Resonator delete(x pipe mod) ?

[ibis_a3]

I'd be interested in hearing the xpipe with no other exhaust mods. Does anyone have any clips of theirs with that type of setup?

[mr.memeyogirl]

oh wow!

That extra tone, burble, its how it should have sounded...

Straight pipe gives you tons of drone tho no? Videos sound amazing, this is what i'll be doing!

Yeah having a straight pipe does give you drone, for me its not too unbearable as I'm usually driving alone in my car. The drone too is more noticeable between about 1200-2000 RPM, but nothing turning up the music cant fix lol. I feel if you just want something a little more aggressive than stock, the muffler delete is a good option. Only things id recommend is making sure the shop doesn't mess up the exhaust valves and see if they can kinda "tuck them away" once unplugged. I unplugged mine, wrapped them up in tape and put them up under the bumper before i took it in. If you got any questions feel free to hit me up, Im open to discuss more in detail. Plus I know this thread is about an X Pipe so i dont wanna butt in on a different topic lol.

[mr.memeyogirl]

Finally got around to making a video. In my opinion the engine just sounds... not great. The exhaust tone is muddy, the xpipe adds volume but also adds a fair amount of drone. At this point I'm working on having high flow cats installed in place of the front resonators and may end up swapping back in the stock mid section that the xpipe replaced. I think the Xpipe alone may be OK, but combined with the race pipe you can judge for yourself. I was hoping for some enhanced clarity in the exhaust note and that didn't happen with this setup. Normal revs up to the limited when in neutral or park just don't sound good. The car does open up and the sound in much better over 3500-4k rpm, but in the normal driving ranges it just isn't a great sounding engine or exhaust. TBD on if other fixes will address it. I'm honestly not a fan of the sound of any of the full systems out there either, so it may not be possible to get the sound I'm looking for with this car. Shame. Enjoy the vid anyway!

Yeah you have a a point when it comes to the exhaust note of this car. Its.. different. I wont say its "bad", it does sound deep/guttural at lower RPMs which does sound aggressive. And once you get into it, it does sound pretty good. Im glad i did go the custom route with mine, I couldnt justify spending thousands on a cat back for it to essentially be something i got done at an exhaust shop for less than $450 (including aftermarket tips). With the X Pipe, did you have a chance to test them without the JHM race pipe installed? Im curious to know if the drone is caused by the X pipe or the race pipe. thanks for the vid btw!

[OverBoosted]

Finally got around to making a video. In my opinion the engine just sounds... not great. The exhaust tone is muddy, the xpipe adds volume but also adds a fair amount of drone. At this point I'm working on having high flow cats installed in place of the front resonators and may end up swapping back in the stock mid section that the xpipe replaced. I think the Xpipe alone may be OK, but combined with the race pipe you can judge for yourself. I was hoping for some enhanced clarity in the exhaust note and that didn't happen with this setup. Normal revs up to the limited when in neutral or park just don't sound good. The car does open up and the sound in much better over 3500-4k rpm, but in the normal driving ranges it just isn't a great sounding engine or exhaust. TBD on if other fixes will address it. I'm honestly not a fan of the sound of any of the full systems out there either, so it may not be possible to get the sound I'm looking for with this car. Shame. Enjoy the vid anyway!

Sam thanks for posting up this vid Do you think if you didn't have the race pipe it would be a little more to your liking? In my opinion exhaust rev videos only paint a very small picture, full throttle and cruising at highway speeds hold more merit to the day to day drive ability. Any chance you will make a cruising and full throttle video?

[tliu91]

any more videos?

[-LoneStar-]

I found this video the other day. The guy was going to install a Frequency Intelligent exhaust but ran into a problem with the exhaust being designed to work with the non sport diff. Since he could not install the entire exhaust he only installed the front pipes which remove the two front silencers.

There is a stock start up at the beginning of the video and then one with the new front pipes at the 9:30 mark. He seemed really happy with how it sounded. There were some pops and burbles which sounded nice.

