Facelift Exhaust Mods?

[AudiNutta]

Hi Guys,

Anybody thinking of doing any mods to the stock exhaust besides decat?

I’m intrigued by what PCW Exhaust Mods are doing by gutting the resonators and rerouting the backbox, but I’d rather not cut the exhaust open and I’m not sure how much extra volume I’m likely to get. I love the tone, just want more volume because I think my res deleted S3 was louder at full chat than the RS.





One thing I’m interested to know is how loud it would be with a straight through exhaust from the primary cat back? Unbearable? Mine isn’t a daily driver so doesn’t matter too much and my valves are open all of the time anyway but I need to retain some comfort in the car.

My Dad had a backbox delete on his 2.7TDI A6, sounded like a V8 after it and no increased cabin noise.

Tempted to get the local exhaust shop to drop the mid section back and just go for a drive, but I’d be worried that I’d be spitting flames under the car haha!.. can’t be a good idea?

Open to anybody’s suggestions on what could be done to enhance volume, previous experience would be useful.

Thanks in advance,

Matt.

 

[Deep penetrator]

My RS3 has had PCW do his work on it a few months back and it sounds epic! RS Sports Exhaust too and it really is a difference and for the £300 it’s a non brainer

 

[Deep penetrator]

also I’m having a Decat fitted next week so coupled with the PCW mod it will sound incredible lol

 

[D0C]

That Nardo car is sounding pretty good. Just shows how much Audi has made them quieter for whatever reason.

 

[AudiNutta]

My RS3 has had PCW do his work on it a few months back and it sounds epic! RS Sports Exhaust too and it really is a difference and for the £300 it’s a non brainer

Is it an awful lot louder? I want lots of volume haha, seen a lot of loud cars around of late and I’m curious what it could sound like.

Glad somebody on here has had it done, can you give a little more detail on what it’s like please? Occasionally you hear little pops / crackles from the exhaust with the windows down, I’m hoping to enhance those.

 

[AudiNutta]

That Nardo car is sounding pretty good. Just shows how much Audi has made them quieter for whatever reason.

It sounds good but on video doesn’t sound a lot different to mine. But that was the same with the S3, you really had a job to tell on video of the full effects of the res delete.

The PFL remains to be a pure savage, videos of them sound epic.

 

[DW81]

Have to agree with doc that nardo as a savage growl to it, seriously the FL sounds fantastic and I’ve followed a few now in PFL.

 

[AudiNutta]

Have to agree with doc that nardo as a savage growl to it, seriously the FL sounds fantastic and I’ve followed a few now in PFL.

It does sound good, just too quiet.

 

[FBF01]

It does sound good, just too quiet.

Too quiet?! Lol you can’t be serious, the car sounds unbelievably loud in dynamic at any speeds. I don’t know why you’d want the car any louder, and if you did go down that route, it would be unbearable and just way over the top, unless you had your valve mod back to standard

 

[AudiNutta]

Too quiet?! Lol you can’t be serious, the car sounds unbelievably loud in dynamic at any speeds. I don’t know why you’d want the car any louder, and if you did go down that route, it would be unbearable and just way over the top, unless you had your valve mod back to standard

Honestly compare it to a res deleted S3 and it’s actually pretty quiet. The car is loud in tight twisty roads close to walls, but on the open road it’s quiet and I come across a lot of cars that are a lot louder. There are some modded S1’s / S3’s that are hilariously loud.

The PFL had the famous 3000rpm growl, reach those revs and it would drown most things out. In the facelift all you get is nasty engine noise at any revs if you foot isn’t down. It’s great, but comparing it to other cars from previous experience I think it needs more volume.

My plan is to buy the AWE Switch Path again when they eventually decide to get off their backsides and release the 4-pin version which I’m still chasing, until then my valves are open all the time.

 

[D0C]

Agree that if you downshift to second gear at say 35-40mph and are off load that it sounds terrible. Like a washing machine. Get back on the gas and it's fine.

 

[AudiNutta]

Agree that if you downshift to second gear at say 35-40mph and are off load that it sounds terrible. Like a washing machine. Get back on the gas and it's fine.

Thank you! The PFL would still be pumping out exhaust noise, you can’t hear anything in the FL.

PFL was loud without trying.

 

[DW81]

Has I might have said before I’ve secondary decats and exhaust valves unplugged and with the windows down especially down some tight enclosed streets my PFL sounds absolutely brutal.

