is it possible to get rid of the downshift exhaust crackles?

[PhilMorrison]

Hi, new stock 2015 RS6 owner here.
Has anyone removed the downshift crackles in a remap or otherwise? I'm enjoying the car & like the louder exhaust mode, but I'm not sure how long I'll be able to deal with the Ford Focus RS sound on downshift.
Cheers

[dannyuk]

I have a miltek and in comfort mode it never crackles.

[MikeFish]

Disconnect the exhaust valves and mainly use Drive mode on gearbox instead of Sport. Only use Sport when overtaking or pulling away from junctions.

[PhilMorrison]

Thanks for the reply guys.
So sport mode is what introduces the crackles. So if I disconnect the valves & drive in normal mode it will be as loud as in sport mode without the crackles?
I'll give it a go.
Cheers

[Lig]

Hi Phil,

I drive mainly in Individual with everything set to Auto except engine sound set to Dynamic and don't seem to get any crackles, but get the deeper sound when under acceleration.

To get crackles, I need to change \ shift to Sport (or Dynamic) and to get more crackles drive in Sport \ Manual with the paddles, then the downshift is full Max Power Focus RS sound !!

Lig.

[dasquade]

Thanks for the reply guys.
So sport mode is what introduces the crackles. So if I disconnect the valves & drive in normal mode it will be as loud as in sport mode without the crackles?
I'll give it a go.
Cheers

Hope i'm allowed to tap you on the finguers, but please do not unplug the valves in closed position! It is a safety feature, they always open at 5.000rpm no mather what mode you are in to let exhaust gases and pressure escape without the extra backpressure closed valves introduce. Not sure how much it effects, but i personally wouldn't (these engines need to be stamped on and blasted freely from time to time).
I kinda understand your point (the burble/pops) and yeah, it is purely 'cosmetic' and actually do more harm then good but that is how audi programmed it.
If it really drives you crazy, restrict yourself to driving in comfort or effiency mode only...but then this is bit the wrong car for you.
In worst case, you could let a tuner with knowledge reprogram it...but know you will void your warenty by doing this (even if it is 'downtuning').

[Tadass910]

As I understood correctly better add cattles Downpipes and cattles exhaust? In that case system will flow very fluently

[uplandsway]

As I understood correctly better add cattles Downpipes and cattles exhaust? In that case system will flow very fluently

Let me guess, a milltek system


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Tadass910]

As I understood correctly better add cattles Downpipes and cattles exhaust? In that case system will flow very fluently

Let me guess, a milltek system


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Someone almost said APR

[MikeFish]

Thanks for the reply guys.
So sport mode is what introduces the crackles. So if I disconnect the valves & drive in normal mode it will be as loud as in sport mode without the crackles?
I'll give it a go.
Cheers

Hope i'm allowed to tap you on the finguers, but please do not unplug the valves in closed position! It is a safety feature, they always open at 5.000rpm no mather what mode you are in to let exhaust gases and pressure escape without the extra backpressure closed valves introduce. Not sure how much it effects, but i personally wouldn't (these engines need to be stamped on and blasted freely from time to time).
I kinda understand your point (the burble/pops) and yeah, it is purely 'cosmetic' and actually do more harm then good but that is how audi programmed it.
If it really drives you crazy, restrict yourself to driving in comfort or effiency mode only...but then this is bit the wrong car for you.
In worst case, you could let a tuner with knowledge reprogram it...but know you will void your warenty by doing this (even if it is 'downtuning').

Why would anyone disconnect them in the closed position? Anyway when the engine is off they are always open so unless you do it with the engine on and exhaust fumes blowing in your face and a hot exhaust to burn your hands then you'll be fine. Don't the valves have a spring to return them to open when there is no electrical supply anyway? Ie is it even possible to disconnect them and stay closed?

[MikeFish]

Thanks for the reply guys.
So sport mode is what introduces the crackles. So if I disconnect the valves & drive in normal mode it will be as loud as in sport mode without the crackles?
I'll give it a go.
Cheers

Yes, you will only get the pops and cracks when the gearbox is in sport mode regardless of any other setting. The downside is that when in Drive mode the throttle mapping is not as aggressive as Sport mode.

[MikeFish]

Hi Phil,

I drive mainly in Individual with everything set to Auto except engine sound set to Dynamic and don't seem to get any crackles, but get the deeper sound when under acceleration.

To get crackles, I need to change \ shift to Sport (or Dynamic) and to get more crackles drive in Sport \ Manual with the paddles, then the downshift is full Max Power Focus RS sound !!

Lig.

The problem here is that when you start the car the valves will be closed until you cycle through the drive modes or pull the gear lever to get it into Sport mode.

[dasquade]

Thanks for the reply guys.
So sport mode is what introduces the crackles. So if I disconnect the valves & drive in normal mode it will be as loud as in sport mode without the crackles?
I'll give it a go.
Cheers

Hope i'm allowed to tap you on the finguers, but please do not unplug the valves in closed position! It is a safety feature, they always open at 5.000rpm no mather what mode you are in to let exhaust gases and pressure escape without the extra backpressure closed valves introduce. Not sure how much it effects, but i personally wouldn't (these engines need to be stamped on and blasted freely from time to time).
I kinda understand your point (the burble/pops) and yeah, it is purely 'cosmetic' and actually do more harm then good but that is how audi programmed it.
If it really drives you crazy, restrict yourself to driving in comfort or effiency mode only...but then this is bit the wrong car for you.
In worst case, you could let a tuner with knowledge reprogram it...but know you will void your warenty by doing this (even if it is 'downtuning').

Why would anyone disconnect them in the closed position? Anyway when the engine is off they are always open so unless you do it with the engine on and exhaust fumes blowing in your face and a hot exhaust to burn your hands then you'll be fine. Don't the valves have a spring to return them to open when there is no electrical supply anyway? Ie is it even possible to disconnect them and stay closed?

That is one way but as you point out, good luck doing that with running exhausts (it is possible though as i have done in the past).
As long as the wire is disconnected when closed, it won't go into lock mode and the actuator and spring keep it locked in its current position (unless you have a crappy milltek with the spring underneat it that blocks it from opening :p premium feature!).
It is only once you reconnect the wire that the actuator will do it's positioning cyclus (3 x open close) to pinpoint its limits...it does that when connected every xx start up by the way. But again i definatly don't recommand running with closed valves when you floor it. For OP, just avaid running the car in sport or manual mode (the pops and burble are software injected only under those modes).

[PhilMorrison]

Just an update: I'm happy with the unplugged valves. It seems to be the correct balance for me. @dasquade : Don't worry, It's my most sensible car, but I haven't bought it to pootle around in.

[max_b]

Don't worry, It's my most sensible car, but I haven't bought it to pootle around in.

Welcome to the mad house!
There's a thing or two Phil knows about driving