4.2 S5: best aftermarket, no drone, affordable exhaust?

[TTRStud]

Hi all,

I recently picked up a 2010 S5 6mt, and one of the few things that I'm looking to change is the exhaust note of the car. I love the V8 rumble that comes from the stock unit, however, I think it should be a little more dramatic.

After spending hours reading online and watching videos on youtube, I've heard many units that sound very good. That said, one can never judge whether an exhaust system drones or not based on video, which is why I've decided to ask the question: what are the most popular, affordable, 0-drone exhaust systems available for the S5? I'm not looking for anything crazy loud, as this is my daily driver and I'd like to keep it an enjoyable experience!

Thanks for all input!

[teky929rr]

6MT or AT?

I would highly suggest the AWE track edition with non res downpipe if you have the 6MT. As for affordable, get it used ;)

[TTRStud]

6MT or AT?

I would highly suggest the AWE track edition with non res downpipe if you have the 6MT. As for affordable, get it used ;)

Sorry, just changed my original post to reflect the transmission type…it's a 6mt! Thank you…I've actually read that the AWE Track exhaust drones? The Touring version was suggested instead. What was your experience with this? I have sensitive ears, so any amount of drone will drive me crazy and give me a headache.

Thanks for your feedback! :)

[chrissurfr]

AWE track did not drone when I had it on my S5 V8...even with downpipes

[PlainOleS5]

Hi all,

I recently picked up a 2010 S5 6mt, and one of the few things that I'm looking to change is the exhaust note of the car. I love the V8 rumble that comes from the stock unit, however, I think it should be a little more dramatic.

After spending hours reading online and watching videos on youtube, I've heard many units that sound very good. That said, one can never judge whether an exhaust system drones or not based on video, which is why I've decided to ask the question: what are the most popular, affordable, 0-drone exhaust systems available for the S5? I'm not looking for anything crazy loud, as this is my daily driver and I'd like to keep it an enjoyable experience!

Thanks for all input!

I have the AWE Touring and love it. My S5 is my daily as well. Gets decently loud when you get on the throttle...but is tame when just driving. I have stock down pipes...and am looking to go non res downpipes to get alittle more sound in there!

[i1overice]

I absolutely love my Fast Intentions exhaust. Most people who've heard it in person tend to agree.

[teky929rr]

Sorry, just changed my original post to reflect the transmission type…it's a 6mt! Thank you…I've actually read that the AWE Track exhaust drones? The Touring version was suggested instead. What was your experience with this? I have sensitive ears, so any amount of drone will drive me crazy and give me a headache.

Thanks for your feedback! :)

AWE track did not drone when I had it on my S5 V8...even with downpipes

^^^ This! It never drone for me and I had one of the original (now they have a few variations) track exhaust on my 2010 S5 6MT. LOVE IT!!! Unfortunately I traded mine in with the car back in Oct, no one wanted it :(

I absolutely love my Fast Intentions exhaust. Most people who've heard it in person tend to agree.

Sorry I have to disagree for the sake of disagreeing lol <3

[i1overice]

^^^ This! It never drone for me and I had one of the original (now they have a few variations) track exhaust on my 2010 S5 6MT. LOVE IT!!! Unfortunately I traded mine in with the car back in Oct, no one wanted it :(



Sorry I have to disagree for the sake of disagreeing lol <3

It's okay. People are either smart or good looking.

Good thing you are the 2nd.

[teky929rr]

It's okay. People are either smart or good looking.

Good thing you are the 2nd.

ROFL I was expecting you would say neither... <3

[DreDay]

Just reiterating but...I have the AWE Track on mine, and it doesn't drone. It's relatively tamed when cruising around, but when you stomp on it... all out ROAR. With that being said, you might want to consider the Touring if you need something quieter, personally I want the non res downpipes next haha.

[Diamond Dog]

Fast Intentions is what I chose. Felt the AWE sounded more muscle car like and FI sounded more like an exotic. People comment on the unique sound of my exhaust frequently. You get a lot of exhaust for the money including an X pipe. No drone and the guys at FI are awesome. Ask for Kevin and reference my S5 as they used it as a test car to eliminate drone while keeping it plenty loud from the outside. Videos of the sound are here

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...-Pipe-My-Build

[teky929rr]

Felt the AWE sounded more muscle car

Yes I have to agree with this statement.

[whizy]

I'm selling AWE Track if interested ....

check in classifieds

[TTRStud]

I'm selling AWE Track if interested ....

check in classifieds

Price and condition please? Any pics? Thanks!

[TTRStud]

Thanks for all the feedback fellas, off to YouTube to listen to some more AWE vs FI exhaust videos :). Looking to see what whizy is selling his for!

[15DGR V6]

The intoxicating sound of the AWE Track exhaust with non-res DP's will tend to have you keep the rev's north of 3,000 RPM therefore, it will never drone.
But seriously, it does drone from 1,800 RPM to 2,000 RPM.