Matt it’s time to sell up the mica pup and get yourself in a PFL mate, but you will of course miss the extra horses, vc, and updated software

 

[Deep penetrator]

Is it an awful lot louder? I want lots of volume haha, seen a lot of loud cars around of late and I’m curious what it could sound like.

Glad somebody on here has had it done, can you give a little more detail on what it’s like please? Occasionally you hear little pops / crackles from the exhaust with the windows down, I’m hoping to enhance those.

It’s a very noticeable increase in noise but it’s a very satisfying noise with it. It doesn’t pop and bang like the PFL which I’m more than happy with as that sounds spurious IMO lol however there is a little increase in these sounds especially on the over run.
Would I recommend PCW? Absolutely as it’s changed the tone of the car massively for the better. Do it mate you won’t be disappointed.

Here’s my whip, not the best quality video either...

 

[AudiNutta]

It’s a very noticeable increase in noise but it’s a very satisfying noise with it. It doesn’t pop and bang like the PFL which I’m more than happy with as that sounds spurious IMO lol however there is a little increase in these sounds especially on the over run.
Would I recommend PCW? Absolutely as it’s changed the tone of the car massively for the better. Do it mate you won’t be disappointed.

Here’s my whip, not the best quality video either...

That’s great thanks for the review, much appreciated.

I will more than likely end up going this route eventually.

 

[D0C]

@penetrator your car sounds incredible and is noticeably better than stock, to my ears at least.

 

[Tristan2]

It’s a very noticeable increase in noise but it’s a very satisfying noise with it. It doesn’t pop and bang like the PFL which I’m more than happy with as that sounds spurious IMO lol however there is a little increase in these sounds especially on the over run.
Would I recommend PCW? Absolutely as it’s changed the tone of the car massively for the better. Do it mate you won’t be disappointed.

Here’s my whip, not the best quality video either...

I’ve got to get this done,what work did you have done so I can get the same result?

 

[Deep penetrator]

I’ve got to get this done,what work did you have done so I can get the same result?

Paul (PCW) has done my M4, M3 and now this RS3.
I basically said “make it loud” lol. My RS3 was the first Facelift car he had done and the back box internals are quite well engendered and clever how it works he said (RS Exhaust) so he basically took a bit more time to study it and give the best/loudest setup in Dynamic whilst still allowing it to be sociable in comfort.

Turned out great

 

[Tristan2]

How long did have the car for?


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[Deep penetrator]

How long did have the car for?


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Took him about 2/3 hours mate as it was the first one he’d done at that point so possibly slightly quicker now.

 

[Deep penetrator]

 

[T-800]

Comparing a FL RS3 to a res deleted S3 EA888 engine isn’t a proper comparison.

I had the BCS delete pipe on the G7.5R last year and I can certainly say it’s no where near as loud as the FL RS3....low/medium/or full chat.

I honestly do not understand why anyone thinks the RS3 doesn’t make a loud noise as standard.

Bonkers.

 

[T-800]

Honestly compare it to a res deleted S3 and it’s actually pretty quiet. The car is loud in tight twisty roads close to walls, but on the open road it’s quiet and I come across a lot of cars that are a lot louder. There are some modded S1’s / S3’s that are hilariously loud.

The PFL had the famous 3000rpm growl, reach those revs and it would drown most things out. In the facelift all you get is nasty engine noise at any revs if you foot isn’t down. It’s great, but comparing it to other cars from previous experience I think it needs more volume.

My plan is to buy the AWE Switch Path again when they eventually decide to get off their backsides and release the 4-pin version which I’m still chasing, until then my valves are open all the time.

Sounds to me like you should’ve gone the PFL route......

I have no idea why you think the RS3 makes a nasty noise at all.

I’ve actually owned a PFL for 18 months and can say the FL does not disappoint at all.

The new Daza EA855 Evo engine is just so good at everything.

 

[AudiNutta]

Sounds to me like you should’ve gone the PFL route......

I have no idea why you think the RS3 makes a nasty noise at all.

I’ve actually owned a PFL for 18 months and can say the FL does not disappoint at all.

The new Daza EA855 Evo engine is just so good at everything.

Probably, it there were new ones available at the time.

Doc agreed, you hear engine noise not exhaust noise when you aren’t booting it and that wasn’t the case with the PFL.

It’s a loud car compared to most, but in certain situations is quiet.

