Exhaust Options

[drivenagain]

Im one to fab up my own exhaust, but before I dive in I'd like to know whats readily available to the Q5.
Do the various S4 systems work or are they platform specific?
Thanks!
Jason

[jpsjr]

You have choices......
*AWE Exhaust - Non Valved System, sounds good goes for $1,800 to $2,100. It's a Stainless Steel System. Some complaints of sagging even when you tighten the bolts big time. The AWE guys are super cool and have helped everyone with this issue. The vendors on here are super awesome and price these systems pretty aggressively. Shop around.
*Milltek Exhaust - Valved System, sounds really nice but pricey @ $2,000. Very few guys have this system. It's a Stainless Steel System.
*MagnaFlow - Valved System, sounds perfect in my opinion. Should have came from factory sounding like this. $1,100!
There's about 4-5 of us with MagnaFlow, all of us like it. Fitment it perfect and no sag on the mufflers. It's a Stainless Steel System.
If you decide to upgrade your system, you may need a Valance from a SQ5 if you want nice exhaust tips. I currently have one if your interested. If you look at ECS Tuning for the OEM SQ5 Valance here is the info.......
8R0807521BL1RR Rear Platinum Gray Valance - $434.10
8R0807819M1RR Rear Platinum Gray Valance - $126.28
Plus you will need to get the proper trim for the top part of the Valance which comes in Chrome or Black.

Jose

[drivenagain]

*MagnaFlow - Valved System, sounds perfect in my opinion. Should have came from factory sounding like this. $1,100!
There's about 4-5 of us with MagnaFlow, all of us like it. Fitment it perfect and no sag on the mufflers. It's a Stainless Steel System.

Jose thanks for this info...which part # from MagnaFlow?
Jason

EDIT: Just found the MagnaFlow thread

[Beth641]

You have choices......
*AWE Exhaust - Non Valved System, sounds good goes for $1,800 to $2,100. It's a Stainless Steel System. Some complaints of sagging even when you tighten the bolts big time. The AWE guys are super cool and have helped everyone with this issue. The vendors on here are super awesome and price these systems pretty aggressively. Shop around.
*Milltek Exhaust - Valved System, sounds really nice but pricey @ $2,000. Very few guys have this system. It's a Stainless Steel System.
*MagnaFlow - Valved System, sounds perfect in my opinion. Should have came from factory sounding like this. $1,100!
There's about 4-5 of us with MagnaFlow, all of us like it. Fitment it perfect and no sag on the mufflers. It's a Stainless Steel System.
If you decide to upgrade your system, you may need a Valance from a SQ5 if you want nice exhaust tips. I currently have one if your interested. If you look at ECS Tuning for the OEM SQ5 Valance here is the info.......
8R0807521BL1RR Rear Platinum Gray Valance - $434.10
8R0807819M1RR Rear Platinum Gray Valance - $126.28
Plus you will need to get the proper trim for the top part of the Valance which comes in Chrome or Black.

Jose

nice post. thanks for information :)

[colby7]

That trim piece is pricey too.

[jpsjr]

Jose thanks for this info...which part # from MagnaFlow?
Jason

EDIT: Just found the MagnaFlow thread

Jason, I believe you are going to order a SQ5 one and it should bolt up perfectly. Can anyone confirm this? I ordered on Hottexhaust.com and payed $1,050 shipped.

Jose

[jpsjr]

That trim piece is pricey too.

No shit! I believe the black one goes for $500! Crazy?

Jose

[jpsjr]

Like stated, I have a rear Valance with the Hitch Cover if you are interested. I would sell it for $300 shipped if your interested. You will need the trim piece that cost a crazy amount, whether you get black or chrome. PM'me you want it. It's in mint condition!

Jose

[jpsjr]

That trim piece is pricey too.

Colby7 I just noticed your running a Milltek on your Q5 3.0T, how does your exhaust sound? Did you change out your Valance to a SQ5? Did you bolt up with a SQ5 system?

Jose

[colby7]

I'm not a good person to ask about the sound because I also have EC headers so it doesn't sound the same. I bought an SQ5 valence, and painted it black to match the other OEM trim pieces. If you want a Milltek you're going to have to go this route because they don't make an exhaust for the 3.0T Q5.

[jpsjr]

I'm not a good person to ask about the sound because I also have EC headers so it doesn't sound the same. I bought an SQ5 valence, and painted it black to match the other OEM trim pieces. If you want a Milltek you're going to have to go this route because they don't make an exhaust for the 3.0T Q5.

Jason, there's your answer. Thanks Colby7! Forget the sound since he's running eurocode headers but since the motor is basically the same setup as SQ5, the exhaust should fit perfect. Hopefully this all helps.

Jose

[VroomVroom]

Total FWIW: my Magnaflow experience on an SUV.

Their pricing is awesome, their designs are solid, and the sound....intoxicating. For a while. That packing inside the mufflers breaks down. Obviously how long that takes depends on miles, driving style, etc., but when it does.... the R word. Resonance. And it's bad. From outside, you definitely notice the volume increase, which is cool...but if you're cruising down the highway, that drone will seem like torture.

