Finally a proper Magnaflow exhaust review

[fitzydude]

I'll start out here by saying that all exhaust's for the B8 S4 are way too overpriced for some tubes and mufflers. I decided to go with the Magnaflow exhaust, not only because its the most affordable (880 shipped through performance peddler (which is still overpriced)) and I've run Magnaflow on my previous cars. But because all of the current exhaust options sound to raspy, dirty, or "extoic". I'm an easy listening guy, smooth jazz if you will... I like a smooth and mellow tone that is still aggressive. I was assuming this is what the Magnaflow offered, but couldn't quite tell due to the current Magnaflow videos on youtube.

PerformancePeddler previously was offering the Magnaflow 15599, 5599, or 55991 (no idea why they don't call it what it is..) for under $850 shipped if you mentioned you saw it on Audizine. Magnaflow raised they're price to 1200+ at the at beginning of the year... I assume so B8 S4 owners might take them more seriously as an exhaust option. I was only able to get PerformancePeddler down to 880, which is still wayyy below list.

The box arrived within 7 days after I ordered and I layed out everything to make sure it was all there.


I absolutely hate having any shop work on my car, so of course I put this on myself. Also, I should mention that this was the easiest exhaust install I've done on any car, even mine with 105k. So please, If you have any mechanical abilities, please do this yourself.


EDIT: Magnaflow does state the piping is 2.25 OD, thought it said 2.5. I am also curious if this exhaust is an update due to the fitment issues people were having? Maybe someone could confirm/deny 1st gen Magnaflow pipe diameter? It looks like the box it came in has changed with a new MF symbol. Anyway my car has the sport diff and there were absolutely no clearance issues.


Removing my stock exhaust I noticed several crimps or dent in the stock piping, so I was very glad have to have it gone! Also when you removed the stocker unbolt the clamps, undo the rubber mounts on the center resonator, then undo the mounts on the mufflers. I didn't do it in that order and it would have saved me some trouble.



As I said I had no clearance issues with the exhaust even with the sport-diff



The two rubber mounts that hold the rear mufflers and the hardest part about installing the exhaust. Trying to get the hangers through those mounts while on the car is a beast, so just unbolt them and install them on the work bench. Also I noticed the passenger side muffler was snug against the rear bumper so I added a few washers when I reinstalled the mount to drop the muffler a centimeter or so. You can also tighten them to the left or right to get the muffler centered better.


The rain finally stopped and got a chance to clean


Now on to some videos and sound:

Here is some rev'in to 7k, the first rev was to 3.5k because I forgot to put my squeaky clutch in :)


In-car acceleration with the windows cracked


Here is some normal driving. Windows started out down, then rolled windows up for a bit, then all down for the last blast


Final Notes:

The videos really don't give you an idea of what the bass is really like with this exhaust. When I first started this thing up and drove a few feet I was in DRONE CITY, population 1.5-2.8k (RPM). With even just a few heat cycles its quieted down a bit, I also haven't driven a car that's not as quiet as a church mouse in quite a while. I do not like that most of the sound happens below 4.5k rpm and gets quieter towards redline. Although the sound that comes out is pure sex. Way better than those raspy bandwagon brands ;) If the exhaust drone does not quiet to my liking in a few weeks I plan on installing some AWE downpipes and/or a resonated x-pipe. I am now starting to think about headers too, I'm curious to know dumping the stock manifolds would change the exhaust note. Performance is noticeable and its not placebo, Awe posts a 9bhp gain for a downpipes-back exhaust and I'd say that's about right. I always reset the ecu with an modification to ensure I'm getting the most from any upgrade.

PS: I'll fix some typos and add some more info later, but I really gotta shower right now!

Stay tuned for my next mod ;)


-Alex

[MrFunk]

Lemme help
From outside sounds just as raspy and "exotic" as the AWE... I think it sound great actually! Very similar to AWE - just a bit quieter... for the price I'd say WIN!
From inside hard to tell but a bit too quiet IMO...
My wife is running a magnaflow in her Fiat... I had one in my 1.8t A4... not bad... just a tad too subdued for me...

I like the wheel spin in your 2nd shift!

