Buyer Beware: 8Y Sport Exhaust vs. Regular

[Jetdriver]

Hello all,

I just picked up my '24 Kemora last night after a year and a half wait. One of my dilemmas when I placed my order was whether or not I should get the sport exhaust. I ended up not getting the sport exhaust with the thought that if I didn't like the regular exhaust, I'd save $1,000 and just go with an after-market system. Well, I'm glad I didn't waste the money. The regular exhaust is absolutely, plenty loud! I have a '17 WRX with a full turbo-back exhaust to include a new turbo manifold/header and the 8Y is almost as loud on a cold start with a OE exhaust as my WRX is with a complete aftermarket system. I have a decibel meter and may try to take measurements tomorrow on both of them to compare.

The reason I start a whole thread for this is that I wanted to warn people before they drop $1,000 on something they may not need. I really don't know what the differences are between the sport exhaust and the regular one, but I rented a '23 8Y for 4 days using Turo Rideshare in Miami last October. It had the sport exhaust. I honestly can't remember it being much louder, if any, than this one.

I'll do some decibel readings tomorrow.

[R.J]

I guess everyone’s opinion differs, but factory exhaust is pretty quiet to me and most I’ve spoke to haha. It’s the first thing I changed. I suppose the fake noises inside helps make it sound louder?

[tegxsi]

If it's like 8V, the difference between the sport and non-sport is minimal. Sport just has marginally smaller resonators and black tips.

[Jetdriver]

I guess everyone’s opinion differs, but factory exhaust is pretty quiet to me and most I’ve spoke to haha. It’s the first thing I changed. I suppose the fake noises inside helps make it sound louder?

I don't know man. I'm just telling you that my WRX will wake the dead on a cold start and I was pretty floored when I started the 8Y for the first time. I was not expecting it to be that loud.

[NapalmEnema]

Easy 'fix' just get the unitronic midpipes - Simple swap that gives the sport exhaust more of the sound it should have had from the factory. I think mine were $250 delivered. Good hold over / toe in the water if you want more sound. I quite like it as it sits like that now.

Also if you want the loudest start - hit the power button once, with your foot off the brake. Then hit the RS button twice to put it in performance mode - then start the car. That's the loudest you can get it to cold start. But you will still want / need at least those midpipes to hear anything . Sport exhaust is shockingly quiet overall.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-unitroni...xoCF1gQAvD_BwE

[skinnyD]

I have the sport exhaust and maybe I’m biased because I also drive a Porsche C2S with its sport exhaust and the RS3 is to quiet.

Anyone do the ASR valve control mod over a hardware change and does it make a big difference?

Is the valve control just mimicking the sound you get when you in RS performance over 4K rpm but just in lower rev range or does it do something different ?


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[Jetdriver]

Easy 'fix' just get the unitronic midpipes - Simple swap that gives the sport exhaust more of the sound it should have had from the factory. I think mine were $250 delivered. Good hold over / toe in the water if you want more sound. I quite like it as it sits like that now.

Also if you want the loudest start - hit the power button once, with your foot off the brake. Then hit the RS button twice to put it in performance mode - then start the car. That's the loudest you can get it to cold start. But you will still want / need at least those midpipes to hear anything . Sport exhaust is shockingly quiet overall.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-unitroni...xoCF1gQAvD_BwE

Tempting, but honestly I'm done fooling with federal emissions equipment. It's not worth it. My WRX has a catted J-pipe, but the cat is very small and I deleted the pre-cat. Every time I go through NJ state inspection to renew with that car (just went the other day), they can never identify the cat and end up spending extra time snooping over all my mods. They have a camera in the ground that shows the exhaust system on a screen as they drive over it. The other day the dude popped my hood and was looking down through the engine to try to find the cat. He called another guy over to help him out. He finally backed up over the camera and the other dude pointed at the screen and said, "There it is".

[konaforever]

My RS3 could be louder. I'm going for an aftermarket one at some point.

