Improving exhaust sound with stock look

[sailboats]

I'm looking to improve the exhaust note a bit, although I want to keep the look of my B8.5 A4 totally stock with the OEM tips and bumper and such. I live in MA so need to be careful about my modifications, but am curious what I can do here to make the exhaust sound a bit better. Down to purchase parts or remove parts, but definitely don't want the car to sound terrible either. Any suggestions?

[VR6Bomber]

1) have a shop fab a custom system for your exact requirements
2) Get a conservative sounding/appearing aftermarket system like the AWE Touring Edition Exhaust.

[acidvoodoo]

I had Lou's chop off my first resonator a couple weeks ago. I like it. Its pretty subtle but adds a nice growl when you get on it, it sounds great on cold startup.

A lot of guys do the center res delete, from the clips I've heard, it makes the car sound like a tractor.

[eljay]

These new DI engines sound like tractors already! :)

But OP sparked my curiosity whether Audi exhausts have the same potential for modding as the BMW's "performance exhaust" mods. If you guys are unfamiliar, just google "PE mod". Basically, you gut the mufflers to get a more aggressive sound. Now, that's from the creamy inline sixes. Our I4s will probably sound crappy, but who knows.

[XLR8 Craig]

If you're looking to get some more sound out of the car, but would like to avoid cutting up your stock system or listening to copious amounts of drone, AWE's Touring Edition Catback would be a good option for you!

The system has a center muffler and a resonator, both featuring a pass through design. When you are cruising the system will provide a subtle sound change, but when you put your foot to the floor you will get some more sound out of the car and a smile on your face!

While the 90mm tips are a little larger than OEM, once they have a bit of carbon build up on them they blend right into the bumper and offer a very subtle modified look. You can see their single side exit system on our website HERE to get you an idea for aesthetics and build quality. If your car has quad tips (or if you decide you would like it to) feel free to send me a PM and I can get you pricing and info!

AWE also offers black chrome tips if you find yourself wanting to change the look up entirely.

Happy modding!

[A4x]

I had Lou's chop off my first resonator a couple weeks ago. I like it. Its pretty subtle but adds a nice growl when you get on it, it sounds great on cold startup.

A lot of guys do the center res delete, from the clips I've heard, it makes the car sound like a tractor.

This. Exactly this.

Chopping off the first small resonator and replacing with a straight pipe should cost in the area of $75-100 (wayyy cheaper than any exhaust system) and sounds pretty good for the money. Very subtle change towards being more aggressive.

[Iceman502]

This. Exactly this.

Chopping off the first small resonator and replacing with a straight pipe should cost in the area of $75-100 (wayyy cheaper than any exhaust system) and sounds pretty good for the money. Very subtle change towards being more aggressive.

Agreed, I'd start with this first. Installing the IE HFC and downpipe deletes the first resonator, and it made a noticeable difference in higher rpm exhaust notes. Around town and at idle, the difference was negligible. Since you're probably keeping the stock cat, I think starting with the first resonator delete is a good call.

From there, if you're still not happy, I'd replace the rear resonator with a straight-through design. I had a shop install a Magnaflow version and am loving it. https://www.hottexhaust.com/Magnaflow_10416

Keeping your stock muffler will keep the volume low, and changing resonators will start altering the exhaust frequencies and sound itself.

[Nano909]

No matter what you do to a stock exhaust, it's going to sound like crap. Your best bet is to get a valved system. With the press of a button, you can be loud as hell, or super quiet like stock.

[A4x]

Keep the rear muffler because it has an internal J-pipe that reduces a lot of drone.