SQ5 Milltek Catback Exhaust! Thoughts? Discussion!

[SQ5LIFE]

Alright so i have been looking at basically the 3 different, maybe 4? Different exhausts for the SQ5. Really i want to know which is best for sound, with no/ barely any drone, and yea i know that is relative just looking for opinions. Let me know what you guys think.

Milltek Ok does anyone have this exhaust? I saw there was a big request for this but milltek was slacking, looks like they finally have one though. Below are the links.

Pros:Well this exhaust seems to sound good from the video, i really dig the whole valve thing so you can change to comfort mode quieter exhaust, and then to dynamic for louder exhaust. Very nice in my opinion for when i need to have someone else in my car, or perhaps a sleeping baby lol like my daughter. Def. don't wanna wake her haha. Millek tips come in chrome, black, and titanium!!! Titanium is probably pretty nice. This is a plus.

Cons: ummm honestly its pretty expensive from the one i found? But it does say on the website that it comes with downpipes, so technically not as expensive as a AWE. Millek is $2500 about and AWE is $3000, when including downpipes.
Video Milltek:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ccBVFdk_JU
Purchase Milltek: http://www.esetuning.com/milltek-cat...FQMdaQodXL4MTg

AWE Exhaust: ok this seems to be most popular, direct bolt on, non res downpipes add some power but negligible, and of course the most important thing in my opinion is that it has BLACK quad tips, for those of us with the black optics package like myself this is huge because I'm very anal about things matching and looking good. Now Cons i guess would be price... and i have heard that if you get the downpipes you would get some drone, now not a big deal for me but others that are in my car (cough cough my parents...) would not really enjoy this and would say wtf have you done... lol. Thoughts Opinions?

Magnaflow Exhaust (19238): Alright now the magna flow. This seems like a very good option.

Pros: This is def, the cheapest of the bunch, going for about $1500. That seems like a good deal, but this does not include downpipes which you can get the AWE NRDP which is about 700ish more but then is in the price range almost of millek. This is only axle back so hence the cheaper exhaust. Now i saw some videos of this and i am not sure what to make of how loud it is. I still need there to be a very nice loud sound when I'm stepping on it from mild to extreme, and the video is ehhh i guess and i don't think does the exhaust sound justice. But i do see very good reviews, PLUS i had 2 magna flow exhausts before and i have to say they are AMAZING. No drone and sound perfect, not too loud but def, not too quiet. I assume this will be the same.

Cons: honestly I'm not sure what to say here. not trying to sound biased. Maybe its not loud enough? That would probably be my biggest fear. Ohhhh I remember now, it doesn't have black tips!!! Huge bummer from me but i guess i can live without them.

Customs Exhausts?: I have read some people doing some custom exhausts and stuff, and others with the B8 S4 exhaust to a SQ5. Idk how good this would be? is it really any good, or worth it over any of the above three. I honestly don't think so but just thought i would put it out there.

Alright so this is pretty much all i know i think, don't think i left anything out. Really want the opinions of everyone, and especially those that own each exhaust, tell me how you like them? If you had the choice to go back in time or never got an exhaust which one would you get? Millek? AWE with or without NRDP? Magnaflow? Custom? Let me know thanks!!

[Dad A3]

It may be apples and oranges, if so disregard.
I have a 2006 A3 with turbo back Borla exhaust and K&N Typhoon intake.
The sound is pretty aggressive under hard acceleration, similar to video and pleasant during normal driving with no drone.

I just installed the Milltek Cat back on the 2012, it also has K&N intake, it is nowhere near as loud as the Borla, in fact only during hard acceleration do I hear it in the car.
What I immediately realized in both cars was the added power. The 06 has APR stage I and the 12 does not. They definitely pull harder with the exhausts.

I looked at the ECS site and although it says down pipes, it looks as if it uses your original catalytic converters.

Realizing there is a considerable difference between our vehicles, I hope that my experience with exhausts has helped.

[Jimminez@Nemesis]

I've got the SQ5 Milltek system and love it. Can't compare what the AWE system sounds like on an SQ5 but if it sounds the same as an S4, then the Milltek does have a deeper tone. Having a physical valve using the same actuator as the stock system, is awesome when floored. I don't believe it's open all the time in dynamic, just may open earlier. Honestly haven't paid that close of attention.

I had the AWE on my S4 and my BMW and enjoyed them both. I had the Milltek on my B6A4 and loved how it provided a deeper sound and found it wasn't overly loud. I decided to try the Milltek again and am happy with the decision.

[chasiu]

I've got the SQ5 Milltek system and love it. Can't compare what the AWE system sounds like on an SQ5 but if it sounds the same as an S4, then the Milltek does have a deeper tone. Having a physical valve using the same actuator as the stock system, is awesome when floored. I don't believe it's open all the time in dynamic, just may open earlier. Honestly haven't paid that close of attention.

