Non-Cat Back Exhaust (Staying California Legal) - Help?

[evanferl]

Hello all!

So I recently purchased a 2010 S4, and I'm super happy with it! The one thing I think it needs a bit more beef from the exhaust pipes. Because of the restrictive Cali emissions standards I believe I am limited to only a muffler, not a complete exhaust or modified cat, etc. (At least, I'd like to not have to cross my fingers everytime I go in for smog test)

Keeping that in mind, I'm looking to upgrade just the mufflers of my S4. I'd like something that has just a bit more note/tone, but nothing too loud. I know exhaust threads have been beat to death and I did search, but I couldn't find any that were discussing just a muffler replacement, as opposed to a complete exhaust system.

So what would you all recommend for just the muffler replacement that has a nice low note too it, and maybe gives it a bit more kick?

Thanks for your help!

Evan

[BernanksBeard]

I'm interested in this too. I hate loud exhausts, don't like the added attention from the police. But I hate the way the stock mufflers look, and like the bigger tips...
I've never ran across anything, but it's probably just need a generic performance muffler and tips, probably come out to 1/2 price of a full exhaust kit...

[LINDW4LL]

The catalytic converters are attached to the headers in this car, prior to the downpipes.

All of the exhaust systems offered are post-catalytic converter and do not alter or remove the catalytic converters.

[evanferl]

The catalytic converters are attached to the headers in this car, prior to the downpipes.

All of the exhaust systems offered are post-catalytic converter and do not alter or remove the catalytic converters.

LINDW4LL - thanks! Yea, I think that the increased tubing, etc. still has an adverse impact on smog. All the guidance I've gotten is "only change the muffler", so I am just looking for a solution to work with that guidance.

[LINDW4LL]

It will not affect your smog or emissions testing.

But given that you seem set on wanting to simply modify your stock exhaust, the preferred method seems to be to replace the center resonator with an "X-Pipe" as opposed to changing the mufflers. If you search "B8 S4 X pipe" here or on YouTube you can find many reviews.

I can't give advice on a simple muffler swap as not many have experienced with that.

[speed_racer]

Why not check the major exhaust MNF sites to see if they state CA legal?

The cats are what controls smog, and you don't remove them with say, an AWE touring exhaust.

Quiet at idle... A bit deeper... but will roost up when WOT

[mdeneso]

As long as you don't replace the cats you will be good for smog. Most exhaust set ups people run here are 50 state legal cat back systems. Stay away from headers or test pipes and you will have no issues with smog (exhaust wise).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[will13k7]

Catbacks are CA legal on these cars, and they don't even sniff test them anymore, its just a OBDII scan for faults now.



One guy on here just did a rear muffler delete, it sounded better than the x-pipe mod some guys are doing, in my opinion, since its less raspy. Not sure about drone though, something to consider.

[Eric@SupremePower]

Catbacks are CA legal on these cars, and they don't even sniff test them anymore, its just a OBDII scan for faults now.



One guy on here just did a rear muffler delete, it sounded better than the x-pipe mod some guys are doing, in my opinion, since its less raspy. Not sure about drone though, something to consider.

Correct. The catback is 100% legal since you are not touching the catalytic convertors.

If you need a quote hit me up. We sell a lot of AWE system for this car. Sounds great. Great build quality, superb sound, & reasonable price. Locals install available. Non-locals: free shipping!

We also carry Milltek Sport Exhaust systems. Best price guaranteed!

[evanferl]

Thanks all! Ok, I actually didn't know that now they only do an OBD2 port scan (all of my prior cars were OBD1)...The only thing I was starting to get concerned about was I couldn't find one of these exhaust dealers (that make them specifically for the s4) that explicitly say they are California carb legal, and I just don't want to get hassled for it when the time comes to smog...

[creativecody]

Just get the AWE exhaust....you won't regret it.

[XLR8 Craig]

Just get the AWE exhaust....you won't regret it.

Yes, and that's putting it lightly.

If you are interested, we also sell, distribute, and install many of these systems with fantastic results. Everyone who has us install one is happier than a pig in....

[ModdedEuros]

Just grab a catback setup and you will be fine. Have all the systems available onsite from all the well known brands: AWE, CTS, Billy Boat, Neuspeed and all the combinations available as some like AWE and Billy Boat have a few options depending on your personal preference

http://www.moddedeuros.com/audi/s4/b...haust/cat-back