AWE Touring + Non-Resonated Downpipes Too Loud?

[SLU_S5]

Coming from a Milltek Non-Resonated Exhaust + AWE Non-Resonated DPs, I figured I would try an AWE Touring Exhaust. I wasn't expecting anything more than a more exotic tone with around the same overall volume (maybe slightly more quiet) and minimal drone.

I installed the AWE touring yesterday and WOW. It sounds INCREDIBLE. But it sure is loud. Possibly too loud for my liking, and probably not subtle enough for traveling to and from business meetings. It also drones quite a bit around 2800 RPM. It's a used system, but is it possible that it still needs to break in?

Now, I know that I need to make some fitment adjustments to the exhaust since I couldn't get it completely tightened up in my driveway. It is very possible that there are some potential exhaust leaks and I'll have it on a lift to get all squared away on Monday.

Who else has the touring exhaust? Does all the above sound right? Do the non-resonated DPs with this system really make a huge difference in terms of volume and drone?

[ModdedEuros]

There always could be a potential leak if your system isn't installed properly but my guess is if you went with resonated downpipes you would have been happier in your case. The downpipe sections really open up or control the sound of these systems.

Nonetheless AWE's systems all around are just awesome.

[LINDW4LL]

I haven't heard the Milltek in person, but given the design of that non-res system and the fact that you already had the non-res DPs installed, I don't think the Touring should be as loud as you describe in comparison.

Definitely report back after checking for leaks.

[Mops@Nemesis]

I also do not feel the volume you're getting is correct. I have the Touring on my SQ, and I actually wish it were louder at times. Either way, I can easily keep it quiet when needed. And I have almost no drone at all.

[SLU_S5]

I also do not feel the volume you're getting is correct. I have the Touring on my SQ, and I actually wish it were louder at times. Either way, I can easily keep it quiet when needed. And I have almost no drone at all.

Would my installed non-res DPs make a huge difference?

What really surprised me is that it is currently significantly louder than my Milltek non-res setup. AND the AWE system even has the center resonator while the Milltek one does not. If something isn't wrong, I applaud Milltek for making some very serious mufflers for their axle back piece...

I really hope there is an ill fitting clamp that is causing leak somewhere. On top of the increased volume, the drone gets pretty bad.

[Mops@Nemesis]

Would my installed non-res DPs make a huge difference?

What really surprised me is that it is currently significantly louder than my Milltek non-res setup. AND the AWE system even has the center resonator while the Milltek one does not. If something isn't wrong, I applaud Milltek for making some very serious mufflers for their axle back piece...

I really hope there is an ill fitting clamp that is causing leak somewhere. On top of the increased volume, the drone gets pretty bad.

Oh! You are still running the non-res DP. I misunderstood. I will say I've heard Milltek can be bad for drone, but you were okay with the Milltek system. Really odd, as the Touring is tame. You could be correct on the Milltek rear pieces though. Sorry, I'm just not that familiar. Maybe dig up a video of the AWE Touring with non-res DP, and see if it helps.

[Mops@Nemesis]

https://youtu.be/7aLVQhZALmA

[SLU_S5]

Just finished watching that one! And this one: http://youtu.be/pK2-FswOMuU

It's always hard to tell without hearing in person though. I still feel like those are on-par with my Milltek setup in terms of cabin volume while the new AWE kit sounds quite a bit louder.

[Mops@Nemesis]

Just finished watching that one! And this one: http://youtu.be/pK2-FswOMuU

It's always hard to tell without hearing in person though. I still feel like those are on-par with my Milltek setup in terms of cabin volume while the new AWE kit sounds quite a bit louder.

Yea, the video suggestion was a shot in the dark. Hard to draw any conclusions.

Are you going to let John have a look?

[MilesM]

I had my S5 on that setup for almost 2 years. Yes it's loud as shit but sounds incredible.

Not for everyone because of the volume and minimal drone, but I loved it 24/7.

[SLU_S5]

Are you going to let John have a look?

I'd like to but he doesn't have his lift up in the new shop yet (which is awesome by the way). I have another good buddy with a lift though so we'll get this thing straightened out soon I hope.

[Mops@Nemesis]

For the 3.0, AWE Touring with non-res DP is the best package IMO

[Mops@Nemesis]

I'd like to but he doesn't have his lift up in the new shop yet (which is awesome by the way). I have another good buddy with a lift though so we'll get this thing straightened out soon I hope.

