C7.5 A6 3.0 - My Exhaust Progression (8 setups and counting)

[ActiveMonkey]

Let me just start out that I may have a problem with being too picky. 3 different ECU tuners, 3 different TCU tuners and 8+ different exhaust setups later i'm not 100% happy, but close. This thread will hopefully help someone avoid spending tons of money.

Setup 1 - Rear Muffler Delete. Rear/Center Suitcase muffler replaced with small resonators. Vibrant 1792 Bottle Style Resonator
Stock Cats > Stock Baby Resonators > 2x Vibrant 1792 Bottle Style Resonator > Deleted Rear Muffler

Not bad, but the drone sucked.

https://youtu.be/EFqz2-0I3kQ


Setup 2 - S7 Sport Exhaust and rear mufflers
Stock Cats > Stock Baby Resonators > Deleted Center Muffler > S7 Sport Rear Mufflers

This is my favorite stock cat setup.






Setup 3 - Test Pipes
Can Auto Performance Test Pipes > Stock Baby Resonators > Deleted Center Muffler > S7 Sport Rear Mufflers

Sounded... cool, but WAY too loud and the drone was horrible.

https://youtu.be/w_t_nsRqi2k
https://youtu.be/ENrVi8GzNDM


Setup 4 - 4x Vibrant 1141 ultra quiet resonators & Magnaflow resonated X-Pipe 11386
Can Auto Performance Test Pipes > 2x 2.5" vibrant 1141 ultra quiet resonators > Magnaflow resonated X-Pipe 11386 > 2x 2.5" vibrant 1141 ultra quiet resonators > 3.5" tips

This isn't a bad setup and if the shop didn't botch the install, i may have kept some parts of this system. I wish i could recall in more detail, but i want to say the drone was bad.

https://youtu.be/ysGDgy_oAok


Setup 5 - Magnaflow 2.5" 11226
Can Auto Performance Test Pipes > 2.5" Wicked Flow Resonators > Magnaflow resonated X-Pipe 11386 > Magnaflow 2.5" 11226 mufflers > 3.5" tips

I had the rattling front resonators replaced with some wicket flow resonators. (its what the shop had) and i replaced the rear vibrants for the larger Magnaflow 2.5" mufflers 11226 to try and contain the drone. Sounded good, but the drone was unpleasant.

https://youtu.be/W312qqwCK3U


Setup 6 - DynoMax Super Turbo 17733 Mufflers
Can Auto Performance Test Pipes > 2.5" Wicked Flow Resonators > Magnaflow resonated X-Pipe 11386 > DynoMax Super Turbo 17733 Mufflers > 3.5" tips

I switched from the magnaflow rear mufflers to the dyno max turbo style to try and control the drone. It helped a little bit but not enough to keep it.

https://youtu.be/mhIhXIhnSzA


Setup 7 - Magnaflow resonated X-Pipe 12568
Can Auto Performance Test Pipes > Magnaflow resonated X-Pipe 12568 > Magnaflow resonated X-Pipe 11386 > DynoMax Super Turbo 17733 Mufflers > 3.5" tips

I replaced the wicket flow resonators with the Magnaflow resonated X-Pipe 12568 to try and control the drone. It helped A LOT. Decently quiet in the car but now i didn't really like the sound of the DynoMax mufflers. Kind of "breathy"

https://youtu.be/-G24l77m9CU


Setup 8 - Magnaflow 2.5" 11226
Can Auto Performance Test Pipes > Magnaflow resonated X-Pipe 12568 > Magnaflow resonated X-Pipe 11386 > Magnaflow 2.5" 11226 mufflers > 3.5" tips

I reinstalled the rear Magnaflow 2.5" 11226 mufflers. A tad louder in the car than setup 7, but i like the magnaflow tone more.

https://youtu.be/ABr4xXNJcr4


Setup 9 - High-Flow Cats
Can Auto Performance Test Pipes > 2 x High Flow 410250 Cats > Magnaflow resonated X-Pipe 11386 > Magnaflow 2.5" 11226 mufflers > 3.5" tips

I'm not happy with the amount of drone and minor canny/tinny in the exhaust note. I am removing the large Magnaflow resonated X-Pipe 12568 from the downpipes and installing a pair of ebay 400 cell high-flow cats. IF this solves my issues I will then replace these cats with some higher quality 200 cell race cats or similar. This iteration will be a proof of concept type deal. I may also install some small resonators inline with the cats, but it will depend on how they sound.