[MonkeyBoost]

For me it wasn't a choice. In the US you have to get the sport exhaust if you want the black optics package. I have already swapped the exhaust out with the AWE switch path and the unitronic midpipes. Its much more aggressive now and just right for my tastes while still being quiet enough with the valves closed to not be obnoxious.

[Jetdriver]

Ok, first ever stab at me creating YouTube videos. It's not as hard as I thought. :)

First vid is of my WRX. It topped out around 96 dB on a cold start with a full aftermarket turbo-back setup and header.

https://youtu.be/H_yvzjQTjTk

My 8Y is stock without the Sport Exhaust option.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7s3cLnC9UE

I'll maintain my position that for a factory exhaust, the RS3's sound level is pretty darn loud! It averaged about .5-1 dB quieter. Both were measured 12" away from the exhaust tip.

[Jetdriver]

I have the sport exhaust and maybe I’m biased because I also drive a Porsche C2S with its sport exhaust and the RS3 is to quiet.

Anyone do the ASR valve control mod over a hardware change and does it make a big difference?

Is the valve control just mimicking the sound you get when you in RS performance over 4K rpm but just in lower rev range or does it do something different ?


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There's this one as well.

https://europrice.us/controller-pack...-exhaust-valve

[Rguy]

For me it wasn't a choice. In the US you have to get the sport exhaust if you want the black optics package. I have already swapped the exhaust out with the AWE switch path and the unitronic midpipes. Its much more aggressive now and just right for my tastes while still being quiet enough with the valves closed to not be obnoxious.

Yup. they force you to get it when you choose black options.

[NapalmEnema]

Tempting, but honestly I'm done fooling with federal emissions equipment. It's not worth it. My WRX has a catted J-pipe, but the cat is very small and I deleted the pre-cat. Every time I go through NJ state inspection to renew with that car (just went the other day), they can never identify the cat and end up spending extra time snooping over all my mods. They have a camera in the ground that shows the exhaust system on a screen as they drive over it. The other day the dude popped my hood and was looking down through the engine to try to find the cat. He called another guy over to help him out. He finally backed up over the camera and the other dude pointed at the screen and said, "There it is".

Fooling with federal emissions equipment? It just removes one set or resonators. No lights no cell, just has a bit more sound and looks 100% stock. This is beyond minimal change to the car man.

[GTItoS4]

They're not resonators. They're catalysts.

[NapalmEnema]

They're not resonators. They're catalysts.

Interesting - of note -zero and I mean zero change in smell / just sounds a bit better / more growl to it / no cel lights or errors. <shrug> If someone in NY is THAT dialed in with an exhaust off a pretty rare car I mean I guess that's possible? But the change is so easy I'd just address it and come back. But that would have to be some miracle for them to see it. There are more catalytic converters along the run so it's not just a straight pipe or something silly.

[Jetdriver]

Interesting - of note -zero and I mean zero change in smell / just sounds a bit better / more growl to it / no cel lights or errors. <shrug> If someone in NY is THAT dialed in with an exhaust off a pretty rare car I mean I guess that's possible? But the change is so easy I'd just address it and come back. But that would have to be some miracle for them to see it. There are more catalytic converters along the run so it's not just a straight pipe or something silly.

All new cars have multiple catalysts. Cold-start/pre-cats near the engine and then more downstream underneath the car. Most 4-cylinders today commonly have two catalysts. The RS3 has three catalysts from factory. One right after the turbo on the downpipe and two underneath the car. You are tampering with federal emissions equipment if you remove the two underneath the car. Big fines and most tuners won't touch that (or at least shouldn't unless they want to risk staying in business). The EPA is cracking down on people tuning their cars. If I installed cat-less mid-pipes in NJ, they'd notice during state inspection!

From the NJ Department of Environmental Protection:

"Tampering is defined as the removing or altering of emission controls on your vehicle and is prohibited pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:27-14 and 15. It is illegal under state and federal law to tamper with the emissions system of any vehicle."