Yea, he's sent pics. Looks awesome for sure! Super happy for him. GL, and report back please.

[SLU_S5]

I had my S5 on that setup for almost 2 years. Yes it's loud as shit but sounds incredible.

Not for everyone because of the volume and minimal drone, but I loved it 24/7.

This was a 4.2 or 3.0?

My guess is that it wouldn't be TOO different. Different note I'm sure but probably a similar volume.

[SLU_S5]

Yea, he's sent pics. Looks awesome for sure! Super happy for him. GL, and report back please.

Will do!!

[Mops@Nemesis]

This was a 4.2 or 3.0?

My guess is that it wouldn't be TOO different. Different note I'm sure but probably a similar volume.

Miles had a 3.0. You have the proper note

[MilesM]

Oh right, forgive my ignorance. Yeah the 3.0

[GSS5]

non res dps do make a huge difference. i had the track and non res dps on my 3.0t s5 and had to switch back to the stock dps simply due to how loud it was. it sounded insanely good but drew way too much unwanted attention, especially from the highway patrol. i was pretty surprised at how much quieter and less drone-y the car became after going back to the stock dps.

same case 3.0 and 4.2. i had the track and stock dps on my 4.2 and a buddy had the track and non res dps..huge difference in volume and drone.

[TTRStud]

Though I do not have first hand experience with your setup, I'm willing to bet based on experience that your downpipes are the cause of the drone; here's why: I have an AWE Track that I'm absolutely in love with, and I've been toying with the idea of maybe installing resonated downpipes in order to make it a little louder. By default, it is known that the track is a little wilder than the touring out of the box. Therefore all other things being equal (i.e.: if you did not have the non-res downpipes) the tone and droning levels of your exhaust would be tamed. Don't forget that AWE introduced the touring exhaust exactly for those customers who found the track exhaust a bit on the aggressive side.

In regards to "breaking in" the exhaust, it's very doubtful that any would be necessary. Metals have very specific/static properties, so after a few heat cycles resulting in expansion/contraction over 1-2k miles, it already sounds the way it will continue to sound.

My advise: go with resonated downpipes as a step down, or just go back to the OEM downpipes and it's almost a guarantee that you will be happy. Report back! :)

[4RingRook]

Volume levels from AWE : (quiet to loud)

1. Resonated DP w Touring
2. OEM DP w Touring
3. Non Res DP w Touring
4. Resonated DP w Track
5. OEM DP w Track
6. Non Res DP w Track

As you see, Non Res DP W Touring is on the cusp of Track volume so it is considered loud. (I have OEM DP w Touring and am quite happy with it personally).

[Mops@Nemesis]

Res DPs will only reduce your current volume a bit Stud.


Mops on the move

[MilesM]

Volume levels from AWE : (quiet to loud)

1. Resonated DP w Touring
2. OEM DP w Touring
3. Non Res DP w Touring
4. Resonated DP w Track
5. OEM DP w Track
6. Non Res DP w Track

As you see, Non Res DP W Touring is on the cusp of Track volume so it is considered loud. (I have OEM DP w Touring and am quite happy with it personally).

Wrong <3

Volume difference overall track vs. touring is minimal. Track is just a bit louder at partial throttle than touring but the max volume is the same

But yes Resonated is quietest, then OEM, then non res

[TTRStud]

Wrong <3

Volume difference overall track vs. touring is minimal. Track is just a bit louder at partial throttle than touring but the max volume is the same

But yes Resonated is quietest, then OEM, then non res

I've found this information to be wrong, though not apples to apples; I believe and have proven that resonated dp's allow for more volume than OEM dp's. My colleague has a track exhaust with resonated dp's, and I have a track exhaust with OEM dp's, and his car drones all over the place. I understand there is a difference in engine tone from the 3.0 s5 (what he drives), to the 4.2 s5 (what I drive). I believe either exhaust will be quietest with the OEM dp's, somewhat louder with the resonated aftermarket dp's, and the loudest with the non-res dp's. OEM dp's seem to absorb the most sound/drone overall, maybe because they have denser resonators and/or different material/diameter piping. I believe my colleague is about to swap in the OEM dp's and leave the exhaust in place - my prediction is that it will be rather pleasant, just like my current setup.

[TTRStud]

Res DPs will only reduce your current volume a bit Stud.


Mops on the move

Interesting...I'll take your word for it as you have the knowledge/experience and I do not when it comes to AWE's dp's. Somehow I was under the impression that the OEM dp's neutralize the most amount of sound/drone.