https://youtu.be/YTVpkqG6bqU


Setup 10 - Magnaflow 10416 Resonators
Can Auto Performance Test Pipes > 2 x High Flow 410250 Cats > Magnaflow 10416 Resonators > Magnaflow resonated X-Pipe 11386 > Magnaflow 2.5" 11226 mufflers > 3.5" tips

I had 2 Magnaflow 10416 resonators installed right up against the high-flow cats.

https://youtu.be/gWfVacQwp80

There is still a bit of drone but I’m going to roll this setup for a while.


Setup 11 - CTS Turbo Downpipes and Vibrant 1141 Ultra Quiet Resonators
Can Auto Performance Test Pipes - CTS Turbo 2.5” Downpipes - 2x Ford Vibration Dampeners - Vibrant 1141 Ultra Quiet Resonators - Magnaflow resonated X-Pipe 11386 - Magnaflow 2.5" 11226 mufflers - 3.5" tips

Unfortunately, the catalytic converters from set up number 10 broke up and failed. I temporally had those replaced with pipe. In addition, I added two Ford exhaust vibration dampeners which helped immensely with cabin vibration.

Ford Part # 4R3Z5F240BA

The vibration dampeners are not a direct bolt on, but I welded them to some exhaust clamps and it’s pretty straightforward.

Photo of installation:


http://youtube_share;5aG3h9DMmCU]htt...be/5aG3h9DMmCU

Overall sound is pretty good. Still a bit more drone than i'd like. I think i'm going to add 2 more vibration dampeners at the rear.

C7.5 A6 3.0T Exhaust - High Flow 200cell Metallic Core Catalytic Converters - Setup #12
Can Auto Performance Test Pipes - CTS Turbo 2.5” Downpipes - 2x High Flow 200cell metallic core catalytic converters - 2x Ford Vibration Dampeners - Vibrant 1141 Ultra Quiet Resonators - Magnaflow resonated X-Pipe 11386 - Magnaflow 2.5" 11226 mufflers - 3.5" tips

Slight change of plans. My new catalytic converters arrived and Brothers Muffler in Fontana did an outstanding job putting them in. With these catalytic converters, the drone at 80mpg in 8th gear on the freeway is finally acceptable. The only thing I will do to the exhaust now will be to add two more of those Ford vibration dampers at the rear muffler, mainly to reduce cabin vibration. Overall tone and sound volume is excellent.

For anyone wondering, the link to the catalytic converters can be found below.

https://privatelabelmfg.com/collecti...ytic-converter



BEFORE:


AFTER:

[Burkeomatic]

Thanks man!

I am going through those struggles right now.

Currently I am around your set up 3 now. I just took the factory baby res off and installed the JHM catted baffled downpipes, it is still pretty loud, more rasp than I like but livable. I drove around with your setup 3 and it sounded like butthole I thought, way too much rasp. I didn't have the S7 mufflers though, just the stock A7 ones, not sure what difference that makes.

[ActiveMonkey]

I'd suggest installing the Magnaflow resonated X-Pipe 11386 in the place of the center resonator. When i had mine installed i had them put v-band clamps just after it to make servicing the rear axles and subframe easier.

[regulartalldude]

I have a similar 'buzzing' at any rpm between 1k and 3k and I'm wondering if it's my downpipes as you said in your post. When driving, it gets very loud when the windows are open and the sound can bounce off a wall. It's also extremely noticeable from the car behind.
I was leaning towards maybe a weld in my test pipes had broken but now I have something else to pursue.
My current setup is JHM test pipes, stock downpipes, and a full AWE touring beyond that. Definitely loud- just tolerable enough at cruising to make the noise enjoyable when ripping it.

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Audizine Forum mobile app

[Burkeomatic]

I'd suggest installing the Magnaflow resonated X-Pipe 11386 in the place of the center resonator. When i had mine installed i had them put v-band clamps just after it to make servicing the rear axles and subframe easier.

I'm thinking about one of those, I am also considering a single exit set up, of course there will still be a magnaflow right here in the middle.