I had the AWE on my S4 and my BMW and enjoyed them both. I had the Milltek on my B6A4 and loved how it provided a deeper sound and found it wasn't overly loud. I decided to try the Milltek again and am happy with the decision.

We could meet up one day and compare. I have the AWE system with the NRDP.

[TopTrim]

Alright so i have been looking at basically the 3 different, maybe 4? Different exhausts for the SQ5. Really i want to know which is best for sound, with no/ barely any drone, and yea i know that is relative just looking for opinions. Let me know what you guys think.

Milltek Ok does anyone have this exhaust? I saw there was a big request for this but milltek was slacking, looks like they finally have one though. Below are the links.

Pros:Well this exhaust seems to sound good from the video, i really dig the whole valve thing so you can change to comfort mode quieter exhaust, and then to dynamic for louder exhaust. Very nice in my opinion for when i need to have someone else in my car, or perhaps a sleeping baby lol like my daughter. Def. don't wanna wake her haha. Millek tips come in chrome, black, and titanium!!! Titanium is probably pretty nice. This is a plus.

Cons: ummm honestly its pretty expensive from the one i found? But it does say on the website that it comes with downpipes, so technically not as expensive as a AWE. Millek is $2500 about and AWE is $3000, when including downpipes.
Video Milltek:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ccBVFdk_JU
Purchase Milltek: http://www.esetuning.com/milltek-cat...FQMdaQodXL4MTg

AWE Exhaust: ok this seems to be most popular, direct bolt on, non res downpipes add some power but negligible, and of course the most important thing in my opinion is that it has BLACK quad tips, for those of us with the black optics package like myself this is huge because I'm very anal about things matching and looking good. Now Cons i guess would be price... and i have heard that if you get the downpipes you would get some drone, now not a big deal for me but others that are in my car (cough cough my parents...) would not really enjoy this and would say wtf have you done... lol. Thoughts Opinions?

Magnaflow Exhaust (19238): Alright now the magna flow. This seems like a very good option.

Pros: This is def, the cheapest of the bunch, going for about $1500. That seems like a good deal, but this does not include downpipes which you can get the AWE NRDP which is about 700ish more but then is in the price range almost of millek. This is only axle back so hence the cheaper exhaust. Now i saw some videos of this and i am not sure what to make of how loud it is. I still need there to be a very nice loud sound when I'm stepping on it from mild to extreme, and the video is ehhh i guess and i don't think does the exhaust sound justice. But i do see very good reviews, PLUS i had 2 magna flow exhausts before and i have to say they are AMAZING. No drone and sound perfect, not too loud but def, not too quiet. I assume this will be the same.

Cons: honestly I'm not sure what to say here. not trying to sound biased. Maybe its not loud enough? That would probably be my biggest fear. Ohhhh I remember now, it doesn't have black tips!!! Huge bummer from me but i guess i can live without them.

Customs Exhausts?: I have read some people doing some custom exhausts and stuff, and others with the B8 S4 exhaust to a SQ5. Idk how good this would be? is it really any good, or worth it over any of the above three. I honestly don't think so but just thought i would put it out there.

Alright so this is pretty much all i know i think, don't think i left anything out. Really want the opinions of everyone, and especially those that own each exhaust, tell me how you like them? If you had the choice to go back in time or never got an exhaust which one would you get? Millek? AWE with or without NRDP? Magnaflow? Custom? Let me know thanks!!

I actually paid $1066. with coupon for the Magnaflow.

[SQ5LIFE]

You guys should definitely do that and then come back and tell us what you think. Or maybe even post a comparison video for all of us!!

We could meet up one day and compare. I have the AWE system with the NRDP.

[SQ5LIFE]

Whaaaattttt???? from where???? I need this link pronto lol.

I actually paid $1066. with coupon for the Magnaflow.

[EYE4SPEED]

On my V8 S4's, I had Milltek res and non-res. Minimal drone and on the non-res I had the matching DP's. On my A5 3.2, had the AWE setup. Not quite the growl of the V8, a little "droney". Since the SQ is not offered in manual, there will all be some level of drone.

I'm interested to see what you choose and maybe we can get a GB going as I'm searching for an exhaust as well.

[TJay74]

I am searching as well, at some point I want to update the exhaust on the wifes SQ5.

[Mops@Nemesis]

I run the AWE Touring and love it! Has a tad bit of rasp, and that is my preference. Drone is near non-existent. When it does occur, hit that left paddle, and enjoy. Here is a video of mine with short clip...

[Adplaya]

Getting my AWE exhaust without NRDPs tomorrow. Gonna try to get em installed tomorrow too. Will post a before and after.