Take a look at my last post above, which is data I have gathered, and let me know why you think it is the way it is. I'm not entirely convinced that stock for stock the 3.0 is that much louder than the 4.2. Bigger engines are always smoother as there are more pistons rotating the crank shaft, but that's more in terms of vibrational frequencies and not sound.

[SLU_S5]

So it sounds like my best bet will be to take out the Non-res DPs and exchange them for the OEM set.

I think I know the answer to my next question, but aside from sound, Is there any real difference in performance between either set of DPs?

[TTRStud]

So it sounds like my best bet will be to take out the Non-res DPs and exchange them for the OEM set.

I think I know the answer to my next question, but aside from sound, Is there any real difference in performance between either set of DPs?

Not sure what the restriction level of the OEM resonators/piping is, though if any, it's probably negligible. Also, we drive N/A cars, which usually don't benefit from free-er flowing exhausts as much as force-inducted cars do. You probably won't notice a difference if there is such a thing.

[Mops@Nemesis]

Interesting...I'll take your word for it as you have the knowledge/experience and I do not when it comes to AWE's dp's. Somehow I was under the impression that the OEM dp's neutralize the most amount of sound/drone.

Take a look at my last post above, which is data I have gathered, and let me know why you think it is the way it is. I'm not entirely convinced that stock for stock the 3.0 is that much louder than the 4.2. Bigger engines are always smoother as there are more pistons rotating the crank shaft, but that's more in terms of vibrational frequencies and not sound.

When I had my 3.2 with the track system, I reached out to my buddy at AWE about doing the resonated DP. He said it would only quieten my tone, so that idea ended reallyyyyyy quick.

I don't feel the 3.0 is louder than the 4.2 by any means. They're both very quiet, but the 4.2 actually puts out a nice tone, where the 3.0 has a tad bit of rasp, but mostly sounds like a hair dryer :)

So it sounds like my best bet will be to take out the Non-res DPs and exchange them for the OEM set.

I think I know the answer to my next question, but aside from sound, Is there any real difference in performance between either set of DPs?

Hearing your needs, it sounds like the touring w/ OEM DPs is right up your alley no matter. Still very odd you were pleased with the full Milltek setup, but swapping for the touring CB increased the volume that much. Not that familiar with Milltek doe.

Not relevant, but if I had the 4.2, I'd run track with OEM DP. If I had the 3.0, I'd probably run the touring with non-res DP. For the SQ, the touring only fits the overall feel best for me.

[Rocket Tech]

Not sure it's relevant since I've got a 3.0 but I sat in a touring with resonated (3.0) and thought even at WOT the exhaust was way too tame. I'm running a milltek non-res and find it to be just right, possibly a touch on the side of loud. Easily quieted if I'm not heavy on the throttle but I always switch to sport as soon as my temps warm up. Haven't done any highway driving yet since the install so not sure about drone but sitting between 2-3k and slowly driving through that speed range with load I don't find the drone, if any, to be bothersome. I have to imagine a non res milltek on the v8 would be just as loud. Note might be a bit smoother than the v6 due to higher pulse frequency of the additional pistons however.

[TTRStud]

When I had my 3.2 with the track system, I reached out to my buddy at AWE about doing the resonated DP. He said it would only quieten my tone, so that idea ended reallyyyyyy quick.

I don't feel the 3.0 is louder than the 4.2 by any means. They're both very quiet, but the 4.2 actually puts out a nice tone, where the 3.0 has a tad bit of rasp, but mostly sounds like a hair dryer :)



Hearing your needs, it sounds like the touring w/ OEM DPs is right up your alley no matter. Still very odd you were pleased with the full Milltek setup, but swapping for the touring CB increased the volume that much. Not that familiar with Milltek doe.

Not relevant, but if I had the 4.2, I'd run track with OEM DP. If I had the 3.0, I'd probably run the touring with non-res DP. For the SQ, the touring only fits the overall feel best for me.

Thanks for the input...I'm staying as is, I love it, I just feel jealous of those outside. What they hear compared to what I hear (even with the windows down) is quite different :)

[Mops@Nemesis]

Thanks for the input...I'm staying as is, I love it, I just feel jealous of those outside. What they hear compared to what I hear (even with the windows down) is quite different :)

Huge difference! I enjoy having another drive my vehicles around now and then, and I follow, so I can experience the true sounds. Also, lay down your rear seats next time you think about it. You'll like :)

[TTRStud]

Huge difference! I enjoy having another drive my vehicles around now and then, and I follow, so I can experience the true sounds. Also, lay down your rear seats next time you think about it. You'll like :)

I forgot about dropping the rear seats! Used to enjoy doing this with my TTRS when I had the Borla Atak on it...completely forgot about that trick. Since dropping the seats makes a "box" behind me, does it become more "boomy" or "drony" or is it pure sound on the S5? I guess I should just try it and see :) thanks man!

