AWE Exhaust related and a couple of other questions

[Dannydyn]

Hello my fellow Audi nuts :)

Looking to get an AWE exhaust but I'm a newb as far as this particular brand goes. With that said, I was hoping I could have a few questions answered:

1. Stock resonated downpipes w/ the touring edition, may be a little too quiet from what I've read around here. I'm not looking to be obscenely loud, and not looking to get into trouble with it, but I don't want something too quiet either. So with my options being:

• Stock resonated pipes
• AWE non-resonated pipes
• AWE resonated pipes

2. I assume the system is bolt on, correct? i.e. no cutting/welding or other custom work needed? Something that can be down in my own home garage?
3. Does the stock system come out in one or multiple pieces? (trying to plan how I haul it back home if I get it done at a shop)
4. For those who installed the system themselves, how hard and how long did it take you? I wouldn't call myself a 'Joe Mechanic' by any stretch, but I have done other aftermarket mods in the past on my own (intakes, brake pads, etc.). Is that something you would recommend tackling on your own? The way I see it, it's just a bunch of pipes, rings, and bolts. How hard can it be? - or am I underestimating the job?
5. Touring vs. Track - I'm getting the impression that the touring is more popular. To those who have either one, can you please talk a little about what made you go for either one? Also, what type of down pipes option (stock, resonated, non-resonated) you went with, why, and any pros and cons.

I really, really appreciate any feedback. I would like to do as much homework as I can before I pull the trigger. If it helps or matters for the sake of this discussion, I have a 6MT.

Thank you in advance

[yjypm]

Don't know where 1 is so I skip it.

2. In terms of volume level: awe resonated < stock < awe non resonated
3.yes the system is bolt on and no cutting/welding needed. I did it in a shop so I don't know how hard it is to be done at your own garage (aka I don't know if it's as easy as having a professional lifter, which gives more space to work and easier access)
4. The stock system comes out in one piece, you better find somewhere large enough to store it otherwise you need to take it with a big truck to a muffler shop to cut it into pieces.
5. Can't answer you, but there are a lot of YouTube videos of exhaust installing (not Audi's but exhaust systems are very similar for all cars with dual outlets). And FYI, the shop took around one hour and a half to do the install.
6. Track is cheaper and sounds a lot louder under daily driving scenario. I'd go with track if I don't live close to my neighbors house and have 6mt. Drone is really a problem on dsg cars. Under wot they are pretty much the same. I went with stock downpipes coz my service manager told me he doesn't like me to do the downpipes. Just remember you can purchase the downpipes at anytime with the discounted price within a year of purchasing the system.

[Dannydyn]

Don't know where 1 is so I skip it.

2. In terms of volume level: awe resonated < stock < awe non resonated
3.yes the system is bolt on and no cutting/welding needed. I did it in a shop so I don't know how hard it is to be done at your own garage (aka I don't know if it's as easy as having a professional lifter, which gives more space to work and easier access)
4. The stock system comes out in one piece, you better find somewhere large enough to store it otherwise you need to take it with a big truck to a muffler shop to cut it into pieces.
5. Can't answer you, but there are a lot of YouTube videos of exhaust installing (not Audi's but exhaust systems are very similar for all cars with dual outlets). And FYI, the shop took around one hour and a half to do the install.
6. Track is cheaper and sounds a lot louder under daily driving scenario. I'd go with track if I don't live close to my neighbors house and have 6mt. Drone is really a problem on dsg cars. Under wot they are pretty much the same. I went with stock downpipes coz my service manager told me he doesn't like me to do the downpipes. Just remember you can purchase the downpipes at anytime with the discounted price within a year of purchasing the system.

Awesome, thank you very much for the input, appreciated!

I'm surprised to hear that the stock downpipes are louder than AWS's... I figured it would be the other way around. I heard people with stock DPs saying the Touring version is too quiet with the stock pipes.... Hmmm

I'm also curious to know (and I also saw that on AWS's website) as to the reason why they specifically recommend their downpipes to DSG cars but not 6MT.

I'm aware of the add-on discounted option they offer, I'm just not sure how to make the determination after the fact, meaning if I can't compare the stock vs. AWS how would I know without trying both?...

Decisions decisions....

Thanks again

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[justr0]

Awesome, thank you very much for the input, appreciated!

I'm surprised to hear that the stock downpipes are louder than AWS's... I figured it would be the other way around. I heard people with stock DPs saying the Touring version is too quiet with the stock pipes.... Hmmm

I'm also curious to know (and I also saw that on AWS's website) as to the reason why they specifically recommend their downpipes to DSG cars but not 6MT.