[TTRStud]

The intoxicating sound of the AWE Track exhaust with non-res DP's will tend to have you keep the rev's north of 3,000 RPM therefore, it will never drone.
But seriously, it does drone from 1,800 RPM to 2,000 RPM.

Does it drone from 1800-2000 rpm with the OEM down pipes as well, or only when replaced with non-res ones?

[Mops@Nemesis]

AWE track would be my move

[TTRStud]

AWE track would be my move

I'm tempted to go with it, but I do highway driving and also certain areas of my commute would put my rpms around the 2000-2300 range. I'd hate to have to downshift and keep the car revving higher to avoid drone - this defeats the purpose of upgrading to another exhaust. I believe an exhaust should be designed to satisfy the client throughout the entire rpm range :).

[Diamond Dog]

I'm tempted to go with it, but I do highway driving and also certain areas of my commute would put my rpms around the 2000-2300 range. I'd hate to have to downshift and keep the car revving higher to avoid drone - this defeats the purpose of upgrading to another exhaust. I believe an exhaust should be designed to satisfy the client throughout the entire rpm range :).

I'm telling you..Fast Intentions. They made significant modifications to the mufflers to address this issue. Call them and speak to them Talk to Kevin and ask him about the Audi S4 and S5 they have been using to focus on this very same issue. He can explain to you exactly what they did. He explained it to me, but it went over my head. I just notice very little drone in those RPM ranges. Do a search on the forum on Fast Intentions. People are generally very happy with the system

[15DGR V6]

Does it drone from 1800-2000 rpm with the OEM down pipes as well, or only when replaced with non-res ones?

I'm not sure as I never had that configuration. I installed non-res DP's with the stock exhaust and drove it like that for a few years, then installed the track exhaust.
If it does, I'm sure that it's more subdued than with the non-res DP's.

[15DGR V6]

I'm tempted to go with it, but I do highway driving and also certain areas of my commute would put my rpms around the 2000-2300 range. I'd hate to have to downshift and keep the car revving higher to avoid drone - this defeats the purpose of upgrading to another exhaust. I believe an exhaust should be designed to satisfy the client throughout the entire rpm range :).

From what I remember, as long as you keep it above 2,000 RPM you won't experience any appreciable drone.

[Hatchman]

Don't count out Borla. Great sound, absolutely zero drone at any RPM, includes down pipes, and as far as affordable I paid a little over 800 from Amazon. Price fluctuates, but for some crazy reason, it dropped down to $803.79 on Jan 23, 2014, with free Prime shipping. I had to get it.

I would call Borla a touring exhaust. It is actually more quiet at cruise than the stock exhaust, probably because it exchanges the stock resonator under the front seats for an x pipe, and runs the resonators further back.

It doesn't get as loud at WOT, especially inside the car, but it sounds great outside. I've gotten lots of compliments on it from people outside the car, but inside it sounds pretty mellow.

But for a good sounds, great quality, no drone, and 800 bucks, can't beat it. At 1900 bucks though, which is the price on Amazon right now... I would probably get the AWE touring instead.

[LiLS]

I'm telling you..Fast Intentions. They made significant modifications to the mufflers to address this issue. Call them and speak to them Talk to Kevin and ask him about the Audi S4 and S5 they have been using to focus on this very same issue. He can explain to you exactly what they did. He explained it to me, but it went over my head. I just notice very little drone in those RPM ranges. Do a search on the forum on Fast Intentions. People are generally very happy with the system

How much did FI run ya?

and to OP: Im in the same boat as you and I think ive decided on FI due to it being less muscle car sounding and more exotic.

[bknewtype]

awe track doesn't drone as long as ur 6mt, and even with tiptronic, I felt It only drone on 6th gear @ 2.5k rpm

[TTRStud]

awe track doesn't drone as long as ur 6mt, and even with tiptronic, I felt It only drone on 6th gear @ 2.5k rpm

Right...that's a problem. You just described the average cruising condition (2500-3200rpm in 6th gear). Not looking to keep the car getting 8 miles to the gallon in a lower gear because the exhaust gives me headaches lol

[bknewtype]

Right...that's a problem. You just described the average cruising condition (2500-3200rpm in 6th gear). Not looking to keep the car getting 8 miles to the gallon in a lower gear because the exhaust gives me headaches lol

ya, but I also mentioned for tiptronic. if ur 6mt, ull be fine. I mean, even when that exhaust droned, it sounded pretty good. never gave me a headache ( and that was with tip and non res downpipes). 6mt just doesn't drone

FI sounds pretty good too, but I never had seat time with it, so I cant comment about the drone. iv had seat time in the AWE track and that's why id only recommend that.

