Stage 2 APR with either Testpipe + downpipe OR OBX exhaust ?

[null]

Hi!

I read here that people get testpipe + downpipe and go stage 2 and some get full exhaust

Some say that only the test pipe and downpipe get real gains, that exhaust is for sound only

Which is a good economic set of TestPipe + downpipe for 2.0 quattro Tiptronic? I looked at TechnicTunics? and they only seem to carry one for 6 speed manual. Where to find one for AUTO?

Also - some people report good results from OBX ebay exhaust? Does it include TestPipe and Downpipe? I can get that for 500 shipped, but if downpipe + testpipe (also generic) could be 1/2 of that I would go for that.

What are my options really? Whats best with Stage 2 apr?

[robot]

I have Tip too and just got an 034 HFC and Techtonics downpipe. Here are the downpipes for Tiptronic on their website: http://techtonicstuning.com/main/ind...ort=20a&page=2

The 55mm exit is for stock exhausts, which is what I got. HFC/TP and downpipe will give you (almost) all of the performance gains. That's all you need for Stage 2 APR which is just a CEL erase file.

EDIT: Technically, all you need is a HFC or TP for Stage 2. Check Operator's thread on the OBX exhaust, but this will not have a TP. His auto version came with a downpipe to his surprise, but it was for manual so his shop had to slightly modify it to work, but the auto kit should not typically include this based on the description.

[null]

Got it. Robot - thank you for detailed response and the link. Don't know how I missed auto techtonics dp, its on second page. I'm going to check out some shops around for install cost. Should be about 1h to install this?

Did anybody use any of the bay area / SF shops to install? I read about Luie shop in peninsula that does good work? Anybody heard of them? Also it was mentioned that custom DP + test pipe can be manufactured by exhaust shops? Did anybody try it? Perhaps its an easier route cause it will fit for sure?

Robot: So stage 2 apr is just a CEL remove? I thought it was remapping some things for HFC or Test pipe? I want to pass smog and install spacer for O2 and non test pipe file. But what is stage 2 ? if its only cel remove, then do I even need it? Since, I need to have non test pipe file anyway to pass smog? Anybody?

[robot]

I had the HFC and downpipe done at Achtuning with a bunch of other things - drove in with Stage 1 and came back with Stage 2+. Achtuning charged me 3 hours for the HFC and downpipe. It is more difficult for us Tiptronic guys due to the size of the tranny and limited space underneath.

You shouldn't have to get re-flashed. Achtuning explained to me that Stage 2 is just a CEL delete for the O2 sensor - I think a few guys on here didn't bother flashing up to Stage 2. I installed a 02 spacer as well for the emissions tests. Since I have 4 programs on my APR from the sale pricing and had to get re-flashed for Stage 2+, they flashed my 93 and 91 octane programs to remove CEL just in case the spacer fails, but they kept my Stock program as a non-test pipe file. Basically when I go in for emissions next, I just switch to my Stock program so the rear O2 sensor will pass OBD readiness and let the O2 spacer do it's job. I tested my Stock program and had no CEL so my spacer is working.

[p0isin]

Below is a link to my obx exhaust review if you are interested. I have a 6spd manual quattro. Total cost with downpipe was under $500 shipped which is hard to beat.

Link



I also have an 034 HFC and I'm very happy with the results. HFC or test pipe will net you most performance, the cat back exhaust is mostly for sound.

[null]

What made you get HFC vs APR testpipe? Is there a difference? With spacer both should pass smog right?

[robot]

I chose HFC because I didn't want to deal with the smell in the cabin. I think both should pass smog with spacer installed.

[p0isin]

I got an HFC instead of a test pipe in order to pass inspection here and to not have to deal with bad smell from a test pipe.

You might pass smog with test pipe and spacer, or you might not with out an ecu update from Apr.

The gains are just as good, not noticeably different, and so I went HFC over test pipe. I've never regretted my decision.

[vce1232000]

IMO the best flow gain from the exhaust is to do a test pipe and bigger diameter dp. With that said. If I had to do it all over again. I would not go with my current set up. I 'd get the JHM duel outlet DP for the Stock S4 quad tip exhaust with a test pipe and call it the day. Most aftermarket and stock exhaust will drone somewhat unless you use a HFC.

[esandes]

i noticed a gain with a complete turbo-back exhaust. i first had the test pipe. the stock mufflers are actually a significant bottleneck.

[Rollout]

I went test pipe and OBX exhaust (college kid budget) and no complaints. Everyone says it sounds good when I drive by, and it's not obnoxiously loud inside the cabin either. Don't notice any smell unless I'm just used to it, Only time I do is when I'm outside the car. I'm stage 2 unitronic and have passed inspection here in New York no problem.

[null]

Hmm I'm still on the fence about testpipe vs HFC. So how bad is the smell? It seems like test pipe is very simple, less things that can go wrong, since its just a pipe.

What about gutting the cat? did any body go that route with A4 2.0 Cat? I wonder if its simpler to just gut the cat?

[LINDW4LL]

I don't understand when people complain about the smell. It doesn't smell bad at all. Its just a very slight smell of gas.

I have never noticed it in the cabin, but obviously if you start the car and stand behind it you can kind of smell it.

[null]

Ok. so smell is not so bad. I have a lot of exhaust shops here, did anybody hear of shops ust cutting section of exhaust that is restrictive, has the catalytic converter and just welding in a section of straight pipe? Any experiences?

[LINDW4LL]

Ok. so smell is not so bad. I have a lot of exhaust shops here, did anybody hear of shops ust cutting section of exhaust that is restrictive, has the catalytic converter and just welding in a section of straight pipe? Any experiences?

That would be a pain. It's much easier to just buy a test pipe (it's just a straight pipe with flanges on both ends). You should be able to find a used one for $50-$80...