[q5 dave]

Getting my AWE exhaust without NRDPs tomorrow. Gonna try to get em installed tomorrow too. Will post a before and after.

haha fedex delivered my exhaust at 11am and the Q was on the lift that afternoon

[Mops@Nemesis]

Getting my AWE exhaust without NRDPs tomorrow. Gonna try to get em installed tomorrow too. Will post a before and after.

I did not source this for you... I'm confused

[SQ5LIFE]

Getting my AWE exhaust without NRDPs tomorrow. Gonna try to get em installed tomorrow too. Will post a before and after.

Do it. Let me know how it goes. Though to be honest I'm curious to do a side by side comparison of the AWE exhaust and the magna flow. Just because one is about $1000 and the other is almost $2000. About double the price. Which makes me ask the question, is the AWE exhaust really worth it over a magnaflow??? What do you guys think about this?

[drumnjuny]

I actually paid $1066. with coupon for the Magnaflow.

When TopTrim ordered for 1066 I messaged every retailer and said "buddy got it for 1066 shipped so I won't pay a dime more" and ordered it within an hour for that price. If I want to make it louder, for $100 more I will take it to a muffler shop and replace the mid muffler with two resonators.

But honestly I just didn't want the car to be loud in general. So AWE was a little aggressive for my taste. Both are solid, but very different, options

[EYE4SPEED]

Can Magna be ordered with black tips? Do they offer dual wall or angle cut? For a noise maker, this might be a better option for me.

[Adplaya]

haha fedex delivered my exhaust at 11am and the Q was on the lift that afternoon

THIS haha. Hoping I get the call here soon, so I can schedule the install ASAP.

I did not source this for you... I'm confused

Haha i actually bought it off arrrrrs4, since hes parting out, and he gave me a hell of a deal. Sucks I can't transfer that warranty though

Do it. Let me know how it goes. Though to be honest I'm curious to do a side by side comparison of the AWE exhaust and the magna flow. Just because one is about $1000 and the other is almost $2000. About double the price. Which makes me ask the question, is the AWE exhaust really worth it over a magnaflow??? What do you guys think about this?

I am solely not getting the magnaflow because I am keeping all my OEM parts intact just in case. I got a great deal on my used AWE system, so was hard to pass up. Knew one of you guys on here would snatch it up in a hurry haha.

[drumnjuny]

Oh yeah i thought about that, wondering what would happen when i went back to stock to sell the car. I figure a muffler shop can easily clean up the cuts on both sides, weld a little piping in between and two welds boom should be totally fine to the naked eye hopefully at least LOL

[drumnjuny]

that being said, magnaflow would be smart to come up with a mid-section replacement. that would help them compete more with the AWE system, and offer a louder and softer setup depending on what people want. and if people get the whole exhaust they won't have to cut it. personally if i removed the full exhaust in one piece i would have cut it anyway to store it. lol.

[Adplaya]

that being said, magnaflow would be smart to come up with a mid-section replacement. that would help them compete more with the AWE system, and offer a louder and softer setup depending on what people want. and if people get the whole exhaust they won't have to cut it. personally if i removed the full exhaust in one piece i would have cut it anyway to store it. lol.

I donno man.. Those guys find any reason not to pony up the dough for a trade in, but then again I'm driving my SQ til the wheels fall off.

Also UPDATE: Exhaust is in, and set up my appointment for tomorrow at 8AM. Told my boss I'll be a little late

[drumnjuny]

I donno man.. Those guys find any reason not to pony up the dough for a trade in, but then again I'm driving my SQ til the wheels fall off.

Also UPDATE: Exhaust is in, and set up my appointment for tomorrow at 8AM. Told my boss I'll be a little late

haha that's true, i don't think they would even need to get the SQ on a lift once it had stock suspension again to see it. congrats!

[SQive]

Exhaust is in, and set up my appointment for tomorrow at 8AM. Told my boss I'll be a little late

Where are you having it done?

[rusq5]

AWE or Milltek, I'd just love to get RS tips like ICE has on Hulk. Love the RS tips.

[Adplaya]

Where are you having it done?

Zinkwerks. They're busy, but are willing to fit me in in the wee hours of the morning again.

[SQive]

Zinkwerks. They're busy, but are willing to fit me in in the wee hours of the morning again.

Steve will do you right. He's a member of the club too.
Glad you got to meet Ryan. He doesn't come to that many happy hours.

[Adplaya]

Steve will do you right. He's a member of the club too.
Glad you got to meet Ryan. He doesn't come to that many happy hours.

Nice, yea he seems more reserved than Ryan, but really nice and smart guy. They got it installed in about an hour.

First impressions:

- Holy crap its loud. NO highway drown when keeping her on cruising speed, but as soon as u hit the gas the beast awakens. Daily driving just got a hell of a lot louder though. I had the seats down so I could really hear it this morning.

Will post the before and after later.

[drumnjuny]

did you get the NRDP's?