This may be a good alternative to additional volume without the drone that this new X pipe might bring. I wish he commented about the interior noise but didn't.

[tliu91]

anyone got video updates

[Diokhan]

This is the only other resonator delete video I've come across.

[ibis_a3]

Bumping this thread. I wanted to see if anyone has a video of ONLY the xpipe installed and what it sounds like

[MadAboutCars]

Delete, sorry thought this was the C7/C7.5 forum.

[DaddyMomid]

Hey so I'm really new to this whole idea of modding my car but I'm pretty sure this mod is necessary because my B9 S5 just isn't nearly loud enough. So I went to my local exhaust shop today and I was told what I was looking for is a resonator delete (obviously). Except he told me that he'd replace it with a "y-adapter" which I'm assuming is just a Y-shaped pipe and I'm not sure about the difference b/w the Y-pipe and the X-pipe everyone seems to be talking about. Side note, I was also told it would cost $310 Canadian. Is this price fair for parts and labour and should I consider the y-pipe or the x-pipe?

[mr.memeyogirl]

So I got a chance to compare my straight piped S4 to my buddy who has the AWE Track exhaust on his S5 Sportback (as the AWE exhausts have an X Pipe). We're basically running the same set up (no mufflers or resonators, only that his as an X Pipe). Overall they sounded very similar, but i feel with the straight pipe it sounded a bit deeper/more aggressive, again not a huge difference but the AWE one seemed just slightly toned down. Still sounded good dont get me wrong but just the deepness was not as pronounced. just my 2 cents

[Sturn992]

Installed the ECS Xpipe, if you follow their instructions it’s pretty straight forward. Only thing I did not like is that audi smashes the pipe coming out of the resonator for the sports diff and I had to expand the pipe using a pry bar and some grit to keep it from slowing the flow. Perhaps this is something new for the 2019.

[ibis_a3]

Installed the ECS Xpipe, if you follow their instructions it’s pretty straight forward. Only thing I did not like is that audi smashes the pipe coming out of the resonator for the sports diff and I had to expand the pipe using a pry bar and some grit to keep it from slowing the flow. Perhaps this is something new for the 2019.

Looks good...Any chance you can post a video of what it sounds like now? Thanks !

[Sturn992]

Yes as soon as I have a chance, I’ll post the interior sound as soon as I find and eliminate the rattle that has developed. It only happens in auto or comfort so I think it’s related to the valves but I can’t unplug the one on the passenger side.

[DMan918]

Can we also get your impressions on the difference? Thanks!

[Sturn992]

Update: DONT DO THIS MOD! This has been a nightmare, the ECS X-pipe is designed such that once you make the cut to install the X-pipe you can not simply return the car to stock using the provided clamps you have to take your car to a shop that can weld everything back together. The rattle is coming from the driver side exhaust valve. My theary is that there is too much pressure on it and its rattling once i unplugged the valve the rattle went away. I find this unacceptable i should not have to permanently disable one of the cars features to use this part. My advise is buy good exhaust.

[m332is]

I tried this X pipe but didn't like it in the 2-2.7K rpm range - but I had zero rattling and I tried it with the flaps plugged in and not plugged in.

I guess I'm confused on why the exhaust can't be reverted to stock if you use the stock section you removed and add two more clamps similar to the ECS clamps where you made the cuts in the stock pipes. Why do you need to weld it?

I bought the AWE Touring as a replacement and have been very pleased.

[Sturn992]

I had it reverted at a local muffler shop but the damage is done the exhaust valves rattle every once and a while not at all like it use to I’m very disappointed I did this to such a nice car

[tliu91]

i had the x-pipe as well and never had any issues with my valves..

[DMan918]

Doesn’t sound like most anyone has liked this mod then. :(

[Swjimboic]

ECS Tuning just released their X Pipe. B9 S4 3.0T Center X-Pipe

I just installed the ECS X-Pipe on my B9 S4 and I really like it. It added the amount of exhaust noise that I wanted when driving around normal everyday and when I put it in S mode I get all the grunt and drone that I hoped for when I'm driving it on the edge. The fit and finish was great and install was a breeze. I've been very happy so far!

