My review of the AWE Tuning B8 A4 2.0T Exhaust - finally!

[diego_demarco]

Great write up! Still in between the Awe and Apr exhaust! I'm really itching for an exhaust right now lol I wanted the quad exhaust but there's no valances for my car.. :/ so I'm wondering if I should just get the single exit but I'm not sure it would be loud enough

[adamazing]

I'm really itching for an exhaust right now lol I wanted the quad exhaust but there's no valances for my car..

There absolutely is - read this thread. Quad valance for both pre-facelist and facelift standard bumpers.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...hlight=valance

[diego_demarco]

Hmm that looks like it's only for a b8..

[adamazing]

Hmm that looks like it's only for a b8..

It's available for both B8 and B8.5.

[diego_demarco]

Damn.. Lol would you rather a single side awe exhaust or a dual side?

[amz]

Dual...

[adamazing]

Damn.. Lol would you rather a single side awe exhaust or a dual side?

Quad for sure

[o1turbo30v]

Damn.. Lol would you rather a single side awe exhaust or a dual side?

Single, looks cleaner, more subtle, after all its a 2.0L not a 3.0L, take the $750 you saved by using the single exit and buy something that actually makes the car faster!

[dennisA4]

My Dual AWE is being installed as we speak.
I went with dual because I wanted a more aggressive look than stock, but I didn't want to put an S4 looking quad exhaust on an A4, even if I do end up tuning to stage 2 eventually.
The only odd thing is they didn't include the hanger for the second muffler so my shop had to get one from the local audi dealer.

Anyway, looking forward to picking it up. Got the OEM dual s-line valence to go with it.

[adamazing]

My Dual AWE is being installed as we speak.
I went with dual because I wanted a more aggressive look than stock, but I didn't want to put an S4 looking quad exhaust on an A4, even if I do end up tuning to stage 2 eventually.
The only odd thing is they didn't include the hanger for the second muffler so my shop had to get one from the local audi dealer.

Anyway, looking forward to picking it up. Got the OEM dual s-line valence to go with it.

Dennis,
Would you mind updating this thread after your initial impressions of it? I'm still unsure if there have actually been any improvements to drone issues on the 8 Speed Tiptronics.

[dennisA4]

Dennis,
Would you mind updating this thread after your initial impressions of it? I'm still unsure if there have actually been any improvements to drone issues on the 8 Speed Tiptronics.

Will do.
From my research, it seemed like that's all been worked through with their "180" sound canceling technology. Similar to the APR RSC.
But I'll let you know.
And for now, i'm just doing the cat back. Will add a dp in the future.

[diego_demarco]

Awesome! Would love to see some pics before I buy it

[adamazing]

Will do.
From my research, it seemed like that's all been worked through with their "180" sound canceling technology. Similar to the APR RSC.
But I'll let you know.
And for now, i'm just doing the cat back. Will add a dp in the future.

Perfect, I'm looking at quads, but the drone at highway cruising speeds makes me wary.

[amz]

Dennis,
Would you mind updating this thread after your initial impressions of it? I'm still unsure if there have actually been any improvements to drone issues on the 8 Speed Tiptronics.

I had a quad-outlet system with CTS HFC and stock downpipe put on 2 months ago, and absolutely love it. Don't judge the sound during the break-in period though (~1500km.) During this time it has some insane, headache-inducing drone but it mellows out nicely. I have about 3000km's on the exhaust now and it's amazing and dynamic. Sitting at a red light makes a pleasant, predatory noise. Between 1600-3000rpm's it sounds slightly louder than stock. Between 3000-4000rpm's you'll get some old people looking at you disapprovingly. But above 4000rpms is when things get nice. Above 4000rpms AND pushing the accelerator snug against the firewall...I smile every time, and heads will definitely turn. AWE really has done a good job with this system...it screams when you want it to, and it's quiet when you want. With my 8AT, on the highway I'm usually at ~1800rpms which is very nice and quiet. You can tell it's there if the stereo is off in the same way that you can tell summer and winter tires have different amounts of road noise. A tiny bit of music will drown out the exhaust at cruising speeds

[adamazing]