[Adplaya]

Nope, I didn't like the "farting" sound it makes during shifts.

[drumnjuny]

Nope, I didn't like the "farting" sound it makes during shifts.

hahahaa

[q5 dave]

Nice, yea he seems more reserved than Ryan, but really nice and smart guy. They got it installed in about an hour.

First impressions:

- Holy crap its loud. NO highway drown when keeping her on cruising speed, but as soon as u hit the gas the beast awakens. Daily driving just got a hell of a lot louder though. I had the seats down so I could really hear it this morning.

Will post the before and after later.

Yesss!!!! I guess you'll be having a fun weekend




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SQ5LIFE]

Nice, yea he seems more reserved than Ryan, but really nice and smart guy. They got it installed in about an hour.

First impressions:

- Holy crap its loud. NO highway drown when keeping her on cruising speed, but as soon as u hit the gas the beast awakens. Daily driving just got a hell of a lot louder though. I had the seats down so I could really hear it this morning.

Will post the before and after later.

Hahaha I can't wait to see your before and afters! get on those quick! i wonder on a loudness scale 1-10 how the three exhausts, magna flow milltek and AWE compare?

[Adplaya]

Hahaha I can't wait to see your before and afters! get on those quick! i wonder on a loudness scale 1-10 how the three exhausts, magna flow milltek and AWE compare?

As promised here's the videos.
Definitely use some headphones or speakers with bass. It's not worth it to listen to on small speakers.
Also excuse the running in the second. Had to get to work

BEFORE:


AFTER:

[sbc580]

As promised here's the videos.
Definitely use some headphones or speakers with bass. It's not worth it to listen to on small speakers.
Also excuse the running in the second. Had to get to work

Nice!
You beat me on buying arrrrrs4 exhaust by just a few hours, you got a hell of a deal!
I ended up with the magnaflow axleback. I was kind of disappointed at how quiet it was when I first started it up.

[Adplaya]

Nice!
You beat me on buying arrrrrs4 exhaust by just a few hours, you got a hell of a deal!
I ended up with the magnaflow axleback. I was kind of disappointed at how quiet it was when I first started it up.

I had been watching his exhaust sit on Panjo for a month, haha just waiting to strike!

And you live in dallas!? Awesome man. SQive is the Dallas guy on here that is all about having meet ups, and after attending one, can say they're pretty damn fun. You should think about coming out to one. Also maybe some AWE down pipes might help the volume on the magnaflow. I know Blair Automotive has some laying around hes trying to sell.

[sbc580]

I had an exhaust shop in Richardson cut out the resenators in the downpipes and weld straight pipes. I also switched out the H pipe for an X pipe.
Pretty similar to the AWE NRDP, but I believe AWE is a larger diameter then stock.

I've been meaning to go to one of the meetups, just haven't had the time yet. When's the next one?

[SQive]

And you live in dallas!? Awesome man. SQive is the Dallas guy on here that is all about having meet ups, and after attending one, can say they're pretty damn fun. You should think about coming out to one. Also maybe some AWE down pipes might help the volume on the magnaflow. I know Blair Automotive has some laying around hes trying to sell.

Looks like they changed the schedule. The Dallas happy hour is Monday, the 15th, at Houlihan's in Addison.
See you there?

[Adplaya]

Looks like they changed the schedule. The Dallas happy hour is Monday, the 15th, at Houlihan's in Addison.
See you there?

I'm definitely planning on being there, unless something jumps onto my schedule between now and then. Doubt that though.

[MagnaFlow]

Nice!
You beat me on buying arrrrrs4 exhaust by just a few hours, you got a hell of a deal!
I ended up with the magnaflow axleback. I was kind of disappointed at how quiet it was when I first started it up.

Hey sbc, your new exhaust will take a bit of driving to become broken in and reflect the true tone/sound level. This usually takes a couple hundred miles of driving, but can sometimes take up to a thousand. If you have any questions we can answer about your system, shoot a PM over to us!

[R y an]

I run the AWE Touring and love it! Has a tad bit of rasp, and that is my preference. Drone is near non-existent. When it does occur, hit that left paddle, and enjoy. Here is a video of mine with short clip...

Nice Vid. that exhaust sounds great. Supercharger wail is key on the rolling clip.

[drumnjuny]

Hey sbc, your new exhaust will take a bit of driving to become broken in and reflect the true tone/sound level. This usually takes a couple hundred miles of driving, but can sometimes take up to a thousand. If you have any questions we can answer about your system, shoot a PM over to us!

Can confirm this, although it is true for every exhaust. the amount of soot inside the exhaust will definitely affect the noise , plus heat cycles, i even adjusted mine after 300 miles or so and cranked it down.

Also, if you haven't disabled the soundaktor yet, then u won't hear the difference as much as you have been listening to fake intake and exhaust noises with the stock exhaust all along