2014 A6 3.0 X-Pipe or Straight pipe when removing Center muffler?

**BWilson** · 04-09-2018 12:17 AM

I've searched for the best solution to get a little more sound and no drone from my stock exhaust. I've read about removing the center muffler and replacing with either a X-pipe or straight pipe. What are your thoughts and the best way to do this? Thanks for any advise and help.

**Patrick303** · 04-09-2018 07:35 AM

That seems to be the best option if you want to add a little more sound without going with a full exhaust. I actually have a Magnaflow resonated X-pipe sitting in the box as I'm planning to do the same thing as soon as I have time to drop the car off at the exhaust shop. Hopefully soon.

**Upstate Audi** · 04-09-2018 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by Patrick303

That seems to be the best option if you want to add a little more sound without going with a full exhaust. I actually have a Magnaflow resonated X-pipe sitting in the box as I'm planning to do the same thing as soon as I have time to drop the car off at the exhaust shop. Hopefully soon.

Upload a video when you get it done! I'm considering doing the same but am afraid its not going to sound good.

**i8snitches** · 04-09-2018 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by Patrick303

That seems to be the best option if you want to add a little more sound without going with a full exhaust. I actually have a Magnaflow resonated X-pipe sitting in the box as I'm planning to do the same thing as soon as I have time to drop the car off at the exhaust shop. Hopefully soon.

Bump. Subscribed also as I'm looking for a cost effective route... full exhaust replacement doesn't appear to do much in terms of performance. I do want a little more exhaust notes... but do not want to sacrifice cabin noise with crazy drone...

**BWilson** · 04-09-2018 11:37 AM

What part number did you order and cost? Are you going to keep the 2 rear stock mufflers? Please report back and let us know how it sounds. I have the EPL Stage 2 installed, maybe that will give it a little different sound.

**Patrick303** · 04-09-2018 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by BWilson

What part number did you order and cost? Are you going to keep the 2 rear stock mufflers? Please report back and let us know how it sounds. I have the EPL Stage 2 installed, maybe that will give it a little different sound.

I ordered the Magnaflow 11385. My goal is a little more rumble at cold start and growl at WOT without any drone during normal driving conditions. Hoping to get the car in the shop by this weekend. I'll get some sound clips and in-car video when it's finished.

**BWilson** · 04-09-2018 02:49 PM

Originally Posted by Patrick303

I ordered the Magnaflow 11385. My goal is a little more rumble at cold start and growl at WOT without any drone during normal driving conditions. Hoping to get the car in the shop by this weekend. I'll get some sound clips and in-car video when it's finished.

That part number is a muffler...I thought it was going to be the crossover X-pipe?????

**Patrick303** · 04-09-2018 03:30 PM

Originally Posted by BWilson

That part number is a muffler...I thought it was going to be the crossover X-pipe?????

There is a very long thread on audiworld about which muffler/x-pipe to get, and the 11385 is the model that is recommended. It is named a "muffler", but details say "Tru-X core design"
https://services.magnaflow.com/Image...FFLER602-2.png

**BWilson** · 04-10-2018 09:40 PM

Originally Posted by Patrick303

I ordered the Magnaflow 11385. My goal is a little more rumble at cold start and growl at WOT without any drone during normal driving conditions. Hoping to get the car in the shop by this weekend. I'll get some sound clips and in-car video when it's finished.

I just ordered the Magnaflow 11385 going to local muffler shop when X-pipe arrives to have installed. Will report back.

**gdawg'05a4** · 04-09-2018 11:44 AM

When you say 'center muffler', are you referring to the 'suitcase' muffler by the rear left wheel? The stock exhaust on the A6 already has an x-pipe. Check out p3u's car which he removed the suitcase muffler (post 16), replaced with straight piping. https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...-their-A6-3-0t

**BWilson** · 04-09-2018 12:37 PM

Yes, the suit case. I have a 2014 A6 3.0...hopefully I have the X-pipe.

**BWilson** · 04-09-2018 12:47 PM

Originally Posted by gdawg'05a4

When you say 'center muffler', are you referring to the 'suitcase' muffler by the rear left wheel? The stock exhaust on the A6 already has an x-pipe. Check out p3u's car which he removed the suitcase muffler (post 16), replaced with straight piping. https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...-their-A6-3-0t

Yes part #18. So are you saying use straight pipe? By looking at the picture if I remove #18 I'll have to replace it with a X-pipe. I have dual single pipes on a A6.

