AWE Exhaust. Any regrets re: Non Resonated Downpipes?

[joe b]

My mind is made up the AWE touring exhaust but I'm still undecided on whether I want the downpipes. My main hesitation is that the volume may be too loud inside the cabin for my commuting purposes and the kids. I've listened to countless videos both with and without. I love the way it transforms the sound and character of the exhaust, but real-world volume just doesn't convey in a sound clip.

To those who have the downpipes, does anyone regret getting them? Maybe due to volume or for any other reason, I suppose.

To those with the exhaust system who did not install the downpipes, is anyone plannning to add the downpipes after-the-fact?

Thanks!


Sent from my iPad using Audizine

[Phoneboy]

My Downpipes just arrived waiting for rest of system. I was going to do it in 2 parts but decided it was just easier to do all at once. From my convo with awe, it seems as it makes the sound more refined and will reduce some of the smell. I went resonated as for the a7 they don't have non resonated


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

[One Nice Audi]

When I had my S4 with exhaust AWE-tuning, it was fine. Add in Labree downpipe and the drone was soooo bad.

[tmoe]

My mind is made up the AWE touring exhaust but I'm still undecided on whether I want the downpipes. My main hesitation is that the volume may be too loud inside the cabin for my commuting purposes and the kids. I've listened to countless videos both with and without. I love the way it transforms the sound and character of the exhaust, but real-world volume just doesn't convey in a sound clip.

To those who have the downpipes, does anyone regret getting them? Maybe due to volume or for any other reason, I suppose.

To those with the exhaust system who did not install the downpipes, is anyone plannning to add the downpipes after-the-fact?

Thanks!


Sent from my iPad using Audizine

I'm not sure if you've watched this video, it pretty much reflects how the car sounds (all 3 stock, touring and touring non-res downpipes), as with all video's in person its more present. I did touring first and it was very quiet around town and a nice increase at wot but a bit too tame for me so I added non-res downpipes and it really opened up the exhaust but it does change the character of the car. It cruises very quiet on the highway, I've done thousands of miles of family trips, as a DD when you press the throttle you will hear the exhaust but for me its perfect. It's pretty easy to just put on the touring exhaust and if its too quiet put on the downpipes, doing them separate won't add that much extra time, that's how I did mine as the downpipes weren't available when the exhaust was first released.

[q5 dave]

No regrets, it's awesome.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[joe b]

I'm not sure if you've watched this video,

Yes sir! I've watched that video more times than I can count, not to mention the number of times I've forwarded it to friends for their listen and opinion lol. Your comments pretty much solidify my hunch, which is to go all the way and get the downpipes, as well. I know they can always be added later but I'd rather not have to deal with it twice. Thanks for your post and for making that video!


Sent from my iPad using Audizine

[S-Fore]

"Regerts"

Had them on for 2wks and sold them. Not for me anyway. Did them only cause I got a killer deal used, so why not.

[joe b]

My Downpipes just arrived waiting for rest of system. I was going to do it in 2 parts but decided it was just easier to do all at once. From my convo with awe, it seems as it makes the sound more refined and will reduce some of the smell. I went resonated as for the a7 they don't have non resonated

Thanks. Smell? Like carbon? Unburnt fuel?

When I had my S4 with exhaust AWE-tuning, it was fine. Add in Labree downpipe and the drone was soooo bad.

Thanks. I don't expect drone to be an issue at all with the AWE downpipes. How was volume for you?

No regrets, it's awesome.

Awesome, thanks for that.

"Regerts"

Had them on for 2wks and sold them. Not for me anyway. Did them only cause I got a killer deal used, so why not.

Were they too loud? So you just have the touring exhaust with stock pipes?


Sent from my iPad using Audizine

[SQ5LIFE]

I have the AWE exhaust without the downpipes. And i am VERY glad i did not get the downpipes. I have people i drive in my SQ5 often and it, like everyone else here, is my daily driver. AWE exhaust does not need the downpipes. I think it is perfect as is, with just the right amount of loud.

[joe b]

I have the AWE exhaust without the downpipes. And i am VERY glad i did not get the downpipes. I have people i drive in my SQ5 often and it, like everyone else here, is my daily driver. AWE exhaust does not need the downpipes. I think it is perfect as is, with just the right amount of loud.

I appreciate the input!


Sent from my iPad using Audizine

[agautohaus]

I had the AWE then added the Downpipes....

(1) why are they called Downpipes? They're still behind the cats. Really I think it's highway robbery to sell a catback for 2800+ (have to add the Downpipes in there for a "catback")

(2) the noises. Ohhhh lord it's so awesome

(3) the drone. Holy F is it bad. Between 3-4K you just pray the entire exhaust falls off. I'm hoping dynamat-ing the trunk will fix it. The drone is so bad but the noise is so good I can't imagine taking them off haha... sucks. Help me baby jesus! Help me Tom cruise!!!