[MrFunk]

Forgot to ask. Are the tips welded in place or can you adjust them (bolted on)?

[fitzydude]

Lemme help

I couldn't get those videos to show up for the life of me! The in car sound is very deceiving with the normal driving because the bassy tone is not picked up by my crappy phone. Perhaps I'll try another device, but its really hard to pickup bass on recording.

Forgot to ask. Are the tips welded in place or can you adjust them (bolted on)?

The tips are welded in place and really wish there was system that offered smaller/oem tips! I'm all about subdued if you cant tell..

[PSUGOLD]

Sounds good, i like it a lot. Do you have any photos of the back of the car with the new exhaust on? Curious to see how it centers in the valence openings.

[fitzydude]

Sounds good, i like it a lot. Do you have any photos of the back of the car with the new exhaust on? Curious to see how it centers in the valence openings.

Ill grab some good pics tomorrow, I need to clean it. This was before I adjusted too

[Beeburr]

Doesn't sound like a $1200 difference to me! Take take that AWE...
Thanks for the post fitzydude! That's a big help, you answered a couple of questions I'd had. I have the same exhaust to go on mine.
Do you have a photo from above, do they protrude out as much as they look like they do?
I'm nit picking I guess but I'm just wondering if it's gonna bother me.

Thanks again!

[Maitre Absolut]

sorry but i find it sounds nothing like my AWE. Doesnt really have any tone, just added bass.

The WOT video sounds stock

In the city driing video i hear no tone or exoticness. This is where the AWE is most impressive, partial throttle, revs up and down, sounds like sex.

[KRracer]

sorry but i find it sounds nothing like my AWE. Doesnt really have any tone, just added bass.

The WOT video sounds stock

In the city driing video i hear no tone or exoticness. This is where the AWE is most impressive, partial throttle, revs up and down, sounds like sex.

Agreed. That and Drone City.

And, don't forget that Magnaflow uses 409 grade thin wall stainless that eventually rusts (as seen first hand with my past cars).

And stock sized tubing. And, the way those tips stick out would just ruin it for me.

I guess in the end you do get what you pay for, eh OP?

Cheers,

KR

[jimrobbington]

Hay man, props to you for straying from the herd! If I've learned anything in this section, it's that people with expensive mods get all bent out of shape when other people pay 1/2 as much for something different.

Exhausts for this car are priced out of hand. $4k for Armytrix, $2k on average for every other top brand. It's rediculous. This exhaust sounds nice, but not aggressive. Most want aggressive. Give it a couple weeks and see what it sounds like then.

I think I'll be going the custom route based on price for what I want.

[MrFunk]

...



The tips are welded in place and really wish there was system that offered smaller/oem tips! I'm all about subdued if you cant tell..

That's a shame... that would be a no-go for me as I liken em flush with the bumper...
Regardless... enjoy! Way better than the stock exhaust... and no it does NOT sound like the stock pipes with your redline clips.

[KRracer]

Hay man, props to you for straying from the herd! If I've learned anything in this section, it's that people with expensive mods get all bent out of shape when other people pay 1/2 as much for something different.

Exhausts for this car are priced out of hand. $4k for Armytrix, $2k on average for every other top brand. It's rediculous. This exhaust sounds nice, but not aggressive. Most want aggressive. Give it a couple weeks and see what it sounds like then.

Man, I roll my eyes whenever I read this, that the name brands are "overpriced for just a bunch of tubes."

Here's what I would expect from an $800 exhaust for this car:

Low grade materials that won't hold up over time, regardless of the marketed warranty.
Non-performance design specs, like stock diameter tubing.
Drone, drone, and more drone.
Iffy fitment, like tips sticking out way far.

However, I would not accept any of those issues with a $2k exhaust. And you don't get any of those issues with the more expensive name brands here, from what I've read over the years.

Nobody is saying he made a mistake buying a Magnaflow, but to say it's the same exact thing as the expensive brands, just at less than half the price is flat wrong. Those of us paying top dollar are getting a significantly better user experience. We're not "delusional", we just have the awareness and means to buy a higher tier product.

