When exactly do the exhaust valves open?

[forbiddenbeat]

Poked around a bit, but can't seem to find anything definitive. I'm interested in getting an aftermarket turboback exhaust (probably AWE), but am curious about the exhaust valve operation. Are they always closed in Comfort, and always open in Dynamic? Or only open in Dynamic above certain RPM? Do they open at cold start?

I'm mainly curious if the car will remain fairly quiet during cold start, since I don't want to wake the neighbors (and my baby).

[will13k7]

From AWE about when the valve opens/closes:

"We have concluded that valve operation in the S3 is dependent upon two things, throttle angle and load. Valve is always open at idle and closes after engine reaches ~1100 RPM. Valve will only open while vehicle is moving if two conditions are met, throttle angle exceeds ~75% AND engine is above 3500 RPM."

in other words, comfort/dynamic/auto make no difference. cold start will be with valves open. not too bad until you get a DP, then it's kind-of-loud.

[Arrested_Decay]

I have AWE's catted DP and exhaust. It is not loud at all on cold starts. Won't wake anybody, i don't think. Although i did come from a 5.0 mustang that was straight piped and would wake the dead on a cold start. ;-)

But honestly, it isn't really that loud at all.

Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

[will13k7]

awe also has an open/close remote add-on that you can use instead of the oem controller.

[RyanS3]

the modes do not have any effect on the actual exhaust sound or motor sound. only fake sounds.

[forbiddenbeat]

Thanks guys. I'm confused by this video then: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79m5CmQ71_o. Are they just driving harder in Dynamic mode?

I'll likely just get the AWE resonated exhaust with the valve controller, so I can keep the valves shut at idle as well.

Will, I might need to hit you up for a preview of the AWE exhaust (we're local).

[chrisdazzo]

Open the valves with Vagcom. Would highly recommend it. Free and won't affect warranty whatsoever.

[RyanS3]

fwiw
I have the unitronic downpipe
oem resonator delete
and awe switch
you can use the switch with oem exhaust