I had a quad-outlet system with CTS HFC and stock downpipe put on 2 months ago, and absolutely love it. Don't judge the sound during the break-in period though (~1500km.) During this time it has some insane, headache-inducing drone but it mellows out nicely. I have about 3000km's on the exhaust now and it's amazing and dynamic. Sitting at a red light makes a pleasant, predatory noise. Between 1600-3000rpm's it sounds slightly louder than stock. Between 3000-4000rpm's you'll get some old people looking at you disapprovingly. But above 4000rpms is when things get nice. Above 4000rpms AND pushing the accelerator snug against the firewall...I smile every time, and heads will definitely turn. AWE really has done a good job with this system...it screams when you want it to, and it's quiet when you want. With my 8AT, on the highway I'm usually at ~1800rpms which is very nice and quiet. You can tell it's there if the stereo is off in the same way that you can tell summer and winter tires have different amounts of road noise. A tiny bit of music will drown out the exhaust at cruising speeds

That's great to know, thank you for that. I've had zero concerns over the sound generated at WOT, but it always seemed like the reviews for steady cruising in the 1600-1800rpm range (where the 8-speed Tips love to settle on highway) were drone inducing.

This gives me a little more assurance that this is the right system I'm looking for. Did you throw on the HFC at the same time, or separately?

[amz]

That's great to know, thank you for that. I've had zero concerns over the sound generated at WOT, but it always seemed like the reviews for steady cruising in the 1600-1800rpm range (where the 8-speed Tips love to settle on highway) were drone inducing.

This gives me a little more assurance that this is the right system I'm looking for. Did you throw on the HFC at the same time, or separately?

I went Unitronic stage II + CTS HFC + AWE catback quad-tip + CTS accessory pulley at the same time.

[diego_demarco]

Would the awe single exit exhaust without the downpipe be a noticeable upgrade when stepping on the gas? Lol

[o1turbo30v]

Would the awe single exit exhaust without the downpipe be a noticeable upgrade when stepping on the gas? Lol

In terms of performance, no. Sound, yeah a little. The only truly noticeable performance upgrade when pushing on the gas is a chip, best $500 you will ever spend on the car.

[diego_demarco]

Yea I don't really care performance wise.. Just noise wise! Ill probably pick up the downpipe later on but for now just the single side exhaust!

[dennisA4]

Well, i just got back with the car and i have to say it's so quiet, kinda disappointingly so.
There is ZERO additional noise at fwy cruising. I was cruising anywhere from 60-80 and there was just oem silence.
I'm not tuned yet, but even getting on the gas from a stop in s mode was really tame. Definitely throatier than stock, but not loud at all. I doubt anyone would ever notice in cars next to me.
My old APR RSC on my A3 was definitely louder, and that was a tame exhaust.

I too wanted zero drone since i do so many highway miles but I'm hoping this opens up a bit as it breaks in.

And again, this is the cat-back. No dp yet.

[diego_demarco]

Dang.. Which one did you get lol I'm literally putting in my credit card info as we speak for the single exit exhaust without the dp...

[dennisA4]

Dang.. Which one did you get lol I'm literally putting in my credit card info as we speak for the single exit exhaust without the dp...

Dual with the single tips. Not quad.

Also, while fwy cruising, if I gave it a little gas to change lanes/pass, then I would hear it.

[diego_demarco]

But did you hear it when you rev it? Or in sport mode

[amz]

Ok, so to address multiple things at once, without multi-quoting:
1) Diego, get the dual...for many reasons. It's not that much more expensive to get the dual outlet, it'll look much better on the car, it'll balance out the back end, and it should retain more of it's resale value.
2) the AWE downpipe is the same size as OEM @ 2.25". If you ever want to go stage II then you should save your money for a fatter downpipe+HFC solution. If you're not even stage 1 yet, get that instead of the DP. Plus, the extra exhaust gases of the tune will make the car sound better.
3) While researching and compare AWE to Miltek, I came across a few sources suggesting the cat has a pretty big impact on the noise. I'm far from an expert on exhausts, but it does seem to reason that the cat has the first shot at "shaping" the sounds within the exhaust system so an HFC might actually get you more noise.