I have a similar 'buzzing' at any rpm between 1k and 3k and I'm wondering if it's my downpipes as you said in your post. When driving, it gets very loud when the windows are open and the sound can bounce off a wall. It's also extremely noticeable from the car behind.
I was leaning towards maybe a weld in my test pipes had broken but now I have something else to pursue.
My current setup is JHM test pipes, stock downpipes, and a full AWE touring beyond that. Definitely loud- just tolerable enough at cruising to make the noise enjoyable when ripping it.

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Audizine Forum mobile app

The JHM Baffled/Catted downpipes gave me a deeper tone and completely eliminated that farty rasp between like 1500 and 3k.

[AudiC7Owners]

#4 was the best sounding out of all of them.

[ActiveMonkey]

I don't disagree, i just wish i could remember how bad the interior drone was.

[paul-g]

2 to me sounded really good

[ActiveMonkey]

2 to me sounded really good

I totally agree! The only reason I switched was that I was going to upgrade the upper pulley and I run e85 very often. I didn't want to risk damaging the catalytic converters.

[ANMS4]

I went down this road also. This was overall the best set up I had.

https://youtube.com/shorts/ixl54jWVPCY?feature=share

[ActiveMonkey]

I went down this road also. This was overall the best set up I had.

https://youtube.com/shorts/ixl54jWVPCY?feature=share

How was the drone?

[ANMS4]

How was the drone?

minimal. I drove the car daily and wasn't an issue. I VERY picky too lol

[A665]

lol I remember throwing hundreds/thousands of dollars at exhaust mods years ago, on several different cars. It's often just about impossible to achieve the perfect exterior tone without also inducing annoying drone. I didn't really mind drone when I was in my twenties, but I truly cannot tolerate it anymore. These days, I like a quiet car and appreciate the factory exhaust!

But not trying to harsh your mellow, man. Enjoy!

[paul-g]

AWE touring to me has great sound i just really can't justify spending $2,500 for something that basically gives me zero HP. $1,000-1,300 ok much more than that other things i want to do with my money

[WhiteA7]

AWE touring to me has great sound i just really can't justify spending $2,500 for something that basically gives me zero HP. $1,000-1,300 ok much more than that other things i want to do with my money

Samsies

[Burkeomatic]

AWE touring to me has great sound i just really can't justify spending $2,500 for something that basically gives me zero HP. $1,000-1,300 ok much more than that other things i want to do with my money

Gotta remember, just because our cars are worth $15-30k now, we are still buying parts for $60k cars. No matter how old our cars get, part prices seem to be based on the original value. So some schmuck like me that ends up with one a few years later thinks that is expensive, but if you want nice new shiny stuff to go with your nice new shiny car, a couple of grand is just a drop in the bucket...

[ActiveMonkey]

Setup 9 - High-Flow Cats
Can Auto Performance Test Pipes > 2 x High Flow 410250 Cats > Magnaflow resonated X-Pipe 11386 > Magnaflow 2.5" 11226 mufflers > 3.5" tips

I'm not happy with the amount of drone and minor canny/tinny in the exhaust note. I am removing the large Magnaflow resonated X-Pipe 12568 from the downpipes and installing a pair of ebay 400 cell high-flow cats. IF this solves my issues I will then replace these cats with some higher quality 200 cell race cats or similar. This iteration will be a proof of concept type deal. I may also install some small resonators inline with the cats, but it will depend on how they sound.

https://youtu.be/YTVpkqG6bqU

There is an improvement imo but also a canny/tinny sound. I’m going to install 2 magnaflow 10416 resonators just behind the cats for setup #10z

[ActiveMonkey]

Setup 10 - Magnaflow 10416 Resonators
Can Auto Performance Test Pipes > 2 x High Flow 410250 Cats > Magnaflow 10416 Resonators > Magnaflow resonated X-Pipe 11386 > Magnaflow 2.5" 11226 mufflers > 3.5" tips

I had 2 Magnaflow 10416 resonators installed right up against the high-flow cats.

https://youtu.be/gWfVacQwp80

There is still a bit of drone but I’m going to roll this setup for a while. The welds won't win any beauty contests but they will hold and no leaks.

[RLCree]

Did the S7 exhaust bolt right up without any major issues?

[ActiveMonkey]

Did the S7 exhaust bolt right up without any major issues?

As far as i can recall, yes.