No shame in buying just on price, but don't think that you are getting the same experience, cause you are not getting it. The OP points out several unsatisfactory issues with his system, but still thinks the other brands are overpriced. Not sure who is really delusional here (sorry if that sounds harsh).

Cheers,

KR

[PSUGOLD]

Ill grab some good pics tomorrow, I need to clean it. This was before I adjusted too

Thanks. Those are some big ass tips too! Sound good, the people who say the WOT clip sounds like stock are probably just mad they spent 3x the amount on theirs. Not even close to sounding stock.

[jimrobbington]

Man, I roll my eyes whenever I read this, that the name brands are "overpriced for just a bunch of tubes."

Here's what I would expect from an $800 exhaust for this car:

Low grade materials that won't hold up over time, regardless of the marketed warranty.
Non-performance design specs, like stock diameter tubing.
Drone, drone, and more drone.
Iffy fitment, like tips sticking out way far.

However, I would not accept any of those issues with a $2k exhaust. And you don't get any of those issues with the more expensive name brands here, from what I've read over the years.

Nobody is saying he made a mistake buying a Magnaflow, but to say it's the same exact thing as the expensive brands, just at less than half the price is flat wrong. Those of us paying top dollar are getting a significantly better user experience. We're not "delusional", we just have the awareness and means to buy a higher tier product.

No shame in buying just on price, but don't think that you are getting the same experience, cause you are not getting it. The OP points out several unsatisfactory issues with his system, but still thinks the other brands are overpriced. Not sure who is really delusional here (sorry if that sounds harsh).

Cheers,

KR

I'm not saying this is AS GOOD as the $2k+ systems. From my research, the AWE definitely fits my sound preference best, but no way will I shell out that kinda money for sounds with little to no performance gain.

My goal will be to find a sound similar to the AWE, but for half the price (hopefully) from a custom exhaust through a local shop who focuses on custom mandrel bent hot rod exhausts.

[KRracer]

I'm not saying this is AS GOOD as the $2k+ systems. From my research, the AWE definitely fits my sound preference best, but no way will I shell out that kinda money for sounds with little to no performance gain.

My goal will be to find a sound similar to the AWE, but for half the price (hopefully) from a custom exhaust through a local shop who focuses on custom mandrel bent hot rod exhausts.

From my experience, the biggest drawback you get from one off or cheaper exhausts for this car is cruising drone. Drone while highway cruising is so 1990s (cue the "dynamat and extra resonators may fix it" routine).

The best brands have demonstrated that you don't have to compromise anymore to have a full flow exhaust.

There are lots of cheaper ways to get an exhaust on this car, but I'd pay significantly more (and did) to not have my ears bleed cruising on the highway.

To me it's kind of unsophisticated to just focus on how the tips look, full throttle sound, and power. If I were driving a civic, I wouldn't expect more than those attributes, but I'm driving a $60k luxury sport sedan, and don't want to compromise.

Give me proper fitment and daily driver manners, too, please. I realize I'll have to pay more for that, just like I did for the car itself.

With the best brands, you get all those attributes. If you didn't, their brands would have been dead long ago.

Cheers,

KR

[MrFunk]

Man, I roll my eyes whenever I read this, that the name brands are "overpriced for just a bunch of tubes."

Here's what I would expect from an $800 exhaust for this car:

Low grade materials that won't hold up over time, regardless of the marketed warranty.
Non-performance design specs, like stock diameter tubing.
Drone, drone, and more drone.
Iffy fitment, like tips sticking out way far.

However, I would not accept any of those issues with a $2k exhaust. And you don't get any of those issues with the more expensive name brands here, from what I've read over the years.

Nobody is saying he made a mistake buying a Magnaflow, but to say it's the same exact thing as the expensive brands, just at less than half the price is flat wrong. Those of us paying top dollar are getting a significantly better user experience. We're not "delusional", we just have the awareness and means to buy a higher tier product.

No shame in buying just on price, but don't think that you are getting the same experience, cause you are not getting it. The OP points out several unsatisfactory issues with his system, but still thinks the other brands are overpriced. Not sure who is really delusional here (sorry if that sounds harsh).