[Makes Centz]

I have a B9 SQ5 and i removed only the center resonator and i love the sound at cold start and at warmed up idle with the valves closed it’s close to stock, with the valves open its slightly deeper than stock. Downshifting and pops are definately louder and aggressive.

Has anyone deleted the 2 small resonators up front and the center BUT left the stock exhaust? If so how does it sound? Any video/sound clips?

I’m thinking of getting my front resonators cut out and straight piped, so my system would be stock cat—-straight piped down to stock exhaust. Is anyone currently running this?

[Diokhan]

Jezek has; check this post:
https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...1#post13815597

[Jezek]

Jezek has; check this post:
https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...1#post13815597

Yup! Still loving it. Best of both worlds. Sorta like a cheap switchpath exhaust haha if you have any questions DM me and I’ll gladly provide more pics / info 👍🏼

[Yousef@LR]

Is there any associated drone in the cabin?

[Jezek]

Is there any associated drone in the cabin?

Yes but it is very mild and not noticeable while at cruising speeds. Doesn’t bother me because of how faint it is and has passed the wife test. Also only noticeable in sport/dynamic - when windows are down its non existent. Can easily be controlled with properly placed shifts if it bothers you that much. The pay off is worth it.

[Yousef@LR]

Great! Thanks for the info

[HyperM3]

Just saw this thread, not sure how I never posted on it. Ive had the X-pipe on my car for a few thousand miles now. I had done this on my previous A4 as well since I get the sound Im looking for at a fraction of the cost for a full exhaust. After the first 500 or so miles, my valves started rattling like a sunuvabitch. To the point where starting it in a public place was embarrassing. I have since unplugged the valves and I get no rattles at all. Theres a barely imperceptible drone at speed but it does ramp up on load, like going up a hill or something. That being said, I think it sounds awesome and would completely do it again if I had to.

[Batman0424]

Just saw this thread, not sure how I never posted on it. Ive had the X-pipe on my car for a few thousand miles now. I had done this on my previous A4 as well since I get the sound Im looking for at a fraction of the cost for a full exhaust. After the first 500 or so miles, my valves started rattling like a sunuvabitch. To the point where starting it in a public place was embarrassing. I have since unplugged the valves and I get no rattles at all. Theres a barely imperceptible drone at speed but it does ramp up on load, like going up a hill or something. That being said, I think it sounds awesome and would completely do it again if I had to.

To clarify, and we’ve discussed this before, driving in S creates a lot of drone between 2300-2700 rpms (essentially cruising speeds).

After doing this mod, and as someone that always drives in S, I found the drone to be unbearable. So much so that I literally stopped driving my car until I could get to an exhaust shop to have it reversed. Put the x-pipe back on and deleted the two rear mufflers (and added some black tips).

The muffler delete sounds like a less aggressive version of the AWE Touring - I equate it to how a proper sport exhaust would sound had Audi provided this as an option. AND, the best part is there is absolutely no drone in S or D. I would never do the x-pipe again and do not recommend it for anyone that frequently uses S.


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[Trentimus]

Put the x-pipe back on and deleted the two rear mufflers (and added some black tips).

The muffler delete sounds like a less aggressive version of the AWE Touring - I equate it to how a proper sport exhaust would sound had Audi provided this as an option. AND, the best part is there is absolutely no drone in S or D. I would never do the x-pipe again and do not recommend it for anyone that frequently uses S.


