Exhaust options: more "growl" but not too loud?

[gareth_oau]

I've got the Milltek cat back, non-res, non-valved.

here's a direct comparison between OEM and milltek:

OEM: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wq-FxKNQ ... B&index=33

Milltek: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34x-IKhW ... B&index=32

And here's a WOT takeoff from inside the cabin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJyF7vjY ... B&index=36

here's a go pro mounted on the rear bumper at a track day (skip ahead, mine starts at the 9 min mark): http://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL97C ... 6d4#t=523s

Yes there is a drone, but its not that bad and only seems an issue if you are trying to accelerate from 2000rpm in 5th gear - but thats why god gave us gears!!

I don't think mine is loud enough and so I'm currently researching whether to go the milltek 100 cell downpipes or the JHM piggies.

[MikeFish]

I don't think mine is loud enough and so I'm currently researching whether to go the milltek 100 cell downpipes or the JHM piggies.

Gareth, what you need my friend is aTubi Rumore back box!

[P_G]

Having done a lot of toying around with the RS4 exhaust system it really depends on what you want. I started with the x-pipe replacement of the central resonators and would always recommend sleeves and clamps rather than welded on for this or cat back so you can easily change it back. For me the x-pipe was a decent instal and gave you the OEM sport sound in normal mode and slightly louder in sport mode to the same volume as pedestrian heared on drive by but I wanted more volume so then went non-res valved with OEM valves and tips.

A good custom exhaust fabricator should be able to modify the sound you get from your exhaust with the pipe diameter, their mandrel bending and back boxes they select and importantly the amount of packing in them if you do replace the back boxes. They will also be a hell of a lot cheaper than almost all off the shelf options; my non-res valved with x-pipe including fitting cost less than Milltek's res non-valved system parts.

In the end my non-res valved system was probably as loud as a Tubi and DK when in the car seemed to suggest it was also as loud as a Milltek non-res with sports cats, largely because my back boxes had nothing in them. As for cats, gutting, sport cats / replacement / any cat fettling will need a remap; both the pre cat and main are 200 CPSi so in effect 400 CPSi per pipe. Precats allow fast and controlled heat build up in the main cats but are a huge restriction. Gutting pre cats will get you the equivalent of 200 Milltek sports cats but in an OEM application and imrportantly for those nice people at VOSA, something they will struggle to say is not type approved.

If you want more noise and power fettling cats in some way shape or form is the way to go but as said needs a remap. If you just want noise there are various methods to turn up the volume, often to the same level as having 200 CPSi cats to the level you want through design / manufacturer.

If you want pics and sound clips of a custom exhaust then search through some of my posts in this section or try these which are all non-res with x-pipe pre GruppeM

http://s18.beta.photobucket.com/user/GS ... 6.mp4.html

http://s18.beta.photobucket.com/user/GS ... 0.mp4.html

http://s18.beta.photobucket.com/user/GS ... 4.mp4.html

HTH.

[TonyHayers]

Thanks for the info P_G, did you have any of the dreaded drone with just the x-pipe mod? Someone else mentioned if I remove the resonators then I'll get droning.

[P_G]

None with the x-pipe only; some (1800-2000 rpm) but not as much as Milltek seemingly with full non-res valved. Again this is down to design and construction. What does get completely rid of drone is a GruppeM / Revolution Carbon RAI which adds to the sound.

[TonyHayers]

I've done the same as Sonny, i did have a non res valved Milltek but it was too Loud and angry sounding, which after a week was enough for me. I now have the Milltek sports cats along with the OEM system, an air filter improved the sound a little more. To my ears the car sounds perfect now, louder than std but not too loud but with a nice metallic growl too it that turns heads. You will of course need a remap. The Cats are where the power is to be had too, i believe.

Paul B

Paul/Sonny do either of you have a youtube recording or anything of your setup? i.e stock cat back but with Milltek sports cats?

[sonny]

No, but can do one when im next on a drive about

[TonyHayers]

No, but can do one when im next on a drive about

Cheers Sonny.

[alex020869]

Thanks for the info P_G, did you have any of the dreaded drone with just the x-pipe mod? Someone else mentioned if I remove the resonators then I'll get droning.

I have the x-pipe on mine and no drone whatsoever. It's a cheap way to make it sound loads better. I love the sound of mine.

Alex

[TonyHayers]

Thanks for the info P_G, did you have any of the dreaded drone with just the x-pipe mod? Someone else mentioned if I remove the resonators then I'll get droning.

I have the x-pipe on mine and no drone whatsoever. It's a cheap way to make it sound loads better. I love the sound of mine.

Alex

Thanks for the info Alex - got any sound clips or photos by any chance?

[alex020869]

Not got any sound clips but when i bought the car(the previous owner was on here and traded it in) offered me it as he had it fitted previously but remoeved it to trade the car in and i declined. He tried to convince me that i would love the sound,but because i was dubious and new to RS4 ownership i turned it down. Oh how i was wrong!!
I eventually decided to get it done,after he had sold the original pipes, at the company that had fabricated them for him and never looked back.

I will concede to never hearing a Miltek but i must admit that mine sounds brilliant to me. Not too loud but just enough "voice" for people in the know to recognise what these cars are.

In fact, I was coming home last week and got caught up behind someone doing 25 in a 50. I subsequently overtook him,albeit vigourisly. I pulled in to a petrol staion 4 miles later and was greeted by the driver behind me during the manouvere telling me he loved the sound of the RS as "it innhiliated the slow moving vehicle.

Alex

[TonyHayers]

Quick update: I've booked in at Tony Banks in Leeds to get a custom x crossover made and fitted next Monday. Having it made with flanges so the resonators can easily be replaced if it's too loud (or not loud enough!). For £250 all in, think it's the best first step.

I'm going to record some video before and after in case anyone else is interested and hopefully some undercarriage photos.

[MikeFish]

Quick update: I've booked in at Tony Banks in Leeds to get a custom x crossover made and fitted next Monday. Having it made with flanges so the resonators can easily be replaced if it's too loud (or not loud enough!). For £250 all in, think it's the best first step.

I'm going to record some video before and after in case anyone else is interested and hopefully some undercarriage photos.

I love photos of an undercarriage!

But seriously, I actually do, and videos of noise!

[Rick_RS4]

P-G thats what im after gut pre cats, x pipe, remove centre boxes, and leave the rear boxes, are your rear boxes standard?

[TonyHayers]

I love photos of an undercarriage!

But seriously, I actually do, and videos of noise!

Haha.