**gdawg'05a4** · 04-09-2018 01:09 PM

Yes, #18. No, you do not have to replace it with an x-pipe. Just replace it with two 'straight' pipes (obviously not straight, follow the curvature). The x-pipe exists right before the suitcase muffler.

**07S6** · 04-09-2018 01:17 PM

Originally Posted by gdawg'05a4

Yes, #18. No, you do not have to replace it with an x-pipe. Just replace it with two 'straight' pipes (obviously not straight, follow the curvature). The x-pipe exists right before the suitcase muffler.

What X-pipe are you talking about that exists? There is no other other X-pipe on the car...most people replace that center suitcase (#18) with x-pipe as x-pipe tends to help with drone a bit more than straight.

**gdawg'05a4** · 04-09-2018 01:33 PM

Originally Posted by 07S6

What X-pipe are you talking about that exists? There is no other other X-pipe on the car...most people replace that center suitcase (#18) with x-pipe as x-pipe tends to help with drone a bit more than straight.

The A6 has a factory x-pipe before the suitcase muffler. Just jacked up my car and took some pics of it.

IMG_20180409_162426.jpg IMG_20180409_162400.jpg IMG_20180409_162237.jpg

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**BWilson** · 04-09-2018 02:32 PM

Originally Posted by gdawg'05a4

The A6 has a factory x-pipe before the suitcase muffler. Just jacked up my car and took some pics of it.

IMG_20180409_162426.jpg IMG_20180409_162400.jpg IMG_20180409_162237.jpg

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Interesting...If I go straight pipe will there be any drone?

**gdawg'05a4** · 04-09-2018 02:45 PM

Originally Posted by BWilson

Interesting...If I go straight pipe will there be any drone?

According to p3u, none, otherwise he would have put the muffler back. I have not done it yet but is on my list.

**BWilson** · 04-13-2018 05:56 PM

Originally Posted by gdawg'05a4

The A6 has a factory x-pipe before the suitcase muffler. Just jacked up my car and took some pics of it.

IMG_20180409_162426.jpg IMG_20180409_162400.jpg IMG_20180409_162237.jpg

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Just to verify what gdawg'05a4 and others have already stated, there's already a X-pipe on our cars. I took pictures when I had my center muffler removed today. I was going to replace it with the MagnaFlow X-pipe but decided not to after reading we already have a X-pipe. I had straight pipes installed with MagnaFlow exhaust tips. It's just a little louder than stock, but it's enough for me. I will post before and after sound clips tomorrow.

**S4LIFE247** · 04-10-2018 06:10 PM

Has anyone put this to practice? I’ve gone the S7 sport muffler route and I have to say it’s much better, but not enough.

Im thinking about removing the “suite case”, I just need to understand the best way to do this while maintaining no drone.

I originally purchased a magnaflow exhaust for my A7 but took it out due to the drone.

Any direction on xpipe vs straight pipe would be greatly appreciated!

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**craq76** · 04-10-2018 11:05 PM

What diameter x-pipe for a 3.0 A7???

**MagnaFlow** · 04-11-2018 09:37 AM

It's both! These units have an X pipe inside of a resonated housing so you get the benefits of both!

**i8snitches** · 04-11-2018 10:15 AM

Seems on backorder until 4/20 - Magnaflow 11385

To be clear replacing #18 with Magnaflow 11385:
Audi-A6_Exhaust Diagram.jpg

**BWilson** · 04-11-2018 11:24 AM

Originally Posted by i8snitches

Seems on backorder until 4/20 - Magnaflow 11385

To be clear replacing #18 with Magnaflow 11385:
Audi-A6_Exhaust Diagram.jpg

I just ordered mines from Amazon last night...got a email saying delivery will be tomorrow before 8:00 pm.

**i8snitches** · 04-11-2018 11:41 AM

Yeah i just did the same thing... after doing a search on Google... Any idea install cost? In GA and haven't reached out yet be curious what install cost range i should expect.

**07S6** · 04-11-2018 12:09 PM

Assuming someone (P3u?) has done straight pipes with no drone, you guys may want to consider magnaflow non-resonated X-pipes. The resonated version will subdue the sound much more than straight pipe, to the point of potentially being very similar to the stock suitcase you're replacing.
I could be wrong as dialing in the right sound in these cars is tricky but just a thought.. Either way, it's worth trying as that's the only way to know.