I'm aware of the add-on discounted option they offer, I'm just not sure how to make the determination after the fact, meaning if I can't compare the stock vs. AWS how would I know without trying both?...

Decisions decisions....

Thanks again

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The DSG tends to aggressively seek higher gears and hover around 1600rpm which cause some annoying drone. The resonated downpipe greatly reduces this drone.

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[Dannydyn]

The DSG tends to aggressively seek higher gears and hover around 1600rpm which cause some annoying drone. The resonated downpipe greatly reduces this drone.

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Thanks

In terms of drone... Which setup is expected to generate more drone? Stock or AWS?



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[justr0]

Thanks

In terms of drone... Which setup is expected to generate more drone? Stock or AWS?



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The Stock dp will almost certainly result in more drone however I haven't heard/read any such complaints from 6MT owners who have this setup.

Also if you plan on doing this yourself, getting the downpipes out is the hardest and most annoying part.

The touring produces a more refined sound, only loud when you get onto the throttle, but won't annoy anyone and peaceful on long journeys. There are a million videos on youtube and on here for both setups with and without stock downpipes as well.

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[Dannydyn]

The Stock dp will almost certainly result in more drone however I haven't heard/read any such complaints from 6MT owners who have this setup.

Also if you plan on doing this yourself, getting the downpipes out is the hardest and most annoying part.

The touring produces a more refined sound, only loud when you get onto the throttle, but won't annoy anyone and peaceful on long journeys. There are a million videos on youtube and on here for both setups with and without stock downpipes as well.

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Thanks, yeah been watching videos galore. But not all videos are shot the same way, different cars, different settings, etc., so it though to judge.

It sounds like I will start with the stock. I'm just afraid to settle, thinking I like it, while missing on a competly better experience with the AWS pipes...

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[DannyDeez]

Since you have a 6MT I would say get the touring with stock downpipes. Its hands down the best sounding exhaust I've ever heard. Had it on my B8.5 S5 and will be getting it on my current S4 within the next few months once my priorities shift a little. No down pipes needed on a 6 speed.

[Dannydyn]

Since you have a 6MT I would say get the touring with stock downpipes. Its hands down the best sounding exhaust I've ever heard. Had it on my B8.5 S5 and will be getting it on my current S4 within the next few months once my priorities shift a little. No down pipes needed on a 6 speed.

That's good to know! My wallet will be happy to hear that too! LOL

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[Dannydyn]

Since you have a 6MT I would say get the touring with stock downpipes. Its hands down the best sounding exhaust I've ever heard. Had it on my B8.5 S5 and will be getting it on my current S4 within the next few months once my priorities shift a little. No down pipes needed on a 6 speed.

BTW, in your experience, did you not find the touring with stock DPs to be too quiet? How about drone levels?

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[DannyDeez]

BTW, in your experience, did you not find the touring with stock DPs to be too quiet? How about drone levels?

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It wasn't too quiet at all. It was nice and civilized for normal everyday driving, with just the right amount of sound to make you happy every second of the drive. Once you hit the gas it opens up enough to not be obnoxious, but WOW, what a sound it makes. I had absolutely zero drone. I got compliments from everybody on it. People of all ages, elderly men, middle aged women, you name it, all told me how amazing it sounded.

[Dannydyn]

It wasn't too quiet at all. It was nice and civilized for normal everyday driving, with just the right amount of sound to make you happy every second of the drive. Once you hit the gas it opens up enough to not be obnoxious, but WOW, what a sound it makes. I had absolutely zero drone. I got compliments from everybody on it. People of all ages, elderly men, middle aged women, you name it, all told me how amazing it sounded.

Awesome, thanks for the input!

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[DannyDeez]

Awesome, thanks for the input!

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No prob!

[Powderhound]

Since you have a 6MT I would say get the touring with stock downpipes. Its hands down the best sounding exhaust I've ever heard. Had it on my B8.5 S5 and will be getting it on my current S4 within the next few months once my priorities shift a little. No down pipes needed on a 6 speed.

I agree with above. Touring with stock DP saves you some labor and will produce nice sound when you get on it. If you wanted more volume than that, could always add the non resonated DP. I ended up with the resonated DP because dsg, and then went with track to achieve similar volume to touring on stock DP.

[Dannydyn]

I agree with above. Touring with stock DP saves you some labor and will produce nice sound when you get on it. If you wanted more volume than that, could always add the non resonated DP. I ended up with the resonated DP because dsg, and then went with track to achieve similar volume to touring on stock DP.

Good to hear that. It helps a lot.

