Audi RS5 B8.5 exhaust guidance (Capristo vs JHM vs Kline)

[klontje]

Hello all,

I am the happy new owner of an Audi RS5 B8.5 which I imported from Switzerland where it had full dealer service its entire life, and just under 50k miles (80.000km) on the odometer. I had it fully checked and carbon cleaned (walnut blasting) last week and it's running just perfect. The only thing that I would like is for it to make a little more noise with the valves open (it currently has the stock Audi Sport exhaust with valves fitted to it). My number one requirement is that it does not make significantly more noise with the valves closed then it currently does due to noise regulations. Valves open I don't mind turning heads, and if we can get some more performance out of it that's awesome too.

As I live in Europe exhausts coming from the US are a possibility, but do add around 30% to the total cost of the exhaust due to import duties and VAT. I do not want to spend more than around 3000-4000 euro on the exhaust system.

The systems that are on my shortlist:
JHM full system (with downpipes, x-pipe, 2.75" diameter)
Capristo (available in Europe for around €3500/$4200 including shipping/taxes) with mid silencer
Capristo without mid silencer (they offer a set with pipes instead of the silencer)
Kline full system in stainless steel (the Inconel version is too expensive)
I would love to hear everybody's opinions on the aspects of tone, volume, and performance. I know all these systems are of great quality, and I also know the Capristo adds around 15-20bhp and the JHM 20-30bhp. From what I have read so far the Capristo can be a bit blarry, but I also heard people about the JHM not offering a massive bump in sound volume and the Capristo making a bit more noise. If anybody has heard both the Capristo (with or without mid-silencer) and the JHM, or Capristo with and without mid-silencer that would be much appreciated.

Armytrix and AWE I crossed off the list, mainly because of too much noise, drone, and build quality for the Armytrix, and the AWE not offering a valved solution.

[JamesRS5]

I think living in Europe a major factor will be the TUV certificate, I know Capristo carries this approval and I highly doubt JHM will have it. As for sound, the resonated Capristo is a really nice sound but I can't compare to JHM which by all accounts sounds great too if a little louder than the Capristo.

[Durin]

What sounds best is a highly variable personal preference, do you like the exotic high pitched raspy sound or are you after a deeper more throaty sound ?

Our engine is always going to be on the more exotic side but Capristo is definitely that racey raspy sound, the JHM is deeper.

Either way I’d recommend going with the JHM downpipes/X pipe as I believe that’s where the performance is and they provide a nice sound, you can go any number of ways back from there.

The full JHM is a bit droney and boomy inside the car which I think is largely from the rear mufflers but they also give the deeper sound outside the car.

I would strongly recommend a staged approach,

First just buy the JHM downpipes/X pipe and install them with your OEM sport system, this alone will improve the sound and obviously performance and is very cost effective.

Then if you still want more sound simply remove the OEM centre resonator but retain the OEM Sport rear mufflers, this sounds pretty good by most accounts and should provide quite a nice difference between valves open and closed. I am considering going back to this setup from the full JHM I’m currently running.

Finally you can always add a Capristo, Kline, Milltek or JHM etc from the JHM downpipes back if you want to but at least you won’t waste that money up front.

Can’t comment on the TUV certification requirements or annual licensing inspections ?

[klontje]

Thanks @durin and @jamesRS5, TUV certification is not necessary unless you live in Germany. In The Netherlands there are no rules/regulations for exhausts/suspension/brakes, as long as the car passes the yearly safety inspection, you can fit whatever after-market part you want. What is registered is the factory specified dB that a car makes at idle and at certain RPM (no load). If during the yearly inspection the measurements show an increase of more than 2dB over what is specified by the manufacturer you do not pass. So as long as valves closed volume is comparable or within the 2dB increase to the stock exhaust I am good.

As for the tone, I like the current exhaust; it rumbles down below, and starts shouting at higher RPM. To be honest, I like both the JHM and the Capristo listening to video's online, but it doesn't actually tell me anything about the volume levels; how do they compare?

[Durin]

Thanks @durin and @jamesRS5, TUV certification is not necessary unless you live in Germany. In The Netherlands there are no rules/regulations for exhausts/suspension/brakes, as long as the car passes the yearly safety inspection, you can fit whatever after-market part you want. What is registered is the factory specified dB that a car makes at idle and at certain RPM (no load). If during the yearly inspection the measurements show an increase of more than 2dB over what is specified by the manufacturer you do not pass. So as long as valves closed volume is comparable or within the 2dB increase to the stock exhaust I am good.

As for the tone, I like the current exhaust; it rumbles down below, and starts shouting at higher RPM. To be honest, I like both the JHM and the Capristo listening to video's online, but it doesn't actually tell me anything about the volume levels; how do they compare?

Wow 2db isn’t much, I think any full aftermarket system even with a centre resonator is going to add more than 2db, although the Capristo is probably specifically targeted to pass the sound requirements at the particular rpm for euro regulations ?

But I’m definitely aligned to my previous advice, fit the JHM downpipes / X pipe, listen and then possibly remove the OEM centre resonator.

My guess would be that just adding the downpipes will add some volume although maybe not at a particular rpm with valves closed.

Removing the centre resonator will probably take it over 2db but maintaining the OEM rear mufflers in this way is going to be quieter than any aftermarket option with valves closed in my opinion.