3" downpipe options

[jbain2]

Trying to figure out the off the shelf options for a 3 inch downpipe. I need to run a catalytic converter. I currently have a HFC installed with a 2.5" Milltek.

What I have found:

1. JHM downpipe to S4 exhaust (2 1/4 inch connections)
2. Unitronic downpipe to aftermarket A4 exhaust (haven't heard any feedback on)
3. RAI downpipe (heard mixed things about quality)

Chime in if you are aware of other options as well as opinions about the above posted.

[danbfree]

The downpipe is just a small section of pipe after the HFC before the exhaust, right? So quality isn't a big deal, it's a cheap part and easy to replace, you might as well get an $84 one off eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rev9-3-Turbo...-/232057948544

[jbain2]

The downpipe is just a small section of pipe after the HFC before the exhaust, right? So quality isn't a big deal, it's a cheap part and easy to replace, you might as well get an $84 one off eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rev9-3-Turbo...-/232057948544

This link is for a test pipe. I am a big believer in quality parts particularly those that are exposed to a lot of heat cycling and the elements as well as anything that has welds. Thanks.


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[MISKIE]

Got option 1 plus test pipe since I got their Stage 2 tune. Got the S4 catback as well for $60 then installed them myself. Happy so far. No drone at all and not ricey. Thinking of taking out the resonator for more sound but haven't decided yet since I was told that it's a little drony... Good luck...


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[aluthman]

Get the JHM setup if you don't want to go custom

[drewgold]

Are you planning to run a High Flow Cat or stick with stock? Edit:(Missed that you said you already have a HFC, so disregard) Some downpipes will bolt right up to the stock Cat, others won't.

You can't go wrong with JHM from what I have seen, however I use the Unitronic 3" HFC/Downpipe and am very happy with it. Price has gone up a bit lately for the high flow cat and downpipe but I think the price is still much better than most anything else out there.

Performance of the Uni HFC/DP is amazing, I even noticed a difference while still running a stock tune!
Fit is good, however the area where the rear O2 sensor is is very tight and you'll likely need a right angle adapter for the sensor. The downpipe also dips a little low when going under the transmission crossmember. Not sure how this compares to JHM or other 3" downpipes but you lose a bit (Maybe 0.5") of clearance here which is a bit unfortunate.

Only other issue I ran into is that the stock spring loaded exhaust hanger will not bolt directly up to the Uni DP, the DP has an attachment point however a custom bracket has to be made or just left unattached.

It bolted up to my stock rear section of exhaust perfectly with the supplied adapter.

I plan to have an S4 exhaust customized at some point to mate up to the downpipe. The Vband fitting at the end of the downpipe makes fitting a custom exhaust super easy and handy!

[danbfree]

Are you planning to run a High Flow Cat or stick with stock? Some downpipes will bolt right up to the stock Cat, others won't.

You can't go wrong with JHM from what I have seen, however I use the Unitronic 3" HFC/Downpipe and am very happy with it. Price has gone up a bit lately for the high flow cat and downpipe but I think the price is still much better than most anything else out there.

Performance of the Uni HFC/DP is amazing, I even noticed a difference while still running a stock tune!
Fit is good, however the area where the rear O2 sensor is is very tight and you'll likely need a right angle adapter for the sensor. The downpipe also dips a little low when going under the transmission crossmember. Not sure how this compares to JHM or other 3" downpipes but you lose a bit (Maybe 0.5") of clearance here which is a bit unfortunate.

Only other issue I ran into is that the stock spring loaded exhaust hanger will not bolt directly up to the Uni DP, the DP has an attachment point however a custom bracket has to be made or just left unattached.

It bolted up to my stock rear section of exhaust perfectly with the supplied adapter.

I plan to have an S4 exhaust customized at some point to mate up to the downpipe. The Vband fitting at the end of the downpipe makes fitting a custom exhaust super easy and handy!

Good input, but it says right in his post he has a HFC already. :)

[danbfree]

This link is for a test pipe. I am a big believer in quality parts particularly those that are exposed to a lot of heat cycling and the elements as well as anything that has welds. Thanks.


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Oops, ya definitely not a "downpipe" but a "testpipe"... I know I'm personally looking at the OBX 2.5" on eBay since that might fit my Tip car, just waiting for feedback from someone else here...

[adam044]

Got a custom shop around?

[drewgold]

Good input, but it says right in his post he has a HFC already. :)

Oops, missed that part. ;) Only saw the Miltek exhaust part. Thanks for pointing that out.

Well a Unitronic Downpipe is out because it's proprietary to their HFC and can't be used with a stock HFC.

Begs the question: What kind of HFC do you have?

[jbain2]

I am trying to figure out a way that I can mate the JHM setup to my current Milltek exhaust. Interestingly the S4 system from Milltek is 2.25 tubing diameter and the A4 system is 2.5 in diameter. The S4 system has an x-pipe collector that normally mounts to the stock S4 downpipes and would mount to the JHM downpipe. Would just need that to connect to the 2.5 mid pipe section on my current setup. There aren't many Audi's where I am so the stock S4 exhaust is close to impossible to find.


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[yeoj112689]

I went custom. I got a great deal with my entire exhaust though. A lot of shops charge a ton especially for decent bends (mandrel).

[jamerican1]

I am trying to figure out a way that I can mate the JHM setup to my current Milltek exhaust. Interestingly the S4 system from Milltek is 2.25 tubing diameter and the A4 system is 2.5 in diameter. The S4 system has an x-pipe collector that normally mounts to the stock S4 downpipes and would mount to the JHM downpipe. Would just need that to connect to the 2.5 mid pipe section on my current setup. There aren't many Audi's where I am so the stock S4 exhaust is close to impossible to find.


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Wow, where in VA are you? I just sold my stock S4 exhaust and I know a couple people who have sold stock S4 exhausts locally.

[jbain2]

Wow, where in VA are you? I just sold my stock S4 exhaust and I know a couple people who have sold stock S4 exhausts locally.

Richmond.


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