Opinions on Best Valved exhaust option for S7

[Gonzoe11]

I'm looking for the best option out there that gives me the flexibility to control the valves in drive mode and start up?
Had the AWE touring on my S5 and loved it but wished I had the option to control the valves. I also had the Akrapovic on my RS5, but found it too loud for everyday driving. I had control of the valves, but most importantly didn't have control on start up. So woke up the wife and kids everyday while leaving to work early in the morning.
I'm not looking for volume at this point in my life but do want to hear that V8 on demand.
What else is out there?

[RAF_S7]

Delete the centre muffler and replace with an X-Pipe.
Delete the front resonators and replace with straight pipe.

Leave the rear boxes in place, including the valves.

Job done. Total cost about $300.00

[P_G]

Delete the centre muffler and replace with an X-Pipe.
Delete the front resonators and replace with straight pipe.

Leave the rear boxes in place, including the valves.

Job done. Total cost about $300.00

This every time as a start point. If it doesn't work for you then go aftermarket

[pez81]

This every time as a start point. If it doesn't work for you then go aftermarket

Exactly. I did these mods and said to.myself if I'm not happy get a milltek. Turns out I didn't need a milltek. Front resonators delete with straight pipes really makes the .PST difference when deleting the suitcase res

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[Gonzoe11]

Delete the centre muffler and replace with an X-Pipe.
Delete the front resonators and replace with straight pipe.

Leave the rear boxes in place, including the valves.

Job done. Total cost about $300.00

This every time as a start point. If it doesn't work for you then go aftermarket

Exactly. I did these mods and said to.myself if I'm not happy get a milltek. Turns out I didn't need a milltek. Front resonators delete with straight pipes really makes the .PST difference when deleting the suitcase res

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Thanks for the responses. Any drone associated with this mod?
I will search, but has anyone posted any video or sound clip of how this will sound?

[pez81]

No drone at all

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[Gonzoe11]

Thanks. I checked a lot of the old threads. Sounds promising. Last question.. where did you source the x-pipe?

[pez81]

Thanks. I checked a lot of the old threads. Sounds promising. Last question.. where did you source the x-pipe?

My local shop made it bit magnaflow make one if you need

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[pez81]

I think I want to go louder so the next step is custom downpipes. Even if I get no more power I'll get that big v8 sound more AMG. I do like how it sounds but it's like anything you get used to it and want more. Custom DPS I've been quoted £1000

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[P_G]

I think I want to go louder so the next step is custom downpipes. Even if I get no more power I'll get that big v8 sound more AMG. I do like how it sounds but it's like anything you get used to it and want more. Custom DPS I've been quoted £1000

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If you haven't done so already, maybe replace the rear silencers with freer flowing ones with less deadening in them. You'll just need to source a set of electric exhaust valves if you want to retain that functionality, probably best by finding a donor exhaust system.

Custom downpipes would need to be mapped in with you changing cat parameters, stage 2 even? With that sort of change I'd want to upgrade cooling to the engine before doing so with a better Intercooler or charge cooler


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[RAF_S7]

If you haven't done so already, maybe replace the rear silencers with freer flowing ones with less deadening in them. You'll just need to source a set of electric exhaust valves if you want to retain that functionality, probably best by finding a donor exhaust system

I did this with my S7.

l've replaced the rear boxes with powerflow free-flow boxes. I had the shop cut out the old original valve from the passenger side and weld it onto the input of the passenger side box. Works fine for me.

I keep threatening to buy a GoPro one of these days lol

[pez81]

Do it. But secure it properly unlike me :-( . Yeah good idea might try that. But if go down pipes the stage 2 map is almost free.

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[MagnaFlow]

Gonzoe, our catback for the S7 (#15383) retains the valve functionality so you don't lose any of features by upgrading. This system has new valves built in, so simply swapping the motors over from the stock exhaust is all that has to be done. You can find more info about it at the link below. Let us know if you have any questions!

http://www.magnaflow.com/products?pa...atiblevehicles

[saxon]

Gonzoe, our catback for the S7 (#15383) retains the valve functionality so you don't lose any of features by upgrading. This system has new valves built in, so simply swapping the motors over from the stock exhaust is all that has to be done. You can find more info about it at the link below. Let us know if you have any questions!

http://www.magnaflow.com/products?pa...atiblevehicles

when did you come out with a valved exhaust? since it fits th s7 id assume its plug and play for the s6 as well?