[HP Hungry S5]

I have the same setup as you and I don't feel like it is loud until you get on the throttle. With the windows down it is loud but cruising around at highway speeds it is tame. You may not have a good seal at the DPs and you are hearing the exhaust note straight from the headers through the floor.

[SLU_S5]

Does Anyone know if there is any difference between the B8.5 and B8 AWE Touring Exhaust?

I guess a key detail that I previously left out was the fact that I've installed the B8.5 3.0T system to my B8 4.2. They look exactly the same according to the AWE website.

Regardless, I think my best bet will be to put the OE DPs back on. Hopefully that will tame it a bit more and eliminate all drone.

[TTRStud]

Does Anyone know if there is any difference between the B8.5 and B8 AWE Touring Exhaust?

I guess a key detail that I previously left out was the fact that I've installed the B8.5 3.0T system to my B8 4.2. They look exactly the same according to the AWE website.

Regardless, I think my best bet will be to put the OE DPs back on. Hopefully that will tame it a bit more and eliminate all drone.

According to AWE, they use different center resonators on the Track exhausts for the 3.0 and the 4.2; which explains the difference in price. Hopefully this is not the case with the Touring, else you may have installed an exhaust that was designed/tuned to work best with different frequencies.

[SLU_S5]

According to AWE, they use different center resonators on the Track exhausts for the 3.0 and the 4.2; which explains the difference in price. Hopefully this is not the case with the Touring, else you may have installed an exhaust that was designed/tuned to work best with different frequencies.

Very interesting. I'd imagine that this is definitely a factor. It doesn't sound bad by any means, just too loud for my own preference. Hopefully the OE DPs can help a bit.

[TTRStud]

Very interesting. I'd imagine that this is definitely a factor. It doesn't sound bad by any means, just too loud for my own preference. Hopefully the OE DPs can help a bit.

Yes, the difference in center resonator for the track exhaust is a fact. Can't speak about the mufflers because the track exhaust only has piping after the center resonator. But even if just the center resonator is different, or if all 3 are different for the touring exhaust, that may be why you're getting the unexpected extra sound. I would call them and ask.

That said, going from non-res dp's to OEM will definitely make a difference regardless of exhaust.

[SLU_S5]

So it seems that the garage that was keeping my DPs for me has lost them :'(

Anyone have a set of stock ones that are willing to help a brother in need?

Also, as a side note, with both back seats down, the note sounded amazing but the drone at 2800 RPM was absolutely unbearable.

[TTRStud]

So it seems that the garage that was keeping my DPs for me has lost them :'(

Anyone have a set of stock ones that are willing to help a brother in need?

Also, as a side note, with both back seats down, the note sounded amazing but the drone at 2800 RPM was absolutely unbearable.

Makes sense, when you lower your seats you create a "box with a hole", which is basically a subwoofer and will amplify lower frequencies (drone).

[Mops@Nemesis]

Does Anyone know if there is any difference between the B8.5 and B8 AWE Touring Exhaust?

I guess a key detail that I previously left out was the fact that I've installed the B8.5 3.0T system to my B8 4.2. They look exactly the same according to the AWE website.

Regardless, I think my best bet will be to put the OE DPs back on. Hopefully that will tame it a bit more and eliminate all drone.

Snap! Ok, no need to hunt an issue. You need to offer a swap for your Milltek for some OEM. Should not be hard at all.

From there, I think you may have one sweet sounding 4.2.

I'm going to send out an email to my DL for OEM DPs.

[SLU_S5]

Mops to the rescue! My OEM set was somehow misplaced in John's big move to the new shop. I'm sure they're somewhere. We just couldn't find them among the other piles and piles of exhaust bits. Found some RS5 pipes which would be sweet but unfortunately wouldn't fit without some fab work. Mine will probably appear sometime next year. That's usually how these things go.

If you find a set, please let me know! I'd be happy to trade away mine but hopefully with cash coming toward my end as well.

Milltek exhaust is pending sale so I suppose there's no going back from here!

I have AWE DPs btw ;)