My wife heard me tear down the main road from our house last night and our house is .3-.4 miles away, so I think the car is loud enough. lol

If I were to replace anything with aftermarket, it'd be the downpipe, but I'd get one with a GESi catalytic coverter like the Unitronic one and I'd keep the cats underneath the car for inspection purposes.

[blown ION]

My 8v with oem euro mid pipes is up for inspection(NJ) in July. I wasn’t anticipating on changing anything back.
I just brought my Tacoma through last month too, although that is all stock for exhaust stuff. A quick plug into the OBD for any codes and check to see if my gas cap is there and I was on my way.

[Jetdriver]

My 8v with oem euro mid pipes is up for inspection(NJ) in July. I wasn’t anticipating on changing anything back.
I just brought my Tacoma through last month too, although that is all stock for exhaust stuff. A quick plug into the OBD for any codes and check to see if my gas cap is there and I was on my way.

They have a camera in the ground in the inspection station, specifically for scoping out modifications to the exhaust system. They use the camera to look for the cats. I watch them do it every time. The tech gets in the car and drives it over the camera while looking on a screen. If you have straight pipes under the car where cats should be, they will see it. They know that every car should have a cat underneath the car.

[Rguy]

I'm in NJ. These are new cars. We get 5 years from purchase before an inspextion is due. I won't have to worry about state inspection until 2029....

[RS3TP]

In Ontario Canada, we've done away with emissions testing.

[fzr100098]

Interesting - of note -zero and I mean zero change in smell / just sounds a bit better / more growl to it / no cel lights or errors. <shrug> If someone in NY is THAT dialed in with an exhaust off a pretty rare car I mean I guess that's possible? But the change is so easy I'd just address it and come back. But that would have to be some miracle for them to see it. There are more catalytic converters along the run so it's not just a straight pipe or something silly.

Might be worth a couple hp? Wonder if boost creeps up a bit (less backpressure)

[NapalmEnema]

Might be worth a couple hp? Wonder if boost creeps up a bit (less backpressure)

I didn't really notice a power difference to be honest but it sounds worlds better than the stock (overly restricted) sport exhaust. Look if some savant inspectors knows THIS car has 4 cats and not 2 versus another car that has 2 instead of 4 then I would be worried about this change. No cells, catalytic converters in place, all looks and sounds stock? I seriously doubt you would get flagged, but then again that's one of the reasons why I'd never live in a police state.

[NapalmEnema]

I'm in NJ. These are new cars. We get 5 years from purchase before an inspextion is due. I won't have to worry about state inspection until 2029....

Then get the pipes, best 250 I've ever spent on a car mod when counting bang for the buck. This is how the car should have sounded, stock.

[mudd1011]

I have to respectfully disagree that the standard exhaust vs the sports exhaust is minimally different (at least on the 8V). I ordered my 2019 RS3 with standard exhaust as I didn't want the red brake calipers. I had always wondered how much different the sport exhaust was and I finally decided to upgrade mine. Thought about aftermarket, but too many owners said the OEM Sport sounded the best. So, I installed a new OEM sports exhaust last summer myself and the difference is at least to my ears very noticeable and smile worthy. I'm very happy with it.

[Jetdriver]

I have to respectfully disagree that the standard exhaust vs the sports exhaust is minimally different (at least on the 8V). I ordered my 2019 RS3 with standard exhaust as I didn't want the red brake calipers. I had always wondered how much different the sport exhaust was and I finally decided to upgrade mine. Thought about aftermarket, but too many owners said the OEM Sport sounded the best. So, I installed a new OEM sports exhaust last summer myself and the difference is at least to my ears very noticeable and smile worthy. I'm very happy with it.

I have heard an 8V in person with the sport exhaust and I think, in general, the sport exhaust on an 8V provides a much larger difference in sound level from the non-Sport version as compared to the 8Y's exhaust options. I think the 8Y is quieter all around.