**EuroSwag** · 04-11-2018 12:57 PM

I know everyone’s talking about the center muffler, has anyone deleted the pair of resonators (or secondary cats not sure what they are) right before the slip connection? In the diagram posted it’s #15 and only shows one, but there’s two.

**Jayfiniti** · 04-11-2018 03:42 PM

I just deleted the center muffler and did straight pipe; left everything else in tact. Car sounds way better and there is absolutely no drone. I'll be getting some magnaflow tips soon (probably 3.5"). I definitely recommend removing that center muffler.

**Upstate Audi** · 04-11-2018 03:45 PM

Originally Posted by Jayfiniti

I just deleted the center muffler and did straight pipe; left everything else in tact. Car sounds way better and there is absolutely no drone. I'll be getting some magnaflow tips soon (probably 3.5"). I definitely recommend removing that center muffler.

Do you have a video you could upload of how it sounds revving/driving?

**BWilson** · 04-11-2018 11:35 PM

Originally Posted by Jayfiniti

I just deleted the center muffler and did straight pipe; left everything else in tact. Car sounds way better and there is absolutely no drone. I'll be getting some magnaflow tips soon (probably 3.5"). I definitely recommend removing that center muffler.

What year and model A6 do you own?

**i8snitches** · 04-12-2018 06:41 AM

I'll be scheduling the install in about two weeks for the my car in which I'll be replacing the center muffler and installing apr intercooler. Hoping to persuade shop to record or atleast take photo's of pre-install and post-install to share on forum.

I will post updates once completed for those on the fence...

**Patrick303** · 04-12-2018 05:07 PM

So I just got back from picking up the car. The new Magnaflow 4" exhaust tips looks great, but the sound is underwhelming. I literally can barely tell the difference. If anyone else is planning to do the Magnaflow 11385 replacement for the center muffler, I'd recommend coupling that with something else like removing the small resonators in front or the mufflers at the tips.

**p3u** · 04-12-2018 05:12 PM

Originally Posted by Patrick303

So I just got back from picking up the car. The new Magnaflow 4" exhaust tips looks great, but the sound is underwhelming. I literally can barely tell the difference. If anyone else is planning to do the Magnaflow 11385 replacement for the center muffler, I'd recommend coupling that with something else like removing the small resonators in front or the mufflers at the tips.

You removed the center muffler and replaced it with another muffler. If you were trying for more sound you should have deleted the muffler all together, albeit it would still not be very loud.

**Patrick303** · 04-13-2018 11:04 AM

Originally Posted by p3u

You removed the center muffler and replaced it with another muffler. If you were trying for more sound you should have deleted the muffler all together, albeit it would still not be very loud.

Agreed. Thought it was worth a try, but it's a lot more of a muffler than an x-pipe. I'll probably stop back in this weekend to just have it deleted. Just wanted to post my update before anyone else tried the same expecting different results.

**i8snitches** · 04-13-2018 11:08 AM

Originally Posted by Patrick303

Agreed. Thought it was worth a try, but it's a lot more of a muffler than an x-pipe. I'll probably stop back in this weekend to just have it deleted. Just wanted to post my update before anyone else tried the same expecting different results.

Much appreciated... I may just go as p3u mentioned... All well now have a muffler I have to return to Amazon... ;-)

**BWilson** · 04-12-2018 08:56 PM

Originally Posted by Patrick303

So I just got back from picking up the car. The new Magnaflow 4" exhaust tips looks great, but the sound is underwhelming. I literally can barely tell the difference. If anyone else is planning to do the Magnaflow 11385 replacement for the center muffler, I'd recommend coupling that with something else like removing the small resonators in front or the mufflers at the tips.

I'm suppose to put mines in the shop Saturday after I receive my Magnaflow X-pipe. I'm having second thoughts now and may do as p3u did. He removed the center muffler with straight pipe and reported NO DRONE.

**p3u** · 04-13-2018 11:39 AM

Just to clarify one thing for everyone as well. The car as it sits from factory already has an x pipe by the transmission support.

**craq76** · 04-13-2018 11:49 PM

Does the A7 have an X-pipe already as well??

**Jayfiniti** · 04-15-2018 05:08 PM

Update - I removed the two baby mufflers / resonators, the center suitcase muffler, and also replaced the rear mufflers with Magnaflow mufflers #11226. The car sounds like a beast but has a god awful amount of drone now..

My question is - To remove the drone do I put back the two baby mufflers / resonators or put back the stock rear mufflers? I don’t want to put both them back because then it will sound stock but I just want the drone gone.

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