Cheers,

KR

His review was stating he did not want to shell out 2k for an exhaust... he paid substantically less for this one and thought it was good value for what he paid.
I think it sounded pretty good... of course it is not going to be has high quality as a more expensive system but who knows... remember APR's little "hick-up" with their system?!
For $800 I think it's a very nice alternative for some consumers...

I slapped a Magnaflow on my wife's Fiat 500... sounds great and it has perfect fitment... perfect system for her. The thing cost me $300! LOL... compared to 1k for other systems for that application. I also had a Magnaflow on my A4 1.8t... that lasted 5 winters easily and also sounded decent. I was on much more of a budget back then and it fit the bill...

[jimrobbington]

From my experience, the biggest drawback you get from one off or cheaper exhausts for this car is cruising drone. Drone while highway cruising is so 1990s (cue the "dynamat and extra resonators may fix it" routine).

The best brands have demonstrated that you don't have to compromise anymore to have a full flow exhaust.

There are lots of cheaper ways to get an exhaust on this car, but I'd pay significantly more (and did) to not have my ears bleed cruising on the highway.

To me it's kind of unsophisticated to just focus on how the tips look, full throttle sound, and power. If I were driving a civic, I wouldn't expect more than those attributes, but I'm driving a $60k luxury sport sedan, and don't want to compromise.

Give me proper fitment and daily driver manners, too, please. I realize I'll have to pay more for that, just like I did for the car itself.

With the best brands, you get all those attributes. If you didn't, their brands would have been dead long ago.

Cheers,

KR

Well said, point taken. However, these prices are set by the manufacturers, and are likely making +200% profit. Yes, the products speak for themselves, and are of the highest quality, but they are only worth $2k because that's where they set the price, not because that's actually what they are worth.

I am completely willing to let a reputable shop make me a custom exhaust at half the cost, and risk a little drone. I am not a stranger to drone by any means. My previous A4 had a custom non-resonated, no-cat exhaust. The drone got a little tiring on road trips, but was well worth it in the city where I do 95% of my driving.

Previous exhaust for example

Audi A4 2 0T non resonated Techtonics exhaust, Bo…: https://youtu.be/jZQ17C2XVkY

I am 100% certain that I can get drone lower than that with a custom exhaust done right. Even at the same drone point, I would be happy.

I'm also contemplating a quieter exhaust, but adding electronic cut-outs for when I want some volume.

[KRracer]

Well said, point taken. However, these prices are set by the manufacturers, and are likely making +200% profit. Yes, the products speak for themselves, and are of the highest quality, but they are only worth $2k because that's where they set the price, not because that's actually what they are worth.

We're operating in a free market. Price is set by consumer demand. By now, after 5 years of this car being on the market, if someone could hit all the quality points that the market demands, and do it cheaper, while also turning a profit so they could remain in business, they would have. It's easy to say that the expensive systems are overpriced, but after this long it appears that they are actually appropriately priced.

This thread is case in point. The OP dismissed the $2k exhausts are overpriced for what they are, but his $880 choice came with significant compromises that one would not experience with the $2k brands. Apparently it costs significantly more in R&D and materials to produce an exhaust for this car that hits every target.

If you're willing to live with the downsides in exchange for the lower price, that's your choice. Again: free market. No argument there.

My only argument is with the deniers that say that they are getting the same experience for $880 that others are getting for $2k. Simply put: they are not.

(Mr. Funk: I would say that APR's "little hick up" was a failure of marketing rather than of design. In the end, users experienced a no drone exhaust. The marketing failure was huge, but the design seemed to work.)

Off soapbox.

Cheers,

KR

[priceprince]

Don't like half the awe exhausts have rotten resonators after a couple years? Not to mention the doll hair in the Apr system... I know I'd be pissed if my $2k set of pipes wasn't perfect. I was happy with the MF system on my old Mazdaspeed, it had much better sound and way less drone than the twice as expensive Ghl I had before that. Still think I'm gonna just keep my stock setup.

[PLATIADO]

I had this system in my car and the fit was great and looked great, did it drone yes but I used material and the drone was not an issue for me. I have now sold the car, and if anyone is looking for a great deal on one PM me for details.