[ActiveMonkey]

Setup 11 - CTS Turbo Downpipes and Vibrant 1141 Ultra Quiet Resonators
Can Auto Performance Test Pipes - CTS Turbo 2.5” Downpipes - 2x Ford Vibration Dampeners - Vibrant 1141 Ultra Quiet Resonators - Magnaflow resonated X-Pipe 11386 - Magnaflow 2.5" 11226 mufflers - 3.5" tips

Unfortunately, the catalytic converters from set up number 10 broke up and failed. I temporally had those replaced with pipe. In addition, I added two Ford exhaust vibration dampeners which helped immensely with cabin vibration.

Ford Part # 4R3Z5F240BA

The vibration dampeners are not a direct bolt on, but I welded them to some exhaust clamps and it’s pretty straightforward.

Photo of installation:




Overall sound is pretty good. Still a bit more drone than i'd like. I think i'm going to add 2 more vibration dampeners at the rear.

[williamdeaver]

I'm running that second setup and I love it

[wootwoot]

Setup 11 - CTS Turbo Downpipes and Vibrant 1141 Ultra Quiet Resonators
Can Auto Performance Test Pipes - CTS Turbo 2.5” Downpipes - 2x Ford Vibration Dampeners - Vibrant 1141 Ultra Quiet Resonators - Magnaflow resonated X-Pipe 11386 - Magnaflow 2.5" 11226 mufflers - 3.5" tips

Unfortunately, the catalytic converters from set up number 10 broke up and failed. I temporally had those replaced with pipe. In addition, I added two Ford exhaust vibration dampeners which helped immensely with cabin vibration.

Ford Part # 4R3Z5F240BA

The vibration dampeners are not a direct bolt on, but I welded them to some exhaust clamps and it’s pretty straightforward.

Photo of installation:




Overall sound is pretty good. Still a bit more drone than i'd like. I think i'm going to add 2 more vibration dampeners at the rear.

How many miles did you have on the aftermarket cats?

[ActiveMonkey]

Maybe 15,000-20,000 miles before they broke up. The were very cheap ebay cats with a ceramic like core that were not long for the world and were more of a proof of concept than a permanent solution. In that regard, they did a good job of controlling the drone.

These are what I ordered for setup #10.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/314651726212

Today I purchased 2 x 2.5" PLM High Flow Performance Metallic Catalytic Converters. These will go into setup #12 and should get the drone down to an acceptable level.
https://privatelabelmfg.com/collecti...ytic-converter

[ActiveMonkey]

C7.5 A6 3.0T Exhaust - High Flow 200cell Metallic Core Catalytic Converters - Setup #12
Can Auto Performance Test Pipes - CTS Turbo 2.5” Downpipes - 2x High Flow 200cell metallic core catalytic converters - 2x Ford Vibration Dampeners - Vibrant 1141 Ultra Quiet Resonators - Magnaflow resonated X-Pipe 11386 - Magnaflow 2.5" 11226 mufflers - 3.5" tips

Slight change of plans. My new catalytic converters arrived and Brothers Muffler in Fontana did an outstanding job putting them in. With these catalytic converters, the drone at 80mpg in 8th gear on the freeway is finally acceptable. The only thing I will do to the exhaust now will be to add two more of those Ford vibration dampers at the rear muffler, mainly to reduce cabin vibration. Overall tone and sound volume is excellent.

For anyone wondering, the link to the catalytic converters can be found below.

https://privatelabelmfg.com/collecti...ytic-converter



BEFORE:


AFTER:

[BuickTypeR]

so what is the best money spent on exhaust what is the best exhaust setup for our c7 a6 3.0t cars my goal is to going with stage 2+( intake, 207mm, ported blower, meth injection, ) currently running stage 1 034 ecu tune only, ie downpipes, stock cats, 034 motor mounts and trans insert. Thanks guys

[ActiveMonkey]

so what is the best money spent on exhaust what is the best exhaust setup for our c7 a6 3.0t cars my goal is to going with stage 2+( intake, 207mm, ported blower, meth injection, ) currently running stage 1 034 ecu tune only, ie downpipes, stock cats, 034 motor mounts and trans insert. Thanks guys

What is your opinion on drone and rasp?

Generally speaking, keep the stock cats (They are amazing at controlling drone and rasp) If you must replace them, get catted pipes from CAP or GAS, delete the mid muffler, keep the stock rear mufflers but install nicer quad tips. Since you have IE downpipes, if you have too much drone or rasp at this point, i'd add Vibrant Ultraquiet resonators to the IE downpipes and be done.