[Gonzoe11]

Gonzoe, our catback for the S7 (#15383) retains the valve functionality so you don't lose any of features by upgrading. This system has new valves built in, so simply swapping the motors over from the stock exhaust is all that has to be done. You can find more info about it at the link below. Let us know if you have any questions!

http://www.magnaflow.com/products?pa...atiblevehicles

Thanks. I'll take a look.


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[RAF_S7]

Looks like a straight through track exhaust, with no back box. Noisey, valved or not!

[VVG]

I'm looking for the best option out there that gives me the flexibility to control the valves in drive mode and start up?
Had the AWE touring on my S5 and loved it but wished I had the option to control the valves. I also had the Akrapovic on my RS5, but found it too loud for everyday driving. I had control of the valves, but most importantly didn't have control on start up. So woke up the wife and kids everyday while leaving to work early in the morning.
I'm not looking for volume at this point in my life but do want to hear that V8 on demand.
What else is out there?

If you are willing to spend the amount of money that an Akrapovic costs, then go for MTM. Pricey, but you won't beat the overall sound and it is still a few $$$$ less than the Akra.

[kj71109]

I would also wait to see what Borla comes out with, all road outfitters is running their setup with apr downpipes and it sounds crazy good. When I inquired with them and Borla they said release time somewhere in January. Borla also mentioned to me it will be valved and come in under $2500. We will see :)

[Ze_Nardo6]

I would also wait to see what Borla comes out with, all road outfitters is running their setup with apr downpipes and it sounds crazy good. When I inquired with them and Borla they said release time somewhere in January. Borla also mentioned to me it will be valved and come in under $2500. We will see :)

Interested to hear what this sounds like. I've always loved Borla systems, always great quality.

[kj71109]

Interested to hear what this sounds like. I've always loved Borla systems, always great quality.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BN8L412AM5X/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMaqOzmgZ6I/?hl=en

[MagnaFlow]

when did you come out with a valved exhaust? since it fits th s7 id assume its plug and play for the s6 as well?

If our memory serves correct it was released around October. At this time it is only compatible with 2015+ S7's.

[RAF_S7]

I did this with my S7.

l've replaced the rear boxes with powerflow free-flow boxes. I had the shop cut out the old original valve from the passenger side and weld it onto the input of the passenger side box. Works fine for me.

I keep threatening to buy a GoPro one of these days lol

So I bought a GoPro....

A few people have been asking what the exhaust mod sounds like in a daily driver, so here's is my contribution.

A cold start up from outside the car.
A quick walk around the car.
A short clip of driving towards town (G/box in normal Drive mode, windows closed)

For clarity the mods are: Front resonators replaced by straight through pipes. Centre box replaced by X-Pipe. Rear free-flow boxes by Powerflow. One valve retained.

I'll do a video from outside the car, as soon as I get a safety tether sorted for the camera

Im a GP virgin, so still getting to grips with the editing etc. Be gentle

[Gonzoe11]

Nice rumble on acceleration . Cold start also sounds great, not too intrusive.


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[P_G]

Great sound RAF, probably have to get a Hero4 to get some decent clips of mine, iPhone just doesn't cut it. I may yet get the Cete module as I want to change with the valves are open on mine but retain valves on both sides.

[pez81]

Great sound RAF, probably have to get a Hero4 to get some decent clips of mine, iPhone just doesn't cut it. I may yet get the Cete module as I want to change with the valves are open on mine but retain valves on both sides.

I can confirm it sounds amazing having heard PGs in person. I got the delete modules but £45 for some plastic is ridic

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[Gonzoe11]

Just ordered the Cete Valve control module this week. Excited to try this first before I start any exhaust modifications. I figured I'd get a base line on the sound before moving on to remove the suitcase and eventually the front resonators.

[P_G]

I wonder whether Cete would do a GB? 450 Euros is still quite pricey


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[RAF_S7]

Im not even sure what the Cete valve is/does??

[saxon]

Im not even sure what the Cete valve is/does??

Your better off buying the awe controller for 1/3 the price

[Julius_855]

I owned a CETE product on my ex car (something else). I got in touch with the guy there and asked about this module. He said that he wasn't recommending it for the S7, way too brutal and loud when fully opened every time. He recommends only for RS. I was amazed...