[KRracer]

Don't like half the awe exhausts have rotten resonators after a couple years? Not to mention the doll hair in the Apr system... I know I'd be pissed if my $2k set of pipes wasn't perfect.

I don't know if it is half, but there appears that there were a lot. Mine failed, I wasn't thrilled, but my installer replaced them under warranty, apparently with an updated design.

The experience was similar to when my waterpump blew and the Audi dealer replaced it under warranty (though I was even less thrilled when that happened, since I was left stranded).

Anyway, my point is that no mechanical device it 100% failure free. As long as design improvements are continual, I'll still support the brand. Both AWE and Audi get this from me.

I was happy with the MF system on my old Mazdaspeed, it had much better sound and way less drone than the twice as expensive Ghl I had before that. Still think I'm gonna just keep my stock setup.

Isn't GHL out of business? I suppose in that case the market has spoken.

Cheers,

KR

[fitzydude]

Don't like half the awe exhausts have rotten resonators after a couple years?

This. I steered away from AWE for this reason, hopefully they've improved their quality since. I've never had a magnaflow component fail.

Here are a few quick pics of tips this morning. I like that they don't stick out very far, perfect IMO.





I need to re center the tips as they've shift from the break-in. They have a centimeter gap from the fairing when I have it dialed in. I'm going rerecord the videos with my nice camera this afternoon. The current videos make the exhaust sound quiet because its not picking up the bassy mellow tone.

[PLATIADO]

This. I steered away from AWE for this reason, hopefully they've improved their quality since. I've never had a magnaflow component fail.

Here are a few quick pics of tips this morning. I like that they don't stick out very far, perfect IMO.





I need to re center the tips as they've shift from the break-in. They have a centimeter gap from the fairing when I have it dialed in. I'm going rerecord the videos with my nice camera this afternoon. The current videos make the exhaust sound quiet because its not picking up the bassy mellow tone.

Believe me once you line them up they look great, my Audi tech did the installation on mine and they looked flush.

[fitzydude]

I tried recording with my better camera and it still sounds really quiet on the laptop speakers. I played the newer recording on my home theater system and it sounds great with the subwoofer. Maybe I'll post it later, but unless you use good speakers or nice headphones it just sounds quiet.

[Screwly]

Don't like half the awe exhausts have rotten resonators after a couple years? Not to mention the doll hair in the Apr system... I know I'd be pissed if my $2k set of pipes wasn't perfect. I was happy with the MF system on my old Mazdaspeed, it had much better sound and way less drone than the twice as expensive Ghl I had before that. Still think I'm gonna just keep my stock setup.

My awe resonator ended up crapping out. I've changed and haven't had any problems. Awe did change my part out but I did have to pay shipping. Still sitting in my garage if anyone wants lol

[Maitre Absolut]

Man, I roll my eyes whenever I read this, that the name brands are "overpriced for just a bunch of tubes."

Here's what I would expect from an $800 exhaust for this car:

Low grade materials that won't hold up over time, regardless of the marketed warranty.
Non-performance design specs, like stock diameter tubing.
Drone, drone, and more drone.
Iffy fitment, like tips sticking out way far.

However, I would not accept any of those issues with a $2k exhaust. And you don't get any of those issues with the more expensive name brands here, from what I've read over the years.

Nobody is saying he made a mistake buying a Magnaflow, but to say it's the same exact thing as the expensive brands, just at less than half the price is flat wrong. Those of us paying top dollar are getting a significantly better user experience. We're not "delusional", we just have the awareness and means to buy a higher tier product.

No shame in buying just on price, but don't think that you are getting the same experience, cause you are not getting it. The OP points out several unsatisfactory issues with his system, but still thinks the other brands are overpriced. Not sure who is really delusional here (sorry if that sounds harsh).

Cheers,

KR

You are owning this thread, some of the best stuff i've seen on these forums. I had a magnaflow on my last car (a3 3.2vr6), got the street version which was relatively quiet (no drone issues). Stuck my head under the car after one year of use and wanted to cry, rust city.

Anyways I pm'ed a bunch of magnaflow owners hoping to hear good news for the S4 but not one of them recommended it to me. Heard the AWE in person and fell instantly in love. Its a 60K car, i'm doing things right the first time around.