I can tell u what I don't recommend: billy boat. that exhaust was a POS lol

[TTRStud]

ya, but I also mentioned for tiptronic. if ur 6mt, ull be fine. I mean, even when that exhaust droned, it sounded pretty good. never gave me a headache ( and that was with tip and non res downpipes). 6mt just doesn't drone

FI sounds pretty good too, but I never had seat time with it, so I cant comment about the drone. iv had seat time in the AWE track and that's why id only recommend that.

I can tell u what I don't recommend: billy boat. that exhaust was a POS lol

Haha! Thanks! Considering both at this point but leaning towards AWE as I found a used one in good condition. We'll see :)

[GlazierGlaze]

My car has AWE Non-Res DPs and Track Exhaust. I have tiptronic trans. I drive extensively in traffic around Chicago.

It is the best exhaust you can put on this car. Anyone that tells you different is in denial.

[i1overice]

How much did FI run ya?

and to OP: Im in the same boat as you and I think ive decided on FI due to it being less muscle car sounding and more exotic.

Mine was about 1700 I believe.

I'm telling you..Fast Intentions. They made significant modifications to the mufflers to address this issue. Call them and speak to them Talk to Kevin and ask him about the Audi S4 and S5 they have been using to focus on this very same issue. He can explain to you exactly what they did. He explained it to me, but it went over my head. I just notice very little drone in those RPM ranges. Do a search on the forum on Fast Intentions. People are generally very happy with the system

You and me. We are friends now. There is some drone but none really at cruising speed on highway. It only occurs around 1700ish RPM but you rarely will be there because it sounds so good around 3-4k.

Haha! Thanks! Considering both at this point but leaning towards AWE as I found a used one in good condition. We'll see :)

There's a reason not many FI are on sale. Because everyone keeps them.

If I had one mod to choose and I couldn't do anything else to the car. Hands down the FI exhaust.

https://youtu.be/zfYu7Kc2HOo

I'll make one of mine eventually.

[TTRStud]

My car has AWE Non-Res DPs and Track Exhaust. I have tiptronic trans. I drive extensively in traffic around Chicago.

It is the best exhaust you can put on this car. Anyone that tells you different is in denial.

Awesome…usually videos don't exhaust notes justice…these videos sound a bit on the raspy side. Could I avoid the raspy sound if I keep the OEM resonated dp's?

Also, you're telling me that you car, being decently loud according to the videos, does not drone at all???

Thanks!

[bknewtype]

Awesome…usually videos don't exhaust notes justice…these videos sound a bit on the raspy side. Could I avoid the raspy sound if I keep the OEM resonated dp's?

Also, you're telling me that you car, being decently loud according to the videos, does not drone at all???

Thanks!

def the video. it does not sound raspy at all

loud =/= drone

[Mops@Nemesis]

My AWE track had a bit of rasp up top, and I LOVED it. Gives an exotic feel, and to slowly rev through the upper is glorious. I dislike systems that retain the same tone all the way through the range.

[Canadianwraith]

You're best bet is to go to a local meet and listen to different exhausts in person. I listened to many youtube vids and didn't get true sound from any of them.

[15DGR V6]

ya, but I also mentioned for tiptronic. if ur 6mt, ull be fine. I mean, even when that exhaust droned, it sounded pretty good. never gave me a headache ( and that was with tip and non res downpipes). 6mt just doesn't drone

FI sounds pretty good too, but I never had seat time with it, so I cant comment about the drone. iv had seat time in the AWE track and that's why id only recommend that.

I can tell u what I don't recommend: billy boat. that exhaust was a POS lol

I can tell you without a doubt that AWE's Track exhaust with non-res DP's drones from 1800-2000 RPM. I had that exhaust on my 2009 S5 6MT for over 70k miles.

[bknewtype]

I can tell you without a doubt that AWE's Track exhaust with non-res DP's drones from 1800-2000 RPM. I had that exhaust on my 2009 S5 6MT for over 70k miles.

iv driven it with auto and it doesn't drone, at least to me. it was just pure intoxication

[ThewhippetsS5]

AWE Track with stock downpipes does drone a little bit for me (6MT) but I only get bothered by it on long uphill sections. I had the non-res downpipes for a week and had to take them off because it was too loud for me. Sounded intoxicating though! I personally prefer the Fast Intentions exhaust

[jschrauwen]

I don't see on the FI site an exhaust listed for the 3.2 A5?
Are there any common components between the 4.2 S5 and 3.2 A5 exhaust?

[PlainOleS5]

If you're worried about the loudness, you could also look at doing the touring edition exhaust with non-res DP's

[adbender]

AWE track extreme with non-res downpipes is a must if you love to hear your car...

As some have noted...around 2k rpm uphill the engine sound does take on drone qualities. Its still the engine, but a less gratifying of a tone than above 2.5k.

I simply shift up as i use paddle shifters if needed. I only drive auto in residential areas where the it is very quiet below 2k rpm.

Above 3k rpm, and up to redline...it takes on F1 tonal qualities. F_king amazing!