I can't speak to AWE or Milltek designs because I haven't really been tempted to pursue an exhaust (show me a system with 4" rolled tips and we can talk!) but I think this is worth considering, especially if you plan go keep your machine for a while. That initial cost savings disappears if you have to replace mufflers and tips.

[jpsjr]

Totally understandable, but keep in mind that MagnaFlow states this on their website.......

QUAD SPLIT REAR EXIT
Made in the USA and engineered to last, for those seeking increased performance and better economy, MagnaFlow Touring Series Performance Exhaust systems deliver the smooth deep sound you want and the wide-open performance power you need. Our exhaust systems feature straight-through flow designs for the ultimate in unrestricted horsepower and torque for big power while maintaining exhaust efficiency. These systems are an engineered balance of interior and exterior noise levels and are tested against SAE j1169 standards.

• All Mandrel Bent Tubing
• 409 Stainless Steel Construction
• Increased Horsepower and Torque
• Lifetime Construction Warranty
• Made in USA

I guess if you blow it, they cover? MagnaFlow Rep sometimes is on the forum he may answer better?

Jose

[connoisseurr]

This is a plentiful amount of information and was something that needed to be put together. I've reviewed, what I think to be, every available option for the S/Q5 platform, and while AWE is definitely my favorite option, I feel for the price, I can build something that will sound just as good for just about half the cost. Currently I have all T304 stainless 2.5" piping for a dual system that will include an X, mid muffler with cutouts, and quad rear resonated exits.

What most have said about the trim piece is correct - it's a pricy unit. Even for the black trim option. It's hard to find a good deal on one. A friend of mine will be doing a lot of the welding for me and I'm expecting to have something completed by Christmas time.

With quality materials, mufflers and resonators, in hoping for a nice little rumble. Of course, when I want to make noise, I can flip the cutout open and open it up

[ThunderDent]

I have the MagnaFlow system Jose has.

It's only an axle back system (which does retain the valves), where the AWE system is Cat back.

The sound is perfect, and it looks phenomenal.
I will say in 8th gear running on the interstate, there is drone.

It's definitely louder than stock. But has a really sweet note to it.
Not to overbearing. How the SQ should have been from the factory.

The 8th gear drone is my only negative impression.

-----
Here's the MagnaFlow exhaust video.

https://youtu.be/fiw5hmcY2fI

[jpsjr]

Totally agree with Joel with the sound, on the interstate I don't hear that drone coming from the exhaust though. I'm usually doing 85-90 mph and I don't hear it, maybe because I leave it out dynamic mode? Joel do you drive it on dynamic mode 24/7?

Jose

[SQ5-ER]

Had my AWE about 6 months now and I'm really happy with it. I'd say that for day to day driving (car in "D" and Comfort so the RPMs stay lower) it really isn't much louder in the cabin than with the OEM exhaust. 8th gear highway driving where your RPMs are low, you wouldn't know the difference. When you go hard, its naturally a very different story. Not super loud, but very raspy and guttural. More Maserati than muscle-car.

[ThunderDent]

Yes, I drive in Dynamnic (100% of the time) and manual (99% of the time).

I like the gearing to be in my hands. I just can't let my manual past go I guess

I wanted the valve option so when my wife drives it she can set it to comfort or individual for her and the baby.

[MagnaFlow]

Total FWIW: my Magnaflow experience on an SUV.

Their pricing is awesome, their designs are solid, and the sound....intoxicating. For a while. That packing inside the mufflers breaks down. Obviously how long that takes depends on miles, driving style, etc., but when it does.... the R word. Resonance. And it's bad. From outside, you definitely notice the volume increase, which is cool...but if you're cruising down the highway, that drone will seem like torture.

I can't speak to AWE or Milltek designs because I haven't really been tempted to pursue an exhaust (show me a system with 4" rolled tips and we can talk!) but I think this is worth considering, especially if you plan go keep your machine for a while. That initial cost savings disappears if you have to replace mufflers and tips.

I guess if you blow it, they cover? MagnaFlow Rep sometimes is on the forum he may answer better?

Jose

The packing material we use in our mufflers is a special blend of steel and lava rock, so it's uncommon to hear of them blowing out in the way mufflers with fiberglass packing (cherry bombs, etc.) do. We stand behind all of our exhaust systems and back them with a lifetime warranty, so if you feel that your mufflers are not performing the way that they should, please give our customer service dept a call at 1-800-990-0905!

[ThunderDent]

Great to hear!

I'm loving my MagnaFlow setup!

[jpsjr]

The packing material we use in our mufflers is a special blend of steel and lava rock, so it's uncommon to hear of them blowing out in the way mufflers with fiberglass packing (cherry bombs, etc.) do. We stand behind all of our exhaust systems and back them with a lifetime warranty, so if you feel that your mufflers are not performing the way that they should, please give our customer service dept a call at 1-800-990-0905!