[mpv314]

Is this with stock downpipes?

[bhvrdr]

Man, I roll my eyes whenever I read this, that the name brands are "overpriced for just a bunch of tubes."

Here's what I would expect from an $800 exhaust for this car:

Low grade materials that won't hold up over time, regardless of the marketed warranty.
Non-performance design specs, like stock diameter tubing.
Drone, drone, and more drone.
Iffy fitment, like tips sticking out way far.

However, I would not accept any of those issues with a $2k exhaust. And you don't get any of those issues with the more expensive name brands here, from what I've read over the years.

Nobody is saying he made a mistake buying a Magnaflow, but to say it's the same exact thing as the expensive brands, just at less than half the price is flat wrong. Those of us paying top dollar are getting a significantly better user experience. We're not "delusional", we just have the awareness and means to buy a higher tier product.

No shame in buying just on price, but don't think that you are getting the same experience, cause you are not getting it. The OP points out several unsatisfactory issues with his system, but still thinks the other brands are overpriced. Not sure who is really delusional here (sorry if that sounds harsh).

Cheers,

KR

Thanks for the review fitzydude! I appreciate it.

I've had several different exhausts over the years on different Audi cars including exhausts from AWE, from Milltek, from Neuspeed, and from Magnaflow.

I'm just want to point out some inaccuracies in the above statements from Kracer.

It was stated that none of the more expensive exhausts have any of the following issues...

1. low grade materials that will not hold up over time. -- I'd say the magnaflow and the other quality exhausts on the market are using relatively decent grade materials. We've seen the completely unexceptional interiors of the APR exhaust and know there were many failure of the AWE resonators. This doesnt mean any of them are not good exhausts but the magnaflows are not on a completely different playing field if you have ever seen the quality of their components, fitment, and welds. They are very high quality and come with a lifetime warranty. They are made from a lower quality stainless than some other exhausts but they should hold up well and if you are one to keep your car for 10 years and have an issues with rust they will replace them with no issues at all. It should be noted that it was discovered that APR was also using this same lower quality stainless in their exhausts so to say no other expensive exhaust is doing this is inaccurate.

2. Stock sized piping. -- The piping at 2.25" is not very daring on the magnaflow. Would it help power if it was larger? Possibly. I dont know. I havent done testing to see what the gain would be if any but its possible. The AWE uses 2.5", the Milltek, 2.37" and the APR 2.5". Judging by the advertising this could mean a 5hp or so difference.

3. Drone -- I totally agree with you. I hate drone. To say it isnt an issue with any of the expensive exhausts though is not accurate. AWE and Milltek both make a non resonated exhaust and they are up for sale frequently in the classifieds due to complaints of drone. Sure this is subjective as to what people can tolerate but to say you will not get drone with any expensive exhaust is not accurate. I agree, with both AWE and Milltek you can chose the resonated options and eliminate drone. That is a plus and that could be worth the money and then some to many. It would be worth the money to me to eliminate drone.

4. Iffy fitment -- There were no fitment issues reported other than the perception that the tips stick out too much. The Milltek also comes without adjustable tips. I have not seen either of the Magnaflow or the Milltek tips to stick out more than others or more than what you would expect from minor fitment tweaking. Having adjustable tips from AWE or APR would be a preference to me but again, to say that all the expensive exhausts have this option is not accurate. Of course there is also the 4k dollar armytrix exhaust that will not even fit on our cars without being modified.

All I am saying is that we have a lot of decent exhaust options out there that all have pros and cons. To say that all of the expensive ones out there are without cons is not accurate IMO. So it is not just spending more to get more unfortunately. To me, since performance is somewhat minimal with an exhaust for our cars I would go with the one with the best sound. I, personally, love the tone of the Milltek the best so that is what I would go with but if someone liked the sound of the AWE, Magnaflow, APR or the god awful raspy Armytrix :) then go for it.


This was a pleasing sounding engine imo :) ...





But since our cars dont sound this way I guess ill live with my fake soundakator, lol.