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Confused at this part. So you had the x pipe, it was too loud, so you reverted the midpipe to stock, and now you have the rear mufflers removed? This is less drone than deleting the mid pipe? That’s crazy if I am following


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[Batman0424]

Confused at this part. So you had the x pipe, it was too loud, so you reverted the midpipe to stock, and now you have the rear mufflers removed? This is less drone than deleting the mid pipe? That’s crazy if I am following


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Yes. I first installed the x-pipe, then reverted back to stock resonator and deleted the rear mufflers after talking to Mike (bhvrdr) and listening to his sound clips of the rear muffler delete - there is absolutely no drone with just removing the rear mufflers.

The sound is aligned (-ish) with the AWE Touring setup, but not as loud/aggressive. Still a huge improvement over stock and at a fraction of the price of an aftermarket exhaust system. I’ve had 2 AWE systems (B8.5 S4 and B9 RS5) and, while they were great and I enjoyed the setup, I wanted to explore other options for this car. Specifically, I wanted something that was not as loud as the AWE Touring and that added didn’t cost 2k.

My original search led me to the x-pipe, but the driving experience, for me, was terrible - if I had more time that day, I would have literally returned to the shop after driving two blocks. That’s when I found Mike’s post and took a ride over to a local custom exhaust shop.

Also, to clarify, the x-pipe wasn’t too loud, it just droned (a lot) in S at cruising speed and I always drive in S or M.


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[Trentimus]

Yes. I first installed the x-pipe, then reverted back to stock resonator and deleted the rear mufflers after talking to Mike (bhvrdr) and listening to his sound clips of the rear muffler delete - there is absolutely no drone with just removing the rear mufflers.

The sound is aligned (-ish) with the AWE Touring setup, but not as loud/aggressive. Still a huge improvement over stock and at a fraction of the price of an aftermarket exhaust system. I’ve had 2 AWE systems (B8.5 S4 and B9 RS5) and, while they were great and I enjoyed the setup, I wanted to explore other options for this car. Specifically, I wanted something that was not as loud as the AWE Touring and that added didn’t cost 2k.

My original search led me to the x-pipe, but the driving experience, for me, was terrible - if I had more time that day, I would have literally returned to the shop after driving two blocks. That’s when I found Mike’s post and took a ride over to a local custom exhaust shop.

Also, to clarify, the x-pipe wasn’t too loud, it just droned (a lot) in S at cruising speed and I always drive in S or M.


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So by “rear” muffler this means the ones closest to the bumper? Were you able to retain your valve function this way?

I might try this out.


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[Kondax]

Yes. I first installed the x-pipe, then reverted back to stock resonator and deleted the rear mufflers after talking to Mike (bhvrdr) and listening to his sound clips of the rear muffler delete - there is absolutely no drone with just removing the rear mufflers.

The sound is aligned (-ish) with the AWE Touring setup, but not as loud/aggressive. Still a huge improvement over stock and at a fraction of the price of an aftermarket exhaust system. I’ve had 2 AWE systems (B8.5 S4 and B9 RS5) and, while they were great and I enjoyed the setup, I wanted to explore other options for this car. Specifically, I wanted something that was not as loud as the AWE Touring and that added didn’t cost 2k.

My original search led me to the x-pipe, but the driving experience, for me, was terrible - if I had more time that day, I would have literally returned to the shop after driving two blocks. That’s when I found Mike’s post and took a ride over to a local custom exhaust shop.

Also, to clarify, the x-pipe wasn’t too loud, it just droned (a lot) in S at cruising speed and I always drive in S or M.


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I have a decat. I put a catback non resonated on my car and the drone was ridiculous, even louder than the exhaust itself. It gave me headaches so I took it off the next day.

I like this idea of a rear muffler delete. I've been trying to sell my exhaust since August and nobody's interested. I think I'll use the tips for the rear muffler delete instead.

[Batman0424]

So by “rear” muffler this means the ones closest to the bumper? Were you able to retain your valve function this way?

I might try this out.


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Exactly, the ones closest to the bumper.

I decided to eliminate the valves - no issues thus far and no regrets taking this route. The internal volume at cruising speeds is not too loud - I can be on a work call without it being an issue. I also have the sounakator turned off (needs to be done through VCDS, OBD11 or Carista) - I always turn these off as I don’t care for the “enhanced” engine/exhaust sound, would rather only hear the true exhaust note.

