How hard is it to install AWE Quad Exhaust?

[BruceRee]

I've got a 2009 A4 B8 with a single outlet exhaust (non sline). When speaking with the normal performance shop that I go to, they laughed at the AWE exhaust being "bolt on" and said they could install it in a couple of hours at $150/hr. They said there's a lot of "adjustments" that need to be done when breaking it in. I'm figuring the shop would factor in 3 hours of labor (maybe more) = 3x150=$450....which seems kinda steep.

I'm looking at the quad setup from AWE and know that I need the rear valence done as well. I've got ramps, jack, and jack stands. I'm not looking at the resonated downpipe right now (sounds like you need a special tool for this).

Is this something that I could actually do myself or should I have a professional do it? If a professional needs to do it, I saw some of you post that some shops could install an exhaust setup at $150 total....is this realistic with what I'm looking to get done.

I've read the DIY, but I don't know what kind of "adjustments" would need to be made when breaking it in.

[adamazing]

The concept is definitely simple and do-able. But the execution is a pain in the ass. The rear muffler section (including y-pipe) is not bolt on - it all consists of slip joints. Getting things lined up perfectly, the way you want, is a headache. Not to mention things will move a bit during break-in, so you have to go back a week or so later and re-adjust things.

Definitely possible, but its not quite "bolt-on" simple.

[b6Hate4]

It's not THAT much of a pain....new exhaust pipes go together easy as pie, 4 jack stands 2 hours and a grinder to remove the old one is all you need.

[dennisA4]

I think the hardest part about installing a cat back exhaust is having working room. If you have access to a lift it shouldn't be bad at all, but ramps and jack stands don't afford you much room to move/work.
Doable, just a PITA.

I'm still curious how hard it is to install JUST the AWE downpipe.
I already have the rest of the exhaust.

[BMWManiac]

Any exhaust that bolts on is relatively simple to install. In a garage on jackstands, it is more difficult. As far as adjustments, you want assemble everything, get the tips oriented were you want and then tighten everything up. Afterwards, check for fitment. I am not too sure about needing make adjustments after break in? Check in a week, tips should be in the same place

[Shimmy]

super easy to install. my local shop quoted $150 for install. IMO, putting my car on jacks, crawling under, fitting it, would probably take me 2-3hours?

I'd rather just take it to a shop and have them do it while I wait.

[andyroxs]

paid $100 for my awe catback install and that included some welding too to make it fit


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[BruceRee]

I don't mind paying the $100-200 range for the install. I think I'll need to go somewhere else than my normal shop that charges $150/hour.

[zokissima]

The degree of mechanic ability to perform an exhaust installation does not warrant a $150/hr tech. The whole job, on a car like this, should be in that total range, $150 for the job, if it's on a lift.

[briansubsist]

I was quoted about $150 from one local dealer and $200 from another. Seems to be pretty consistent.

[BruceRee]

Anyone have a recommendation for a SF Bay Area shop that could install the exhaust at a decent rate?

[earhythmic]

I got my S4 exhaust done at a small muffler shop in Concord. It was a mid and rear muffler delete, so cutting and welding was involved. I supplied my own tips and ended up paying ~$100 out the door.

Edit: it was Mel & Son's on Monument.