Mike

[MagnaFlow]

Fitzydude,

We really appreciate not only when we get feedback but when people share that feedback. Exhaust is, as the lively discussion here has shown, a varied and personal upgrade where everyone has particular characteristics—from price to sound to ease with which to work—they look for. Opinions and examples of the sound are important consumer tools and we can't thank you enough for your review.

You mentioned that the car feels peppier now; we do test all of our systems on the flow bench and we typically expect gains up to 10 percent, although that varies greatly from car to car. For the in-cabin sound, if you wish to reduce drone, an X-pipe will make a difference.

We do stand by the quality of our work from the fitment design to the welds on the muffler and back all of our work with a lifetime warranty on all our performance exhausts. We use 409 stainless for its high-temperature corrosion resistance, but 409 can be prone to some superficial surface rust in humid climates and in places where roads are salted. However, this superficial layer can be removed with a steel Brillo pad and some soapy water. In the rare event that the 409 rusts through, our lifetime warranty covers replacement.

Thanks again for your business and for the review. We're always open to questions so don't hesitate to ask either in a forum topic or via PM.

[bhvrdr]

Fitzydude,

We really appreciate not only when we get feedback but when people share that feedback. Exhaust is, as the lively discussion here has shown, a varied and personal upgrade where everyone has particular characteristics—from price to sound to ease with which to work—they look for. Opinions and examples of the sound are important consumer tools and we can't thank you enough for your review.

You mentioned that the car feels peppier now; we do test all of our systems on the flow bench and we typically expect gains up to 10 percent, although that varies greatly from car to car. For the in-cabin sound, if you wish to reduce drone, an X-pipe will make a difference.

We do stand by the quality of our work from the fitment design to the welds on the muffler and back all of our work with a lifetime warranty on all our performance exhausts. We use 409 stainless for its high-temperature corrosion resistance, but 409 can be prone to some superficial surface rust in humid climates and in places where roads are salted. However, this superficial layer can be removed with a steel Brillo pad and some soapy water. In the rare event that the 409 rusts through, our lifetime warranty covers replacement.

Thanks again for your business and for the review. We're always open to questions so don't hesitate to ask either in a forum topic or via PM.

Thanks for posting. I was actually going to email you guys to see if your center resonator already had an xpipe built in it as I know you guys have those in your inventory. I take it that it does not then? So out of curiosity would you guys consider updating the system to include the xpiped resonator instead of your straight through one? Just a thought. Either way I suppose its a cheap fix to add your xpipe piece.

Mike

[fitzydude]

Wow! Thanks for the response Magnaflow!! I will send a few questions over! I've always been highly satisfied with your products over the years!

[Fobia]

Fitzydude,

We really appreciate not only when we get feedback but when people share that feedback. Exhaust is, as the lively discussion here has shown, a varied and personal upgrade where everyone has particular characteristics—from price to sound to ease with which to work—they look for. Opinions and examples of the sound are important consumer tools and we can't thank you enough for your review.

You mentioned that the car feels peppier now; we do test all of our systems on the flow bench and we typically expect gains up to 10 percent, although that varies greatly from car to car. For the in-cabin sound, if you wish to reduce drone, an X-pipe will make a difference.

We do stand by the quality of our work from the fitment design to the welds on the muffler and back all of our work with a lifetime warranty on all our performance exhausts. We use 409 stainless for its high-temperature corrosion resistance, but 409 can be prone to some superficial surface rust in humid climates and in places where roads are salted. However, this superficial layer can be removed with a steel Brillo pad and some soapy water. In the rare event that the 409 rusts through, our lifetime warranty covers replacement.

Thanks again for your business and for the review. We're always open to questions so don't hesitate to ask either in a forum topic or via PM.

good to know that there is a lifetime warranty. why not just use better materials that won't rust? do you bank on people not wanting to deal with hassle by the time it happens?

[Brother Owl]

Goosebumps. Really do miss my old 4.2 - until I hit the gas

Thanks for the review fitzydude! I appreciate it.

I've had several different exhausts over the years on different Audi cars including exhausts from AWE, from Milltek, from Neuspeed, and from Magnaflow.

I'm just want to point out some inaccuracies in the above statements from Kracer.

It was stated that none of the more expensive exhausts have any of the following issues...