What it does essentially: keep memory for the valves, to get them opened when you start the car after shutting it off in dynamic mode. Valves are also opened even in lower rpm in dynamic mode. That's essentially what I recall. I also gave up due to the price as I'm not sure I'll like. I'll see the AWE, I didn't know about it.

[widebodyfx]

Would ping Alex@europrice about a GB, think he is the US distributor for CETE. http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...highlight=CETE

Cold start up on the 4.0T can be louder (especially with downpipes but cheaper and less obvious to a full exhaust), the ECU is trying to heat up the cats so dumps air into the system.

CETE module does the below so basically it remembers your setting for hot start ups.
Dynamic - Full Open at all RPM (Also starts with valves open when car restarted, no need to open them again)
Automatic - Standard Factory Behavior
Comfort - Closed until 5000rpm

I looked at the install and details of the AWE recently. http://www.awe-tuning.com/switchpath-exhaust-remote
From their instructions, so not sure it will hot start up in the open position. "The default valve position is “closed”. Upon turning the ignition off, the valve will eventually return to
the “closed” position."

Some Akrapovic systems come with a control box wired to the can bus.


Akrapovic has their sound kit. http://www.akrapovic.com/#!/car/soundkit basically a remote to control the valves, always closed, auto (factory behavior), or always open. Haven't gotten any details from TAG on this piece yet.

[P_G]

Cete is the only one I know of that works with the Audi MMI, cant be arsed with pressing buttons on fobs and want something as OEM as possible.


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[Julius_855]

+1
Just had a look. AWE thing is not for me.

[RAF_S7]

OK I get it now.

Ive removed one valve anyway, so just have a single valve on the left hand side. Works fine for me without any additional control.

[Gonzoe11]

Your better off buying the awe controller for 1/3 the price

I have an AWE controller kit new in box. I decided not to install as I didn't want deal with the remote. I preferred to have the integrated solution. I have the AWE kit for sale if anyone wants to give it a try. PM me if you're interested.


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[Powderhound]

Another option may be to leave your exhaust as is and go with upgraded downpipes. Excelerate did this on their shop car. Not sure if they have made additional changes to the exhaust since then. Might be worth checking, and they are only an hour or so drive from you if you wanted to hear it in person. Www.excelerateperformance.com/projects/xlrs7/

[Gonzoe11]

I owned a CETE product on my ex car (something else). I got in touch with the guy there and asked about this module. He said that he wasn't recommending it for the S7, way too brutal and loud when fully opened every time. He recommends only for RS. I was amazed...

What it does essentially: keep memory for the valves, to get them opened when you start the car after shutting it off in dynamic mode. Valves are also opened even in lower rpm in dynamic mode. That's essentially what I recall. I also gave up due to the price as I'm not sure I'll like. I'll see the AWE, I didn't know about it.

Interesting that Cete was telling you they don't recommend the Active valve control for the S7. I find the S7 a very quiet car in any mode including above 3500 RPM in Dynamic. It's hard to imagine the sound being brutal in OEM fashion.
I had the Akrapovic Titanium exhaust on my RS5, now that was brutal in dynamic mode. It was too loud for my taste especially at start up. I actually didn't mind the loud while driving but was very annoying starting up in the early morning.
I'll report the experience with the Cete once I get it installed.

[Julius_855]

Yes please because I agree with you and would still love to try!

[Gonzoe11]

Another option may be to leave your exhaust as is and go with upgraded downpipes. Excelerate did this on their shop car. Not sure if they have made additional changes to the exhaust since then. Might be worth checking, and they are only an hour or so drive from you if you wanted to hear it in person. Www.excelerateperformance.com/projects/xlrs7/

Good idea. I know Josh and his team well. They helped me transform my S5 and RS5 into beasts. I've been looking for solutions to not go down the big $$$ road.

[RAF_S7]

Some of you were asking for external clips to let you hear what the exhaust modification sounds like from outside the car. (Centre delete with x-pipe replacement, front resonators removed)

Here is a clip I shot today using a Hero 5 Black which has pretty good multi directional mic's. The camera is rear mounted and directed downwards towards the rear exhausts.

Start up
Normal drive out of my estate
Short clip of fast road.

There is some road/traffic and wind noise (to be expected) the exhaust noise is completely unobtrusive inside the cabin with the windows closed

In would have posted it as an MP3 file only, but not figured out how to detach the audio from a GoPro file yet!