Examples:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz72mcS8y70

https://youtu.be/Ajr536GUDgY?si=DwAc92DWslla3HwN

[[email protected]]

It seems like the 8Y models are just quieter all around compared to the 8V, at least from what I have noticed. I believe it's mentioned above but a simple way to control sound a bit more and not have valves opening/closing seemingly randomly and without removing any emissions equipment you have the CETE exhaust valve controllers:

Website Link: CETE Audi RS3 8Y Exhaust Valve Controller Package <-Click Link for More Information

Website Link: CETE Audi RS3 8Y Exhaust Valve Controller Package (Programmable) <-Click Link for More Information

The standard controller makes valve operation super simple and doesn't require any additional key fobs or buttons:

- Dynamic (Pronounced)- Valves are Fully Open at All RPM
- Automatic (Automatic) - Standard Factory Valve Behavior
- Comfort (Subdued) - Valves Remain Closed until 5000rpm
- ESP Double Tap - Immediate Closing or Opening of Valves
- Startup - Shutoff in Dynamic Keeps Valves Open on Startup

The programmable setup is for more advanced users and those that want to do something like eliminate drone or want the valves fully open in auto and comfort but not dynamic, etc. It's also possible to set profiles that switch with a double press of the ESP button versus following the drive select for something super specific.

Cheers,

[skinnyD]

It seems like the 8Y models are just quieter all around compared to the 8V, at least from what I have noticed. I believe it's mentioned above but a simple way to control sound a bit more and not have valves opening/closing seemingly randomly and without removing any emissions equipment you have the CETE exhaust valve controllers:

Website Link: CETE Audi RS3 8Y Exhaust Valve Controller Package <-Click Link for More Information

Website Link: CETE Audi RS3 8Y Exhaust Valve Controller Package (Programmable) <-Click Link for More Information

The standard controller makes valve operation super simple and doesn't require any additional key fobs or buttons:

- Dynamic (Pronounced)- Valves are Fully Open at All RPM
- Automatic (Automatic) - Standard Factory Valve Behavior
- Comfort (Subdued) - Valves Remain Closed until 5000rpm
- ESP Double Tap - Immediate Closing or Opening of Valves
- Startup - Shutoff in Dynamic Keeps Valves Open on Startup

The programmable setup is for more advanced users and those that want to do something like eliminate drone or want the valves fully open in auto and comfort but not dynamic, etc. It's also possible to set profiles that switch with a double press of the ESP button versus following the drive select for something super specific.

Cheers,

What’s the difference between your product and the ASR product ?
Is the installation the same ?


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[integroid]

Unfortunately when I ordered my car with black optics package, I had to also get the sport exhaust as well. There was no way around it.

I agree though, the sport exhaust is a waste of money because I already have the ASR Exhaust Valve controller and APR exhaust.

[S3DUDE]

The sport exhaust is like throwing your money on the trash can(literally). It does nothing!!! I own/owned the regular 8V RS3 with standard exhaust and I own two RS3 8Y with sport exhaust and it is money that I regret having spent. The Kyalami green that my wife has comes with the sport exhaust, it was offered to her at MSRP back in 2022 when there were none of the RS3s available so we took it because there were almost no 8Y RS3s in the country back in 2022.

When I ordered my RS3 I was offered a Turbo Blue with sport exhaust. Again, I did not wanted this exhaust but my other option was to keep waiting for my allocation(Remember, I already waited 14 months), plus the Turbo Blue was going to be discontinued. As you can see I had no other options but to bite the bullet and get the car that was offered to me with this exhaust.

Would I recommend this exhaust to anyone? NEVER!!! . It is a complete and total waste of funds and resources that does NOTHING!!. My first RS3 was custom ordered and I got to pick what I wanted and between spending $1000 on an exhaust and spend money on DAP or other more helpful options it was a no brainer. I recently saw a used sport exhaust really cheap(I think $200 used), that is a smoking deal.