1. low grade materials that will not hold up over time. -- I'd say the magnaflow and the other quality exhausts on the market are using relatively decent grade materials. We've seen the completely unexceptional interiors of the APR exhaust and know there were many failure of the AWE resonators. This doesnt mean any of them are not good exhausts but the magnaflows are not on a completely different playing field if you have ever seen the quality of their components, fitment, and welds. They are very high quality and come with a lifetime warranty. They are made from a lower quality stainless than some other exhausts but they should hold up well and if you are one to keep your car for 10 years and have an issues with rust they will replace them with no issues at all. It should be noted that it was discovered that APR was also using this same lower quality stainless in their exhausts so to say no other expensive exhaust is doing this is inaccurate.

2. Stock sized piping. -- The piping at 2.25" is not very daring on the magnaflow. Would it help power if it was larger? Possibly. I dont know. I havent done testing to see what the gain would be if any but its possible. The AWE uses 2.5", the Milltek, 2.37" and the APR 2.5". Judging by the advertising this could mean a 5hp or so difference.

3. Drone -- I totally agree with you. I hate drone. To say it isnt an issue with any of the expensive exhausts though is not accurate. AWE and Milltek both make a non resonated exhaust and they are up for sale frequently in the classifieds due to complaints of drone. Sure this is subjective as to what people can tolerate but to say you will not get drone with any expensive exhaust is not accurate. I agree, with both AWE and Milltek you can chose the resonated options and eliminate drone. That is a plus and that could be worth the money and then some to many. It would be worth the money to me to eliminate drone.

4. Iffy fitment -- There were no fitment issues reported other than the perception that the tips stick out too much. The Milltek also comes without adjustable tips. I have not seen either of the Magnaflow or the Milltek tips to stick out more than others or more than what you would expect from minor fitment tweaking. Having adjustable tips from AWE or APR would be a preference to me but again, to say that all the expensive exhausts have this option is not accurate. Of course there is also the 4k dollar armytrix exhaust that will not even fit on our cars without being modified.

All I am saying is that we have a lot of decent exhaust options out there that all have pros and cons. To say that all of the expensive ones out there are without cons is not accurate IMO. So it is not just spending more to get more unfortunately. To me, since performance is somewhat minimal with an exhaust for our cars I would go with the one with the best sound. I, personally, love the tone of the Milltek the best so that is what I would go with but if someone liked the sound of the AWE, Magnaflow, APR or the god awful raspy Armytrix :) then go for it.


This was a pleasing sounding engine imo :) ...





But since our cars dont sound this way I guess ill live with my fake soundakator, lol.

Mike

[mojangles69]

Great write-up and very informative install, info and unbiased review!
Glad to see someone going out on a limb and trying something different! Hey, if you spent less than $900 on an exhaust system and you like it, that's a win!

KRracer has mentioned a lot of good points, as have a couple of others. But at the end of the day, exhausts are so subjective. They are bought for 90% sound, 9% looks and 1% performance gains. And sound is completely personal and subjective.

I think we can all agree that drone is bad and no one wants that. And that we don't want exhausts to rust. That's probably all everyone can ever agree on when it comes to exhausts! LOL!

I paid $800 shipped for the GHL exhaust I have on my B6 A4. And have always liked it and never had any issues. You usually get what you pay for but once in a while, when you do your due diligence and research, you get a great product at a great price!

Thanks for the thread, OP!

[MagnaFlow]

Thanks for posting. I was actually going to email you guys to see if your center resonator already had an xpipe built in it as I know you guys have those in your inventory. I take it that it does not then? So out of curiosity would you guys consider updating the system to include the xpiped resonator instead of your straight through one? Just a thought. Either way I suppose its a cheap fix to add your xpipe piece.

Mike

We do get some inquiries for Audi parts with the Tru-X core (the resonator with the X-pipe). I'll pass on the interest.

[Phil2]

I bought this exhaust based on this review and the drone is god awful. Any suggestions on how to eliminate it? 😔🔫

[juniorcruzer]

I bought this exhaust based on this review and the drone is god awful. Any suggestions on how to eliminate it? 😔🔫

resonated down pipes, or the resonated xpipe that is mentioned in the post before yours.