat backs had drone issues with DSG as well, and some (AWE + Stasis) solved it by offering their own dowpipes. Can someone explain exactly which part got replaced with their downpipe and why it made it drone less?

wait until you hit around 500 miles after installation... NO DRONE... it will go quiet very soon. I was a bit concerned right after installing the resonated x pipe because originally i had the regular x pipe. but after a trip of 400+ miles the drone was gone. everything settle inside and the glassfiber of the mufflers expanded.. DRONE will be gone soon.

About the baby front resonators, i am still thinking about it. now that my car is kinda quiet i am wondering how give it a lil volume and like i said since we already have the x pipe it will balance the exhaust taking just 1 out.... not sure if doing it or not because now i am into swapping the sub woofer. i have b&O in my car and the sub woofer is a piece of S*** so i am looking into all options... f you do it let me know.

[mact3333]

I am strongly considering this mod...so magna flow 2.25 inch x-pipe is the way to go?.

And most seem happy with this mod longer periods of follow up?. I noticed some have taken it off and gone back to stock.

Gotta think you would get some drone at light throttle around 2000-2500 rpms...the rasp at higher rpm's I just don't get a sense of at all from descriptions.

[diegom305]

I am strongly considering this mod...so magna flow 2.25 inch x-pipe is the way to go?.

And most seem happy with this mod longer periods of follow up?. I noticed some have taken it off and gone back to stock.

Gotta think you would get some drone at light throttle around 2000-2500 rpms...the rasp at higher rpm's I just don't get a sense of at all from descriptions.

Honestly i've done it all in terms of playing with the exhaust on a custom level..... but if i can start again, i would start swapping the mufflers before going to the center resonator JUST because this was the only test i didnt do.

Now if you just want a lil bit of a higher volume on your exhaust note AND not worried about high pitch rattling sound at high RPM go for the straight XPIPE mod. now that i changed mufflers too i have a resonated x pipe.

good luck.

[mecheng]

I am strongly considering this mod...so magna flow 2.25 inch x-pipe is the way to go?.

And most seem happy with this mod longer periods of follow up?. I noticed some have taken it off and gone back to stock.

Gotta think you would get some drone at light throttle around 2000-2500 rpms...the rasp at higher rpm's I just don't get a sense of at all from descriptions.

I've got a pair of video's in my build thread (link in my signature) that will give you an idea of the sounds and my impressions of the x-pipe mod, and then the AWE with OEM downpipes.

For what it's worth, I'm installing the non-resonated downpipes this upcoming weekend and will likely make a similar video. The OEM downpipes are too subdued for me and don't sound natural. I'm coming from a 2.5" turbo-back plumbed WRX so I like to hear my cars sing.

I may be repeating myself, but these engines are so goddamn difficult to get a nice sound out of and I'd be willing to bet it's a function of the deviated flow-path the lines take towards the driver's side. That small jog adds at least a few inches to the left engine bank's route and messes with the sound we hear coming out the back.

[IanCH]

I've got a pair of video's in my build thread (link in my signature) that will give you an idea of the sounds and my impressions of the x-pipe mod, and then the AWE with OEM downpipes.

For what it's worth, I'm installing the non-resonated downpipes this upcoming weekend and will likely make a similar video. The OEM downpipes are too subdued for me and don't sound natural. I'm coming from a 2.5" turbo-back plumbed WRX so I like to hear my cars sing.

I may be repeating myself, but these engines are so goddamn difficult to get a nice sound out of and I'd be willing to bet it's a function of the deviated flow-path the lines take towards the driver's side. That small jog adds at least a few inches to the left engine bank's route and messes with the sound we hear coming out the back.

I honestly cant believe this is the first time I've seen a video that actually gets the parameters correct for filming an exhaust... and it sounds fantastic. I'm getting this mod done the nexttime I can find the X-pipe on sale. (this is just the standard X-pipe right?)

[drob23]

I've got a pair of video's in my build thread (link in my signature) that will give you an idea of the sounds and my impressions of the x-pipe mod, and then the AWE with OEM downpipes.

For what it's worth, I'm installing the non-resonated downpipes this upcoming weekend and will likely make a similar video. The OEM downpipes are too subdued for me and don't sound natural. I'm coming from a 2.5" turbo-back plumbed WRX so I like to hear my cars sing.

I may be repeating myself, but these engines are so goddamn difficult to get a nice sound out of and I'd be willing to bet it's a function of the deviated flow-path the lines take towards the driver's side. That small jog adds at least a few inches to the left engine bank's route and messes with the sound we hear coming out the back.

Interesting theory about the bend, most dual exhausts I see go over the rear diff/axle rather than around it like ours. Wonder if it's some kind of aero "over-engineered" thing Audi is doing. But don't most V6's sound like shit? The main issue with this motor is the droning around 2.1k RPM.

[mecheng]

Interesting theory about the bend, most dual exhausts I see go over the rear diff/axle rather than around it like ours. Wonder if it's some kind of aero "over-engineered" thing Audi is doing. But don't most V6's sound like shit? The main issue with this motor is the droning around 2.1k RPM.

The one V6 engine most people would point to that sounded great is the VR6. But look at the plumbing, it supports my theory: equal length headers going from the transverse inline 6 all down to a single pipe that weaves it's way to the back, no offset between the cylinder firing timing. The issue of exhaust port-length offset is present in Subarus but it's quite extreme (left bank piping is considerably longer) and results in the boxer rumble we all know and love. The B7 S4s had plumbing that came from either bank and followed an identical but mirrored path around the drivetrain.


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[drob23]

The one V6 engine most people would point to that sounded great is the VR6. But look at the plumbing, it supports my theory: equal length headers going from the transverse inline 6 all down to a single pipe that weaves it's way to the back, no offset between the cylinder firing timing. The issue of exhaust port-length offset is present in Subarus but it's quite extreme (left bank piping is considerably longer) and results in the boxer rumble we all know and love. The B7 S4s had plumbing that came from either bank and followed an identical but mirrored path around the drivetrain.


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I believe the problem with the dual manifolds/piping for a V6 is the imbalance in pressure since you are only firing for 270 deg crank phase combined. The inline 6 should be much more balanced wrt exhaust pressure (don't have one side needing to scavenge the other like a V6).

The B7 S4 is a bad example since V8, but understand your point about the plumbing. My guess is they are trying to do something fancy with the underside in reducing drag, so did the whole "cut-out" thing going around the rear diff. The stock exhaust is very quiet and doesn't drone. They made the car very quiet from the outside, which is for EU legislation I believe. Then added soundaktor to B8.5 when people complained about no engine note (which is massive fail, but probably is successful during test drives).

This is all my ignorant guessing though, I don't know much about exhaust systems other than messing with this one.

Check out the 3.5L V6 ecoboost, which is obviously dual due to the twin turbos (I think this guy deleted his res/xpipe, must be loud)



Edit - would be interesting to hear someone like John@roc-euro or an engineer from AWE chime in, but I can see why they wouldn't, since a lot of their hard work and trade secrets went into making the exhaust options we have available.