Thank you

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[grrrrrrr]

I think videos will give you a better idea. I just had it and man its worth it. no drone guarantee. Its quiet for cruising but when you floor it its loud enough IMO.
Shop charged me $150 for the install with resonated dp which was a good deal. DSG transmission. resonated dp touring with 120mmtips

[Dannydyn]

Thanks all, appreciate all the input.

Having a 6MT, I think I'll start with the Touring paired up with the stock DPs and take it from there. Worst case, I'll add the resonated DPs later on.

[blackfunk]

There was a thread floating around here a few years back where someone got a bunch of cars together at on location with different configurations and recorded them under different scenarios, ie flybys, cruising, WOT etc. I'll try to see if I can find it and repost. Its single handily the most informative exhaust thread on here.

[LordMagnet]

I have a 6MT with the Touring on stock dp, I love it and recommend it.

If you want to take a trip to Wallingford/North Haven, I'd be happy to show you my exhaust in person.

[Dannydyn]

I have a 6MT with the Touring on stock dp, I love it and recommend it.

If you want to take a trip to Wallingford/North Haven, I'd be happy to show you my exhaust in person.

That's a bit of a hike for me, but I appreciate the offer.

BTW, where did you get it installed, and how much did you pay for the job, if you don't mind me asking?

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[LordMagnet]

That's a bit of a hike for me, but I appreciate the offer.

BTW, where did you get it installed, and how much did you pay for the job, if you don't mind me asking?

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No problem at all, I understand.

I will send you a PM with all the info.

[Dannydyn]

No problem at all, I understand.

I will send you a PM with all the info.

Awesome, thanks much

Appreciated

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[B8_Jim]

I have a 6MT with the Touring on stock dp, I love it and recommend it.

If you want to take a trip to Wallingford/North Haven, I'd be happy to show you my exhaust in person.

Just adding my experience. I have a 6MT with "touring" (bought it before they had the track system) with the resonated downpipes. Both down pipes failed (baffling material came loose and was bouncing around) and I went back to the stock system for several weeks while I shipped the old ones back to AWE and they sent me new ones.

The stock DP's are very close to the same volume in my estimation, but they do change the sound slightly vs. the AWE downpipes. I prefer the sound with the AWE downpipes, but to be honest... the AWE DPs are a lot of money to pay for a bit of sound quality and a bit of volume reduction if you have a 6MT. They might be more necessary for the DSG since you can't as easily control the revs...

[Dannydyn]

Just adding my experience. I have a 6MT with "touring" (bought it before they had the track system) with the resonated downpipes. Both down pipes failed (baffling material came loose and was bouncing around) and I went back to the stock system for several weeks while I shipped the old ones back to AWE and they sent me new ones.

The stock DP's are very close to the same volume in my estimation, but they do change the sound slightly vs. the AWE downpipes. I prefer the sound with the AWE downpipes, but to be honest... the AWE DPs are a lot of money to pay for a bit of sound quality and a bit of volume reduction if you have a 6MT. They might be more necessary for the DSG since you can't as easily control the revs...

Gotcha

I assume you ended up going back to the AWS pipes?

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[golfinz]

I just installed a touring system, leaving the stock dp, on my dsg s4. I like it thus far but it is a touch louder than I was expecting when casually accelerating around town. It's great on the highway (little to no drone) and awesome when going full tilt. Part of me still can't decide if it's a little "boy racer-ish," but I'm coming from only owning v8s (e90 m3 with full gintani race, multiple z06's with long tubes/cams/supercharged, c63 with h pipe)

[Dannydyn]

I just installed a touring system, leaving the stock dp, on my dsg s4. I like it thus far but it is a touch louder than I was expecting when casually accelerating around town. It's great on the highway (little to no drone) and awesome when going full tilt. Part of me still can't decide if it's a little "boy racer-ish," but I'm coming from only owning v8s (e90 m3 with full gintani race, multiple z06's with long tubes/cams/supercharged, c63 with h pipe)

FWIW, AWE recommends a break-in period of about a 1,000 miles, after which you can expect the exhaust to settle and quiet down a bit...

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[golfinz]

My system was used

[Dannydyn]

My system was used

Oh

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[B8_Jim]

Gotcha

I assume you ended up going back to the AWS pipes?

Yeah, I only had the stock downpipes for about a little over a month while waiting for the new design DP's to arrive from AWE, and then to get some time to do the swap myself.

Just curious - why do you keep calling them AWS - auto correct on your phone?

[Dannydyn]

Yeah, I only had the stock downpipes for about a little over a month while waiting for the new design DP's to arrive from AWE, and then to get some time to do the swap myself.

Just curious - why do you keep calling them AWS - auto correct on your phone?

Oh crap... Didn't even realize. Yes, damn auto correct, LOL

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