The AWE touring exhaust is also a very nice setup.

[ActiveMonkey]

C7.5 A6 3.0T Exhaust - AWE Touring After downpipes - Setup #13
Exhaust: Can Auto Performance Test Pipes - CTS Turbo 2.5” Downpipes - 2x High Flow 200cell metallic core catalytic converters - 2x Ford Vibration Dampeners - Vibrant 1141 Ultra Quiet Resonators - AWE Touring Exhaust.

Found a good deal on an AWE touring exhaust so I had a shop install it after the downpipes. Normal install really.

Results: Nearly zero drone while cruising at 80mph. When you get on the gas, it does wake up and get loud. I think this is going to be it for a long while.

[BuickTypeR]

What is your opinion on drone and rasp?

Generally speaking, keep the stock cats (They are amazing at controlling drone and rasp) If you must replace them, get catted pipes from CAP or GAS, delete the mid muffler, keep the stock rear mufflers but install nicer quad tips. Since you have IE downpipes, if you have too much drone or rasp at this point, i'd add Vibrant Ultraquiet resonators to the IE downpipes and be done.

The AWE touring exhaust also has a very nice setup.

it's a nice setup but is it worth the $ to spend on the exhaust that gives you 10 hp 5 tq I don't understand why the Aprekovic exhaust is so damn expensive holy shit the price of that is nuts.

[ActiveMonkey]

it's a nice setup but is it worth the $ to spend on the exhaust that gives you 10 hp 5 tq I don't understand why the Aprekovic exhaust is so damn expensive holy shit the price of that is nuts.

IMO, no, not worth the money. If i could do it all over again i would have stopped at setup #2. I went test pipes because fear was beaten into my head about melting cats. I think the best my car ever sounded was stock cats, stock downpipes, mid muffler delete and the S7 rear mufflers. I would have eventually gone with some aftermarket downpipes when the flexpipes blew out, but otherwise i would not have changed them. I only got the S7 rear mufflers because i found a killer deal and it was cheaper than buying tips and having a shop weld them on. I've been trying to get the setup #2 sound with testpipes and it has been a major pita and costly.

https://youtu.be/pZ1bERflcZ8

I will say that the AWE touring exhaust has done an extremely good job and tuning out drone and if someone has test pipes, the AWE Touring is probably the best next step to remove drone.

[BuickTypeR]

IMO, no, not worth the money. If i could do it all over again i would have stopped at setup #2. I went test pipes because fear was beaten into my head about melting cats. I think the best my car ever sounded was stock cats, stock downpipes, mid muffler delete and the S7 rear mufflers. I would have eventually gone with some aftermarket downpipes when the flexpipes blew out, but otherwise i would not have changed them. I only got the S7 rear mufflers because i found a killer deal and it was cheaper than buying tips and having a shop weld them on. I've been trying to get the setup #2 sound with testpipes and it has been a major pita and costly.

https://youtu.be/pZ1bERflcZ8

I will say that the AWE touring exhaust has done an extremely good job and tuning out drone and if someone has test pipes, the AWE Touring is probably the best next step to remove drone.

so what you are recommending is don't spend 1900 on Valved Cat-Back Exhaust - Resonated instead keep your stock cats, stock down pipes, delete the mid muffler and just get s6 or s7 OEM mufflers with disfuser and it will be good enough for gains and sound?

[ActiveMonkey]

so what you are recommending is don't spend 1900 on Valved Cat-Back Exhaust - Resonated instead keep your stock cats, stock down pipes, delete the mid muffler and just get s6 or s7 OEM mufflers with diffuser and it will be good enough for gains and sound?

Yup. That is the best bang for your buck exhaust setup.

[STXA7]

so what you are recommending is don't spend 1900 on Valved Cat-Back Exhaust - Resonated instead keep your stock cats, stock down pipes, delete the mid muffler and just get s6 or s7 OEM mufflers with disfuser and it will be good enough for gains and sound?

I second the idea of getting the s6/s7 rear mufflers very good bang for your buck, plus chinese rear valence looks very clean. I'm running them with factory cats + 2.5" baffled JHM downpipes and can drive drone free up to 80. If my cats crap out i'll definitely be adding ultraquiets in factory placement under driver seat. same setup with original a7 rear mufflers was too quiet for my taste.