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  1. #1
    Established Member Two Rings BrosephSQ5's Avatar
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    Downpipe Question

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    So I am getting ready to pull the trigger and go Stage 2.

    I am looking at the Wagner Tuning Downpipe Kit but the $1800 price tag has me questioning some things. I've looked at Redstar and they are similar in price, however CTS has one for $600 bucks.

    I assume the bottom line is quality and durability, but is there a performance difference? Anyone used either and have an opinion? I have no desire to go catless so that is out of the question.
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  2. #2
    Established Member Two Rings
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    Leaning towards CTS myself as I've seen multiple reports of failing cats on the Redstar
    2018 Audi SQ5 Mythos Black - 034 Stage 3 E60, TTE710 Turbo, CTS DP, IE Intercooler, 034 Trans Mount, Airmatic Links, 20x9 BBS CI-R, 3M Crystalline, RS Grill, Black Badges, CF Mirror Caps
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  3. #3
    Veteran Member Four Rings Hostile's Avatar
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    There is a reason CTS stuff is so cheap…
    iain
    '21 SQ5/Prem+/DGM/BO/B&O - JB4 Map3 | DTE PedalBox | ABT H.A.S. | 034 S34 Intake, SuperDuper Inlet, Strut Tower Brace, Trans Insert | 15/20mm spacers | Res Delete
    '16 Golf R (hers) - 034 Stage 1 93 ECU/TCU | 15/20mm spacers | MK6 18" Watkins Glen | Res Delete

  4. #4
    Established Member Two Rings BrosephSQ5's Avatar
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    Anyone have experience with or have the Wagner DP?

    I am leaning towards this regardless of the price just due to that very point of cheaply made products.


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  5. #5
    Veteran Member Four Rings
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    If a catless CTS DP fits, what do you think can go wrong with it after installation?

  6. #6
    Veteran Member Three Rings B6_Dolphin's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by BrosephSQ5 View Post
    Anyone have experience with or have the Wagner DP? I am leaning towards this regardless of the price just due to that very point of cheaply made products.
    Did you see the footnote on the Wagner DP Kit regarding ECU tunes?

    Catalytic Converter Disclaimer

    It is to be noted that Wagner Tuning catalytic converters are intended to be used on OEM vehicles to optimize performance. They are NOT intended to be used in conjunction with an ECU tune. Wagner Tuning Inc. assumes no responsibility for damages caused by modifications made to a vehicle such as, a tuned ECU and/or 'burble' style tunes. Wagner Tuning Inc. is also not responsible for damages caused by engine malfunctions creating rich/lean conditions that are detrimental to the catalyst. A warranty audit will be performed on any claim regarding a catalytic converter. In order for a warranty to be honored, Wagner Tuning Inc. will require the purchaser to provide proof that the engine was unaltered and tuned to the original manufacturer's specifications and maintained in proper operating condition. The end user assumes all responsibility regarding the legality of use of a non-OEM catalytic converter on their vehicle for the region in which it is used.
    2023 RS5 Coupe - Ascari Blue/Black; Mods: IE A2A IC, 034 Strut Brace, ECS Poly Trans Mount, APR CF Intake, EuroCode FRT & RR STB + Endlinks, DTE Systems PowerControl X & Pedalbox Pedal Tuner, AskCarbon Steering Wheel, ROW Tailights
    2021 SQ5 S/B Prestige - Daytona Gray/Black

  7. #7
    Veteran Member Four Rings itsmatt33's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by B6_Dolphin View Post
    Did you see the footnote on the Wagner DP Kit regarding ECU tunes?

    Catalytic Converter Disclaimer

    It is to be noted that Wagner Tuning catalytic converters are intended to be used on OEM vehicles to optimize performance. They are NOT intended to be used in conjunction with an ECU tune. Wagner Tuning Inc. assumes no responsibility for damages caused by modifications made to a vehicle such as, a tuned ECU and/or 'burble' style tunes. Wagner Tuning Inc. is also not responsible for damages caused by engine malfunctions creating rich/lean conditions that are detrimental to the catalyst. A warranty audit will be performed on any claim regarding a catalytic converter. In order for a warranty to be honored, Wagner Tuning Inc. will require the purchaser to provide proof that the engine was unaltered and tuned to the original manufacturer's specifications and maintained in proper operating condition. The end user assumes all responsibility regarding the legality of use of a non-OEM catalytic converter on their vehicle for the region in which it is used.
    this a legal disclaimer. burble tunes are ones that run your car rich resulting in damage to any CAT doesnt matter what brand or what cell count. if you plan to runa burble tune then go for catless, otherwise be prepared to eventually kill any high flow cat.