Great to know! Thanks for chiming in. Absolutely loving my exhaust, only complaint? BLACK EXHAUST TIPS!

Jose

[petoria]

Still debating my own exhaust set up, currently looking at the MF 12468 and lopping off the mid muffler before the exhausts. Would that be the correct part to replace? I've been looking up vids of the S4/S5 with the resonated X-Pipe, assuming it would sound somewhat similar. I'm wondering if this would be a good fit for my budget setup before jumping the gun and doing the full MF Catback.

Thoughts gents?

[buggravy]

Great to know! Thanks for chiming in. Absolutely loving my exhaust, only complaint? BLACK EXHAUST TIPS!

Jose

Just got mine put on yesterday, and really like it so far. I powder coated the tips, and I think I prefer the look with no logo over having black tips from the factory.

[cheewy16]

I have had my Magnaflow for a couple months now and after 3 long distance road trips, longest being 7 hours....there is definitely some highway drone even when it's not set on dynamic when going 80+, but it's not that bad. BUT for my daily commute to work everyday, it's set @ dynamic and I LOVE the sound! The tips do get black in about 2 days for me, but they are very easy to clean. Install was cake and took minimal effort to get them perfectly centered. All you need to do is play with the hangers a bit and tighten down the o-ring clamp so that it will stay centered.

[ThunderDent]

Here is couple of pics of it installed and the ADS electric valve assembly mount that is part of it.

[Josh/AWE]

Had my AWE about 6 months now and I'm really happy with it. I'd say that for day to day driving (car in "D" and Comfort so the RPMs stay lower) it really isn't much louder in the cabin than with the OEM exhaust. 8th gear highway driving where your RPMs are low, you wouldn't know the difference. When you go hard, its naturally a very different story. Not super loud, but very raspy and guttural. More Maserati than muscle-car.

Glad you're loving it!

The OEM-like in-cabin experience is thanks to our proprietary drone-canceling solution, 180 Technology® -- sophisticated when you want it, quiet when you need it. It was specifically tuned for the 8-speed Tiptronic® trans.

All of our systems are handcrafted from T304 stainless equalling zero rust. Others use 409 grade stainless, which will rust, more slowly than non-stainless... but it will rust (ferrous material is what causes rust, and ferrous material is also magnetic. A magnet will stick to 409 grade, a magnet will not stick to 304 stainless.)

Here's a clip for your listening pleasure, OP:



Otherwise, if you have questions about anything feel free to PM or email me

[drivenagain]

Glad you're loving it!

The OEM-like in-cabin experience is thanks to our proprietary drone-canceling solution, 180 Technology® -- sophisticated when you want it, quiet when you need it. It was specifically tuned for the 8-speed Tiptronic® trans.

All of our systems are handcrafted from T304 stainless equalling zero rust. Others use 409 grade stainless, which will rust, more slowly than non-stainless... but it will rust (ferrous material is what causes rust, and ferrous material is also magnetic. A magnet will stick to 409 grade, a magnet will not stick to 304 stainless.)

Here's a clip for your listening pleasure, OP:



Otherwise, if you have questions about anything feel free to PM or email me

Josh will the track kit fit the q5?

[Josh/AWE]

Josh will the track kit fit the q5?

Not sure what kit you're referring to, I'm afraid

[drivenagain]

Not sure what kit you're referring to, I'm afraid

minus the tips, will this fit a Q5? Thanks

[Josh/AWE]

minus the tips, will this fit a Q5? Thanks

Negative. Similar in some aspects, but the rear pipes are not applicable to the Q5. Besides, we didn't create a Track Edition for the Q5 for good reason -- it needs 180 Technology® for in-cabin acoustics sake.

[vik0wang]

I have the MagnaFlow system Jose has.

It's only an axle back system (which does retain the valves), where the AWE system is Cat back.

The sound is perfect, and it looks phenomenal.
I will say in 8th gear running on the interstate, there is drone.

It's definitely louder than stock. But has a really sweet note to it.
Not to overbearing. How the SQ should have been from the factory.

The 8th gear drone is my only negative impression.

-----
Here's the MagnaFlow exhaust video.

https://youtu.be/fiw5hmcY2fI

any idea how to eliminate 8th gear drone?
i have milltek exhaust and 8 gear drone is horrible

[ThunderDent]

any idea how to eliminate 8th gear drone?
i have milltek exhaust and 8 gear drone is horrible

Yep, run it in M7.

It's reallly the RPMs man. If you're running 1800-2000, then it's pretty droney.
If you keep it 2200+ your making good music.

[vik0wang]

Yep, run it in M7.

It's reallly the RPMs man. If you're running 1800-2000, then it's pretty droney.
If you keep it 2200+ your making good music.

Thx bro


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

[Pittdawg]

Yep, run it in M7.

It's reallly the RPMs man. If you're running 1800-2000, then it's pretty droney.
If you keep it 2200+ your making good music.

That sounds like a design defect if you can't even use 8th gear because the exhaust you bought (in large part for better sound) makes the sound unbearable.