[agautohaus]

When ripping on it the car stays above 5k and it is PURE ECSTASY. while driving normal you're just hoping nobody brings up how terrible the drone is lol. Idk, I can't imagine it but maybe I did something wrong to cause that much drone. Dunno

[q5 dave]

@ag Want to meet up and go for a ride next week? I don't have any drone and there have never been complaints from friends family or gf.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[s114hed]

What are people's thoughts on the Capristo Exhaust?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SQive]

I have the NRDP's, but the rest of the exhaust is stock. The only thing I have close to a drone, is sitting at a stop in gear. Then, it still sounds great. . .a nice rumble.
The front half of the exhaust is for performance. The back half is for sound. If all you want is better sound, don't mess with NRDP's. If you want performance, just change the downpipes. If you want drone, do both.
I love my setup because under normal conditions, it's just barely louder than stock and sounds good IMO. However, WOT is damn near open pipes. I love it.

[riceboy22]

I have the NRDP's, but the rest of the exhaust is stock. The only thing I have close to a drone, is sitting at a stop in gear. Then, it still sounds great. . .a nice rumble.
The front half of the exhaust is for performance. The back half is for sound. If all you want is better sound, don't mess with NRDP's. If you want performance, just change the downpipes. If you want drone, do both.
I love my setup because under normal conditions, it's just barely louder than stock and sounds good IMO. However, WOT is damn near open pipes. I love it.

Do you have a sound clip? I thought you had shared one at some point but can't find it. My preference is definitely quiet except when you're WOT.

[agautohaus]

@ag Want to meet up and go for a ride next week? I don't have any drone and there have never been complaints from friends family or gf.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Most definitely yes!! Also rule 22

[SQive]

Do you have a sound clip? I thought you had shared one at some point but can't find it. My preference is definitely quiet except when you're WOT.

I tried several times to get a good recording but they all sucked. There was one video posted (I don't remember where), but it was weak, too.

My Downpipes just arrived waiting for rest of system. I was going to do it in 2 parts but decided it was just easier to do all at once. From my convo with awe, it seems as it makes the sound more refined and will reduce some of the smell. I went resonated as for the a7 they don't have non resonated

The downpipes are fairly easy to replace, so don't be afraid to put them on now. You'll see what I'm talking about on the sound: quiet, quiet, quiet. . .LOUD!!!
Because WOT is so loud, this setup might not be for everyone, but I sure as hell love it!

[TJay74]

I put the NRDP on a stock system, while it did make it a more aggressive sound it also gave it the ricer loud buzzy sound as well. Then added the AWE Touring system to it, and yes it is loud now if you are in the throttle. If you drive in D under light throttle it is fine, heavy into the throttle though and it will get loud quick. Put it into Sport mode and the more instant throttle will keep it loud most of the time unless you stay out of the throttle.

I guess it depends on your age and what you want out of the car. I am 42 and while it is loud, it is very tolerable for me.

[S-Fore]

I didn't have any drone. It sounded awesome, more my style in my 20's.... not sure it was the sound coupled with expectations, but it felt like it had robbed low end power slightly with the NRDP.

[joe b]

I put the NRDP on a stock system, while it did make it a more aggressive sound it also gave it the ricer loud buzzy sound as well. Then added the AWE Touring system to it, and yes it is loud now if you are in the throttle. If you drive in D under light throttle it is fine, heavy into the throttle though and it will get loud quick. Put it into Sport mode and the more instant throttle will keep it loud most of the time unless you stay out of the throttle.

I guess it depends on your age and what you want out of the car. I am 42 and while it is loud, it is very tolerable for me.

Thanks for the input. Did adding the touring system get rid of the buzz you heard? Also do you experience any drone? Do you have a Q5 or an SQ5? If I'm tallying the above correctly it seems that those that reported drone have an SQ5. Maybe I'm wrong on that though.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[Mops@Nemesis]

Send your orders to [email protected]

[joe b]

Send your orders to [email protected]

Lol I expect a cut from these sales, Mops!


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[Mops@Nemesis]

Lol I expect a cut from these sales, Mops!

Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

We'll work something out, sir

[SQ5-ER]

I've got the basic AWE Touring (without the downpipes) on my SQ5 and really zero drone. The exception is cold startup. For about 30 seconds after in "P" while the engine idle is a bit rough, I can feel and hear the drone. Aside from that, when driving pretty much nothing. Joe B nailed it - in Drive / Comfort when the RPM are low, "daily driving" it is pretty much OEM. The harder you go on the pedal, the higher the RPMs, the louder it will be. So in Sport and Dynamic it will be that much louder incrementally.

My SQ5 is my daily driver. I have 2 young kids and my wife is not a fan of "loud" and though I was insane for swapping out a brand new exhaust. In day to day driving she says she doesn't any difference and has never complained about the volume or any drone so that's about the best testament I can provide as to how refined the system can be.

So in my view it is "appropriately" loud for the type of vehicle (and my age anyway). It's aggressive and throaty but not to the point where you look like your trying to hard.