    So far the options I have seen

    CTS best in price lower cell count
    Redstar higher price tag and known to fail
    Wagner higher in price but known for quality
    miltek also higher in price but as an exhaust company, they know what they doing with regard to cats.

    Personally, i would probably just go cts. can buy two for the price of the others.
    GTX2867r 02 Audi A4 B6 TQM REVO|RECARO|HRE|ER|IE|APR|AWE|034 Build page here
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  8. #8
    Established Member Two Rings BrosephSQ5's Avatar
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    I appreciate the feedback.

    Yeah I did see that disclaimer, however the Wagner DP was recommended to me by 034 for use with their tune.

    I can see where you are coming from with going with the CTS. Does anyone have any sound clips with any of these installed? I'm just genuinely curious to the difference in sound, in and out of cabin.
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  9. #9
    Active Member One Ring buroa's Avatar
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    I have the 034 stage 2 ecu/tcu and have the Wagner DP. It was also recommended to me by the 034 team. Sounds great :-)

  10. #10
    Established Member Two Rings BrosephSQ5's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by buroa View Post
    I have the 034 stage 2 ecu/tcu and have the Wagner DP. It was also recommended to me by the 034 team. Sounds great :-)
    Any chance you can get me a quick sound clip?
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  11. #11
    Junior Member One Ring
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    I have 034 Stg 2 with the CTS Catless DP. For the money its 100% worth it. Save the $1000+ for your next mod.

  12. #12
    Established Member Two Rings BrosephSQ5's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by 19SQ5 View Post
    I have 034 Stg 2 with the CTS Catless DP. For the money its 100% worth it. Save the $1000+ for your next mod.
    This is what I needed to hear. What FMIC did you end up going with?
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  13. #13
    Established Member Two Rings nerdybeard's Avatar
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    I run the catted CTS downpipe and so far so good. Truth be told I've only had it on about a month (running stage 2+ E85), but I had some CTS stuff on my MK6 Gold R years back and loved their stuff.

    The sound is great IMO. I have debated the front res delete as I had it done on my B9 S5, but I actually like the sound of open factory valves with the catted CTS downpipe just fine.


    Here's a sound clip: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/naUZqy4iN1s
    B9 SQ5 Navarra Prestige | 034 Stage 3+ TTE810, Wagner FMIC, CTS catted downpipe, 034 HPFP upgrade, 034 X34 Intake, 034 Inlet, 034 Trans insert, 034 ZTF-01 Forged 21x10 et32 + 5mm rear spacer, 295/35, CETE Module, Fuel-it, Maxton body kit,

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  14. #14
    Established Member Two Rings BrosephSQ5's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by nerdybeard View Post
    I run the catted CTS downpipe and so far so good. Truth be told I've only had it on about a month (running stage 2+ E85), but I had some CTS stuff on my MK6 Gold R years back and loved their stuff.

    The sound is great IMO. I have debated the front res delete as I had it done on my B9 S5, but I actually like the sound of open factory valves with the catted CTS downpipe just fine.


    Here's a sound clip: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/naUZqy4iN1s
    Thank You. Car sounds amazing by the way. I'll post mine in about a month once ordered and complete.
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  15. #15
    Veteran Member Three Rings
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    Quote Originally Posted by nerdybeard View Post
    I run the catted CTS downpipe and so far so good. Truth be told I've only had it on about a month (running stage 2+ E85), but I had some CTS stuff on my MK6 Gold R years back and loved their stuff.

    The sound is great IMO. I have debated the front res delete as I had it done on my B9 S5, but I actually like the sound of open factory valves with the catted CTS downpipe just fine.


    Here's a sound clip: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/naUZqy4iN1s
    That does sound good!


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  16. #16
    Junior Member One Ring
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    AWE Intercooler

  17. #17
    Veteran Member Four Rings Gunnarrrrr's Avatar
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    As matt said, 034 stage 2 will kill your cat regardless of brand with the crackles. And if you're going to run e85, just go catless or plan on replacing your cat with your 10k mile oil changes.

    Trying to design a cat that will hold up to aggressive stage 2 tunes is an uphill battle. Your cat is already holding on for dear life on the stock 91 file.

    CTS here, here's a sound clip
    https://youtube.com/shorts/cL8jk5j9AG8
    B9 SQ5 Mythos X Magma - 034 stg2
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