For anyone ordering one, DO NOT BUY IT!!! it is not worth it(that is my humble opinion). Buy a nice set of test pipes instead. my .2c

[fzr100098]

Plus it's a nice profit for Audi, the added cost of the "sport exhaust" to them is probably a few bucks

[S3DUDE]

Sorry.. I re-posted.

[Rguy]

Again, we KNOW it sucks, but when these are ordered people want the black roof, well that requires the exhaust. Want black optics? Requires the exhaust...

[grandpab]

Plus it's a nice profit for Audi, the added cost of the "sport exhaust" to them is probably a few bucks

I honestly wouldn't be surprised if the sport exhaust actually cost them less.

[Jetdriver]

The sport exhaust is like throwing your money on the trash can(literally). It does nothing!!! I own/owned the regular 8V RS3 with standard exhaust and I own two RS3 8Y with sport exhaust and it is money that I regret having spent. The Kyalami green that my wife has comes with the sport exhaust, it was offered to her at MSRP back in 2022 when there were none of the RS3s available so we took it because there were almost no 8Y RS3s in the country back in 2022.

When I ordered my RS3 I was offered a Turbo Blue with sport exhaust. Again, I did not wanted this exhaust but my other option was to keep waiting for my allocation(Remember, I already waited 14 months), plus the Turbo Blue was going to be discontinued. As you can see I had no other options but to bite the bullet and get the car that was offered to me with this exhaust.

Would I recommend this exhaust to anyone? NEVER!!! . It is a complete and total waste of funds and resources that does NOTHING!!. My first RS3 was custom ordered and I got to pick what I wanted and between spending $1000 on an exhaust and spend money on DAP or other more helpful options it was a no brainer. I recently saw a used sport exhaust really cheap(I think $200 used), that is a smoking deal.

For anyone ordering one, DO NOT BUY IT!!! it is not worth it(that is my humble opinion). Buy a nice set of test pipes instead. my .2c

Well stated... I wanted the black roof, but I'm just having my PPF guy wrap the roof in black PPF for like $150 extra. I ordered black emblems for the back for $200 and if I want black exhaust tips, I can either paint them with black high-gloss, high-temp paint or probably have them powder coated for next to nothing. I looked into buying black tips, but they're like $600 from Audi.

[[email protected]]

What’s the difference between your product and the ASR product ?
Is the installation the same ?

Hard to say as ASR products aren't sold here and not familiar with them.

The CETE standard valve controller will have the exhaust valves behave the way listed in the post. There is no added keyfob to control the exhaust valves. If you shut the car off in a mode with exhaust valves fully open the valves will still fully open regardless of the mode the car may start itself in. The ESP button can be used by double tapping to open/close the valves immediately no matter what drive select mode you are in.

The programmable valve controller is bluetooth and allows you to build profiles of your own that behave how you want by RPM or speed using a smartphone app. It can follow drive select modes or be programmed to switch modes with a double tap of the ESP button.

Installation of both is the same and install instructions are located on the bottom of each product page (must be logged into an account to download). Installed in left hand footwell with a plug in harness and tapping two CAN wires, one ground wire. Fairly simple.

Cheers,

[Cooper993]

Is there a description/list of the differences between the stock and sport exhaust listed somewhere? I can't find it on Audi's website or their parts website.

Is it just resonators and black tips or is there more to it?

[Jetdriver]

Is there a description/list of the differences between the stock and sport exhaust listed somewhere? I can't find it on Audi's website or their parts website.

Is it just resonators and black tips or is there more to it?

As someone who has the non-Sport exhaust, I can tell you that there are two resonators prior to the main muffler. I believe the Sport exhaust lacks these resonators. Can someone confirm?

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[Rguy]

It still has the resonator they are just smaller....

[Jetdriver]

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...an-spec-d-RS3s

This is a thread of the last about the two...

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[o1turbo30v]

As stated before on the 8V both exhausts had 2 resonators, the sport exhaust simply had shorter resonators and black tips. I would imagine it’s the same situation on the 8Y