So as promised this is a short write up on the exhaust install and conversion part numbers needed to go from the regular dual 3.0L exhaust lower spoiler to the quad SQ5 exhaust spoiler. It's actually a very simple and easy process to convert and there is absolutely zero modification needed underneath the vehicle for using the an SQ5 exhaust. All hangers and pathways are identical. I'm only stating this as I had a hard time getting anyone that produces the SQ5 exhaust to agree that there should not be any issues with the conversion aside from the rear spoiler.
Parts required for this conversion:
8R0807521BL1RR - SQ5 Spoiler
8R0807443Y9B - Black Optic trim
N10464802 - 10 each (bolts)
Obviously if you have access to a lift to do this on your own I would highly recommend it's use. Because I work for Concours Motorsport, I do all my installs there at the moment until I get the lift installed at my house.
The first thing to do is get the vehicle safely supported on the lift and then take a look at the underside if you've not previously seen it from below. There are only three places you'll need to access to remove the stock portion of the exhaust that will be replaced (assuming you are not doing down-pipes). You will want to start from the front of the car and work your way to the back. Prior to removing the aft hangers you need to have someone hold the forward portion of the exhaust or ensure that it is supported with exhaust stands.
The first is at the end of the downpipes where they connect to the rear section of the exhaust. There are a pair of 13mm nuts that you'll need to loosen but not completely remove. You will also only want to loosen the aft most nuts as the full sleeve does not need to be removed.
The second area to address is the rubber center hangers located at either side of the large center resonator. These need to be lubricated with a shot of penetrating fluid or WD40. This will assist you in removing them over the hanger ends. With a little help they will just slide right over.
The final items to be removed (each hanger has a pair of 13mm bolts) are the hangers on the aft exhaust cans. There is one attached to each the left and right side. With the hangers fully removed you will want to allow the forward pipes to drop and then let the rear slide forward and down from the bumper area.
Now that you have the stock exhaust removed, you'll want to unpack and layout the new exhaust to make sure you have all of your pieces and also to get an idea of how you will place the various clamps that are used to tie all the piping together. You will want to make sure that you also have some anti-seize on hand during the install process to help the joints fit together and also allow for extremely easy adjustment when it all together.
Once you have your exhaust laid out you'll need to start on the most time consuming part of the install. You'll need to swap out the rear spoiler on the bumper. Hopefully you though ahead and ordered all of the parts ahead of time so you have everything on hand (unlike me that forgot the 10x screws used to attach the Black Optics trim). To make this easy for all the parts you'll need are as follows:
This is the new SQ5 rear spoiler.
This is the part number for the Black Optics trim on the rear spoiler. The standard trim will carry the same part number minus the last three digits.
These are the screws needed to attach the trim to the spoiler.
You will want to start your spoiler removal by detaching the rear parking sensors (x4) from their holes and also carefully remove the wiring harness. I found that if you use a small 90 degree pick and work the small clamps from either side the harness will come off in a few wiggles. You will also need to clip and remove the clamps from the harness as the SQ5 has different locations that these attach to so you'll need 10 small zip ties as well.
With the harness fully removed you will want to pick a side and start to separate the spoiler from the bumper. Once you get the initial corner started the remainder of the spoiler comes off very easily.
Before you install the new SQ5 spoiler, you will want to install the trim piece with the 10 screws. It is SIGNIFICANTLY easier to do it prior to installing the spoiler then after. Trust me!
You'll now install the new SQ5 spoiler in reverse of how you removed the original Q5 spoiler. It snaps back into the bumper and may require a little tap with the palm of your hand over the clips that insert to get them to seat fully. Once you have the spoiler on you will insert the rear sensors and then attach the harness on the appropriate points using the previously removed clamps and new zip ties.
So the final part to this is of course the install of the new exhaust. You should again start at the front of the vehicle and work your way to the back. It is very helpful with a multi pet exhaust if you have multiple exhaust stands to help support the parts as you install them. There will be a couple of system adjustments that you will need to make as you begin to loosely tighten the various clamps to allow for proper alignment and clearance as you work to the aft exhaust cans. With every thing properly aligned, that final thing to instal will be the tips. When installing the tips you need to remember that the exhaust will expand out from under the car as it heats up. This will cause your tips to protrude after you've driven the vehicle. With this in mind you will want to set your tips so they are a little further back when cold to allow for the proper look when the exhaust is hot. As long as you are not spot welding them this is something you can adjust easily after time has passed and you've driven the vehicle a little.
In the end, this AWE SQ5 exhaust was a great purchase. The sound it produces is amazing at cold start and when under acceleration it's just awesome. You also now get the burbling at each shift point which I rather enjoy hearing when under partial to full throttle.
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Originally Posted by riceboy22
. She puts up with my "isms" and I seriously doubt there is another that would. So the fact that she's a true car girl, will drive nothing outside the VAG family and loves more power in everything we own...she is 100% a keeper!
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