[amz]

Diego, just remember to get a valance and install pack for the second exhaust too. AWE has these packs pre-assembled so you should be able to contact them and they'll let you know what you need.

[diego_demarco]

Thanks for the info!!
Unfortunately I don't like the dual exhaust look.. :/
As far as the tune, I just got my b8.5 and I don't want to touch anything as far as my warranty is concerned so no tune for now, I had an 034 motorsports hfc on my older 2010 a4 but I didn't see any difference in noise!
I was looking into an intake to give it a little more but I know that I would be hurting the car by adding an air intake.. Tough decisionss

[Josh/AWE]

Thanks for the info!!
Unfortunately I don't like the dual exhaust look.. :/
As far as the tune, I just got my b8.5 and I don't want to touch anything as far as my warranty is concerned so no tune for now, I had an 034 motorsports hfc on my older 2010 a4 but I didn't see any difference in noise!
I was looking into an intake to give it a little more but I know that I would be hurting the car by adding an air intake.. Tough decisionss

Just for reference guys.


Single Outlet



Dual Outlet (requires valence)



Quad Outlet (requires valence)

If you need a valence, get one here. http://www.awe-tuning.com/awe-tuning...xhaust-systems

[hyperunion]

Just for reference guys.


Single Outlet



Dual Outlet (requires valence)



Quad Outlet (requires valence)

If you need a valence, get one here. http://www.awe-tuning.com/awe-tuning...xhaust-systems

Andrew....still no quad valence for non s line b8.5???. Last post in July said it was in development... Or waiting for a suitable vendor\ manufacturer.... I made my decision to only get the diamond black quad cat back...I do not want to cut the factory valence. Not sure your installers ever cut the factory valence for I intend to have install done at your location..

[diego_demarco]

Just purchased the single side exhaust from Awe! :)

I'll probably order the downpipe in a few weeks as well!

[dennisA4]

I have the B8.5 s-line and went with this valence.
I like having more honeycomb mesh and less smooth gray plastic.
Car is filthy but you get the idea.

[Josh/AWE]

Andrew....still no quad valence for non s line b8.5???. Last post in July said it was in development... Or waiting for a suitable vendor\ manufacturer.... I made my decision to only get the diamond black quad cat back...I do not want to cut the factory valence. Not sure your installers ever cut the factory valence for I intend to have install done at your location..

Still in development.

Just purchased the single side exhaust from Awe! :)

I'll probably order the downpipe in a few weeks as well!

Nice!

I have the B8.5 s-line and went with this valence.
I like having more honeycomb mesh and less smooth gray plastic.
Car is filthy but you get the idea.

Looks great! Very clean.

[o1turbo30v]

Is it me or does the dual exit exhaust look so much better on the B8.5's? I think its because the valance isn't as tall or has more of a taper? Anyway looks good DennisA4

[BaysideS4]

The exhaust market is insane. There's no viable solution for less than $1200 for a single side exhaust. I guess I'm going to have to just bite the bullet and buy the AWE.

[diego_demarco]

So I purchased the awe single side exhaust for my b8.5 at 11:30pm lol then I couldn't help but go back at 1am and add the downpipe to the order! Lol can't wait to get both items

[diego_demarco]

Also does anyone know the size of the stock b8.5 exhaust tips? I know the awe ones are 3.5in but I'm curious to know how much bigger than stock they are

[dennisA4]

Looks great! Very clean.

Thanks!

Is it me or does the dual exit exhaust look so much better on the B8.5's? I think its because the valance isn't as tall or has more of a taper? Anyway looks good DennisA4

Yeah, i think it just balances it out nicely.
And as I was saying earlier, even though i like the look of the quad, it felt like it was a bit too aggressive for me for an A4, even if modified. The dual feels a little more classy/understated to me. Just my opinion though.

The exhaust market is insane. There's no viable solution for less than $1200 for a single side exhaust. I guess I'm going to have to just bite the bullet and buy the AWE.

I know, it's crazy.
But the AWE is a really nice kit. I didn't install it myself but got to pull all the pieces out of the box to check it out and you can tell a lot of time and effort went into making it. Real clean.

