Exhaust Clarification

[gilber33]

Hello. Sorry if this has been covered before, but I'm starting to get really frustrated with the exhaust system descriptions. This is my first Audi, coming from about a dozen Volvos over the past few years and have a built a few.

When I purchased exhausts for those cars, a cat back exhaust system meant from the downpipe back, typically because the cat was located at the end of the downpipe. I see that these cars is the other way around. The cat is located right off the turbo and the downpipe from there going to a traditional "cat back" exhaust.

My issue is some places list the exhaust as a cat back, but they mean downpipe back. I'm now looking at the Milltek exhaust from ECS:

https://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B6_A4...nce/ES2827430/

Listed as a cat back. Ok, from the sounds of it I can get a test pipe to delete the cat and will have a turbo back exhaust. I called to confirm this is truly an exhaust system from the cat back, and they said no, it's just a downpipe back system. But it sure looks like there is piping included to bolt to the cat for an actual cat back system.

Can someone please clarify this for me? It's getting really annoying.

[MetalMan]

If the pictures are correct, that is a true cat-back since it includes a downpipe.
And your descriptions are correct regarding the cat and downpipe.

[ADCS]

Their description says downpipe back (downpipe is not listed under kit contents) however the pictures clearly show a downpipe (pipe with the braided flex). You should ask Jason@ECS (memeber on here) for clarification or call Miltek directly.

[gilber33]

I called back and asked about it again. Was told that it's only downpipe back. Told them to check the pictures because they appear to show a downpipe in them. They checked the pictures and confirmed that it is a true "catback" system. Ordered it. I guess we'll find out.

[eljay]

I think we all share your frustration with these descriptions. Catback has been used by so many manufacturers that it becomes a marketing name rather than description of included piping.
I would check with ECS, but since Milltek lists separate exhausts for 5-speed, 6-speed, and auto, I'm pretty sure they include the downpipe since it's the downpipe that is different between the various transmission options. From the end of the downpipe to the rear, the exhaust is the same for all B6 and B7 quattro platforms.
I just realized that, but this actually makes Milltek very reasonably priced considering a quality downpipe from Techtonics Tuning costs $260, so any system without it would easily match or exceed Milltek's price.

[crazyquik22023]

The majority of aftermarket exhaust systems for the 1.8t do include the downpipe. I would bet that when you receive it, it will include a downpipe.

[gilber33]

I think we all share your frustration with these descriptions. Catback has been used by so many manufacturers that it becomes a marketing name rather than description of included piping.
I would check with ECS, but since Milltek lists separate exhausts for 5-speed, 6-speed, and auto, I'm pretty sure they include the downpipe since it's the downpipe that is different between the various transmission options. From the end of the downpipe to the rear, the exhaust is the same for all B6 and B7 quattro platforms.
I just realized that, but this actually makes Milltek very reasonably priced considering a quality downpipe from Techtonics Tuning costs $260, so any system without it would easily match or exceed Milltek's price.

I'm glad I'm not the only one then. I just picked up an 05 Avant USP and absolutely love it. But when I started shipping for exhausts, I thought, wtf am I reading here. Catback exhaust with no downpipe?

Also, the number of aftermarket companies for the audi market is overwhelming lol

[kneel]

I'm glad I'm not the only one then. I just picked up an 05 Avant USP and absolutely love it. But when I started shipping for exhausts, I thought, wtf am I reading here. Catback exhaust with no downpipe?

Also, the number of aftermarket companies for the audi market is overwhelming lol

Welcome to the Avant family. That exhaust includes the DP. Adding a Test Pipe will further enhance the performance and exhaust note.

What volvo platform are you coming from? I own a P2 V70T5.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[Charles.waite]

I'm glad I'm not the only one then. I just picked up an 05 Avant USP and absolutely love it. But when I started shipping for exhausts, I thought, wtf am I reading here. Catback exhaust with no downpipe?

Also, the number of aftermarket companies for the audi market is overwhelming lol

Yea manufacturers and parts sites constantly mis-use the cat-back/turbo-back/downpipe-back nomenclature. Its really annoying.

[gilber33]

Welcome to the Avant family. That exhaust includes the DP. Adding a Test Pipe will further enhance the performance and exhaust note.

What volvo platform are you coming from? I own a P2 V70T5.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

I've had most of them. Owned several P80's including a manual swapped 850, T5M, 99 V70R. Had a V40 for a bit. Had an 04 V70R M66 for a bit. Wife has had a C30, XC90, S60, and now an XC60. My most recent was a 1993 940 Turbo that I manual swapped, KKK k24 turbo, meth, cam, wasted spark, custom coilovers, etc. That project ended a few weeks ago unfortunately when I sent a rod through both sides of the block. Decided it was time to venture outside of Volvo.

Some pics for reference (and so when I ask amateur questions about the Audi no one thinks I'm new to cars):