S3 OEM vs. Remote Control Exhaust Valve Control

[Hard-Knocks]

Manufacturers of new exhaust systems for our cars like AWE and APR provide valve control via a remote and allow the valves to be basically operated manually by the driver (open or closed valve option only). Based on limited research these systems appear to overwrite the OEM valve control. When in Dynamic/Sport Mode I understand that the OEM settings leave the valves open. However, some forum discussions also mention that the exhaust valves are closed up to 3,000 RPM and stay open at the higher RPMs, assume this is regardless of the driver mode you are in.

My question is, how do the remotes sold AWE, APR and others impact the OEM programed valve switching? Some forums mention that there is loss of power at lower RPMs if the valves stay open and that this could impact the mechanical system. Also, if you leave off the remote control from these aftermarket systems, would assume the OEM valve controls remain active, the exhaust would just sound different when the valves are open?


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[Kevin quattro]

From what I've read they connect to the systems existing valve control unit, so it can still control those aftermarket valves, and then the remotes add the option of pressing on and they're open no matter what, and off no matter what. I could be wrong as I don't own an aftermarket cat back yet, but I have done some research. AWE and remus are my two favorites atm, outside of armytrix, which I would love but are sadly too much money for me.

[will13k7]

I found the oem valve operation to be annoying with a turboback exhaust. when you are trying to cruise and fly under the radar your car will be quiet until the valves open at 3k, then suddenly very loud. so its quiet quiet quiet loud loud, quiet quiet quiet, loud loud, as you run through the gears. it gets really annoying when you have to go through half a dozen closely spaced stop signs.

with them always open I don't notice any power loss.

with them always closed, I do notice a minor power loss up top when you are redlining and going WOT.

[Hard-Knocks]

I found the oem valve operation to be annoying with a turboback exhaust. when you are trying to cruise and fly under the radar your car will be quiet until the valves open at 3k, then suddenly very loud. so its quiet quiet quiet loud loud, quiet quiet quiet, loud loud, as you run through the gears. it gets really annoying when you have to go through half a dozen closely spaced stop signs.

with them always open I don't notice any power loss.

with them always closed, I do notice a minor power loss up top when you are redlining and going WOT.

Thx. Sounds like paying extra for a valved aftermarket exhaust system is really not worth it.


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[XMetal]

Also note that the OE setup controls the left and right valves separately...that is, you can have: 1. both close, 2. one open. 3. both open. However, both AWE and APR will control both valves together...so, it's either both open or both close.

[Hard-Knocks]

Also note that the OE setup controls the left and right valves separately...that is, you can have: 1. both close, 2. one open. 3. both open. However, both AWE and APR will control both valves together...so, it's either both open or both close.

Did not realize this and it seams the best choice would be to either stay with the OEM exhaust system or install the aftermarket exhaust and forgo the remote controller (deal with quite and loud alternating exhaust sounds). Thinking that sticking with the OEM system and replacing my messed up chrome tips might be the best and cheapest choice. Thx!


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[Kevin quattro]

It depends on what you're looking for. I personally want some more sound and a little more performance. I got a pm from another member who bought the switchpath, but preferred the sound of them always open, and didn't find it too loud for daily driving. I decided I'm going with the AWE track exhaust. non valved. I've never heard anything about losing power with open valves. The manufacturers claim modest performance gains, in addition they're usually lighter than oem. AWE claims 17hp gain, but I'm pretty sure they're including the downpipe in that figure, and they don't show where that hp is coming on. Can't find any mfg showing a power graph. Now you have me curious. If you only care about looks, from what I can tell,you will have to cut off the exhaust tips to replace them, which is super annoying. They're welded on or maybe clip on under the tip somewhere. No screws etc accessible. Either way, if that's all you're after it's the cheaper solution.