Playing with it a little more, to me the cat-back is sounding the best at low speeds cruising through the neighborhood where the rpms are getting over 2k.
It's nice. Reminds me of our old stock Infiniti G coupe. That had a really nice oem exhaust note. And it's quite amazing how quiet it is at freeway cruising. Really any time you are under 2k rpms.
But i think it's going to take the down pipe (and a tune) to really get the growl that I want when i get on the gas. Am I right, Andrew?
I'm going to wait a while on that though. Maybe in the spring, or when I get a tune about a year from now.

[diego_demarco]

Yea I ended up ordering the DP and catback from awe last night because I do want the noise to be a little noticeable.. Not crazy loud though! Hopefully it sounds good! Did you have it installed somewhere or did you install it yourself? A place wants to charge me $240 to install but a local buddy of mine wants to charge $80.. I just want to make sure it's not some crazy complicated install

[amz]

One negative I've found with the AWE - does anyone elses tend to hang really low? My shop had it setup really nice and flush but it's since "fallen", I think it's because the rear resonators are only hanging on 1/2 of the hangers back there, which introduces a torque on the clamps all the way back to the downpipe. I have S-line suspension and I'm a bit worried that it's going to drag through the snow this winter.

[BaysideS4]

I've had multiple exhausts. They all end up the same way in about 2 years- no one gives a sh!t how shiny it was when your credit card took the charge. The dew is off the lilly, and it's down to sound and performance. I don't care how shiny it is. It's going to look like CRAP in short order. It's like waxing your asshole. What's the point? No one will see it. How have exhausts been turned into a product where the beauty of it justifies the inflated price, like it's ornamental jewelry? Single sided exhausts for this car should be under a grand unless they are manufactured in Europe and then you're dealing with currency conversions.

[Josh/AWE]

So I purchased the awe single side exhaust for my b8.5 at 11:30pm lol then I couldn't help but go back at 1am and add the downpipe to the order! Lol can't wait to get both items

Thats awesome!

Thanks!


Yeah, i think it just balances it out nicely.
And as I was saying earlier, even though i like the look of the quad, it felt like it was a bit too aggressive for me for an A4, even if modified. The dual feels a little more classy/understated to me. Just my opinion though.


I know, it's crazy.
But the AWE is a really nice kit. I didn't install it myself but got to pull all the pieces out of the box to check it out and you can tell a lot of time and effort went into making it. Real clean.

Playing with it a little more, to me the cat-back is sounding the best at low speeds cruising through the neighborhood where the rpms are getting over 2k.
It's nice. Reminds me of our old stock Infiniti G coupe. That had a really nice oem exhaust note. And it's quite amazing how quiet it is at freeway cruising. Really any time you are under 2k rpms.
But i think it's going to take the down pipe (and a tune) to really get the growl that I want when i get on the gas. Am I right, Andrew?
I'm going to wait a while on that though. Maybe in the spring, or when I get a tune about a year from now.

Great review! A lot of time does go into it. We make each exhaust by hand in house. The guys take great pride in the systems they craft. I will pass your kind words along.

You are correct. If you want to turn up the volume a bit, you will want the AWE Tuning Audi 2.0T Resonated Downpipe

Yea I ended up ordering the DP and catback from awe last night because I do want the noise to be a little noticeable.. Not crazy loud though! Hopefully it sounds good! Did you have it installed somewhere or did you install it yourself? A place wants to charge me $240 to install but a local buddy of mine wants to charge $80.. I just want to make sure it's not some crazy complicated install

You can install this yourself. Install guide here. http://www.awe-tuning.com/media/pdf/..._exhaust_1.pdf

If you have never done any work on a car before we do recommend having a professional shop install it. If you need to find an installer let me know I can find our nearest dealer for you.

One negative I've found with the AWE - does anyone elses tend to hang really low? My shop had it setup really nice and flush but it's since "fallen", I think it's because the rear resonators are only hanging on 1/2 of the hangers back there, which introduces a torque on the clamps all the way back to the downpipe. I have S-line suspension and I'm a bit worried that it's going to drag through the snow this winter.

Would you mind sending me some pictures?