In theory, it should be possible to keep the valves, but the shop would need to do a bit more work. The valve on the left (facing rear) is pre-muffler and on the right is post-muffler on one tip only. So, when both valves are closed, the exhaust routes through only 1 of 4 tips. You would need to ensure this same configuration if you were to cut out and reinstalled the valves.

Here is the link to Mike’s thread. I didn’t end up going the v-band route, however - just a straight weld.

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...te-with-vbands

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[Batman0424]

I have a decat. I put a catback non resonated on my car and the drone was ridiculous, even louder than the exhaust itself. It gave me headaches so I took it off the next day.

I like this idea of a rear muffler delete. I've been trying to sell my exhaust since August and nobody's interested. I think I'll use the tips for the rear muffler delete instead.

I’ve found it to be a great alternative to going full aftermarket. I put the link to Mike’s video in the post above.


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[aznwarrior03]

Just installed the 034 Motorsport x-pipe resonator delete yesterday. Pretty solid product and adds a nice deep tone, probably very similar to the ECS (only seen videos and never in person so I can only assume). Love it or hate it, it does add some drone in cabin but I have not driven it on the highway yet since install. Not sure if the wife is going to like it/notice it but whatev, I didn’t get this car to drive and sound like a Prius.

Here’s a quick video I captured today on a cold start. Please excuse the dirty car and sound quality as I recorded with my iPhone.

Just a quick note, this is on the stock down pipe with the valves disconnected.

https://youtu.be/8_PtuPjaBxY


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[Buckeye_Fan702]

Just installed the 034 Motorsport x-pipe resonator delete yesterday. Pretty solid product and adds a nice deep tone, probably very similar to the ECS (only seen videos and never in person so I can only assume). Love it or hate it, it does add some drone in cabin but I have not driven it on the highway yet since install. Not sure if the wife is going to like it/notice it but whatev, I didn’t get this car to drive and sound like a Prius.

Here’s a quick video I captured today on a cold start. Please excuse the dirty car and sound quality as I recorded with my iPhone.

Just a quick note, this is on the stock down pipe with the valves disconnected.

https://youtu.be/8_PtuPjaBxY


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So how do you like it with the valves disconnected?

I also have an x-pipe and noticed in sport now its a bit louder. Even somewhat boomy while accelerating from a stop. Cruising doesn't seem to be a problem though...at least not for me. Also, with the valves set to comfort/auto its only slightly louder than stock. Its a relatively cheap mod for some more sound and pops but it certainly isn't for everyone.

[aznwarrior03]

So how do you like it with the valves disconnected?

I also have an x-pipe and noticed in sport now its a bit louder. Even somewhat boomy while accelerating from a stop. Cruising doesn't seem to be a problem though...at least not for me. Also, with the valves set to comfort/auto its only slightly louder than stock. Its a relatively cheap mod for some more sound and pops but it certainly isn't for everyone.

TBH, i kind of want to reconnect the valve just to see how they sound. For the most part, the in-cabin drone is tolerable but my wife instantly noticed it and has mentioned it to me multiple times on how loud it is. Especially accelerating from a complete stop. The constant nagging is worse than the drone.... :) Besides that, i love it. I'm also that person that still has their windows down in 40 degree weather cruising around town. I want to hear all the turbo and exhaust sounds! So, having the windows open definitely helps with the drone but like you said, at cruising speed it's not an issue. I did just get the EPL TCU tune but haven't really been able to drive around since then so my experience may or may not change in a couple of days when i can really drive it.

[Sebastian Tu]

I just threw on an x-pipe and it sounds great, except 2-3k rpm drones like a mf, and its like a booming drone when you accidentally crank the bass to 10 on your speakers. It gave me a headache since 85mph is like 2k something. Granted it was a long day, I had little sleep, we'll see soon if I like it on a day to day basis.