Exhaust and noise questions...

[Neuromancer]

Hi all,

I'm after some of your expert advice with a few questions if you'd be so kind. I've tried google/forum searches but seem to read conflicting opinions.

I have a non-resonated Milltek, and presume the pre-cats have not been gutted, the ECU is currently standard Audi map but intake flaps have been removed.

The issue is I'm quite self-conscious how noisy the car is in my little village, primarily on cold start rather than pootling.

I'm looking at options and need your help:

1. Arrange for a tune to delete the cold-start shenanigans (either a stand alone thing or part of a stage 2). For this should I gut the pre-cats to avoid "issues", and if I do need to will the car be noticeably louder at other times.
2. Look to replace the non-resonated section with a resonated. Worth asking in the classifieds for a swap (obvs with money their way)?

Caveats:

I'm just about ok with the drone with the non-resonated and have heard that no precats can raise the rev's a bit that this occurs which would help when just cruising.
I'm not too bothered about power gains and appreciate probably gutting/removing pre-cats with a stage 2 tune including cold start delete is I imagine the best idea...but I'm conscious of cost/insurance etc which I'm probably ok with but not if drone and general loudness worsened - hence the question!

Over to you.....

[Silverfox42]

Just a thought, return to a stock exhaust (Plenty about) and sell the Milly?

[Neuromancer]

Thank you. Not a bad option, will ponder. Anyone else with opinions?

[coffey555]

As above, return to stock. You can always remove the centre res section on the OEM exhaust if you feel it is too quiet.

Virtually no drone but a very nice noise. If you keep the valves working it will not be too loud on cold startup (mine are permanently open and it's a bit much first thing in the morning!).

[d7ve_b]

I’ve just gone back to stock but swapped the centre box for an x-pipe, spot on for me!

[Silverfox42]

d7ve_b - can you advise where you got the X-Pipe and if there are any issues come MOT time?

Thanks

[d7ve_b]

X-pipe was fabricated and fitted by CM Tuning, shouldn’t be any MOT issues as the centre box doesn’t filter anything, it just quietens it down.

[Silverfox42]

Awesome, thank you

[Neuromancer]

Thanks all. Will ponder... interesting on the revert back to OEM as although many moons ago I had been in friends RS4's I have never actually driven one with an Audi exhaust. The H or X pipe mod does seem a worthwhile option..

[Neuromancer]

Just to close this to a conclusion, I've gone for the Milltek resonated centre section as logistics of collecting/fitting a used OEM exhaust was proving tricky.

So far, much improved in all areas - start-up drama and drone both back into "civilised" territory, without being boring.

[ethanpratt]

I have the same issue and yes, google doesn't help. in fact, it confuses me more. Im just glad that I was able to find this thread. i took some of the advice and my problem has just been resolved. thanks!