 

[AudiNutta]

So, I’ve bought a 3 month old FL Audi Sports Exhaust, with the PCW mod already done!!

Hope to collect tomorrow if I can get my hands on a rental van, then fitting Wednesday.....

 

[Terminator x]

Took him about 2/3 hours mate as it was the first one he’d done at that point so possibly slightly quicker now.

I got him booked for the RS4.

TX.

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[Powerenhancer]

Comparing a FL RS3 to a res deleted S3 EA888 engine isn’t a proper comparison.

I had the BCS delete pipe on the G7.5R last year and I can certainly say it’s no where near as loud as the FL RS3....low/medium/or full chat.

I honestly do not understand why anyone thinks the RS3 doesn’t make a loud noise as standard.

Bonkers.

This. Picked mine up on Saturday and it is loud in dynamic. It is the first car I have owned with exhaust drone on a factory supplied exhaust. Louder than the RS6 with sports exhaust.

 

[T-800]

This. Picked mine up on Saturday and it is loud in dynamic. It is the first car I have owned with exhaust drone on a factory supplied exhaust. Louder than the RS6 with sports exhaust.

You must have a rouge exhaust system fitted then.......

Apparently some find it quiet and want more noise...........

As i said before to compare an Rs3 to a res deleted EA888 engined car is madness......

 

[Slowracer]

This. Picked mine up on Saturday and it is loud in dynamic. It is the first car I have owned with exhaust drone on a factory supplied exhaust. Louder than the RS6 with sports exhaust.

I too find the FL exhaust to be adequately loud. Pedestrians on the street must find the same as heads turn as soon as I stab the go pedal.

 

[FBF01]

I got him booked for the RS4.

TX.

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What does he actually do? I’m up in Scotland and would be quite keen to have someone replicate what this lad does. Is it just a case of deleting the back box?

 

[Terminator x]

What does he actually do? I’m up in Scotland and would be quite keen to have someone replicate what this lad does. Is it just a case of deleting the back box?

Think it is top secret when he does mine I'll ask and let you know.

TX.

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[AudiNutta]

What does he actually do? I’m up in Scotland and would be quite keen to have someone replicate what this lad does. Is it just a case of deleting the back box?

It is a secret exactly what he does but on the RS3 he guts the two resonators, cuts the backbox open to remove the sound deadening and “rework” pipework so I’ve been told.

 

[AudiNutta]

You must have a rouge exhaust system fitted then.......

Apparently some find it quiet and want more noise...........

As i said before to compare an Rs3 to a res deleted EA888 engined car is madness......

Oh well maybe I’m going deaf

 

[T-800]

Oh well maybe I’m going deaf

Pardon........

 

[Beebee-one]

This may give you an idea of whats involved............ a sort of cut n shut for exhausts I guess!

 

[Deep penetrator]

This may give you an idea of whats involved............ a sort of cut n shut for exhausts I guess!

Having had Paul (PCW) work on my last 3 cars (M4Comp - M3Comp - RS3) there’s a little more to it than that. With my RS3 it was the first FL car he’d worked on and he was explaining to me how good the Backbox was engendered inside and how he took his time to work out the best way to maximise sound yet retain a OEM level of noise in comfort. He took his time to do the best job he could do without compromising anything. The result is great. He doesn’t just bodge it and “cut n shut” as you mentioned.

 

[Beebee-one]

Having had Paul (PCW) work on my last 3 cars (M4Comp - M3Comp - RS3) there’s a little more to it than that. With my RS3 it was the first FL car he’d worked on and he was explaining to me how good the Backbox was engendered inside and how he took his time to work out the best way to maximise sound yet retain a OEM level of noise in comfort. He took his time to do the best job he could do without compromising anything. The result is great. He doesn’t just bodge it and “cut n shut” as you mentioned.

Not taking anything away from the guys skill at getting into the exhaust box and patching them up again......if anything I would say he is not charging enough for the amount of labour he puts into doing the job.
Personally, it would not be my first choice of achieving a better noise from an expensive factory fitted stainless steel sports exhaust, its a bit too 'non reversible' once he has done the job and if for any reason you feel it's too loud or doesn't sound quite right then going back the stock item could be a very expensive mistake. Problem is that there are not many real solutions out there to improve the FL exhaust noise and they are way more expensive than the PCW solution.
Mine has the pops and some crackles mapped back in by MRC, its good but is still not quite on par with the PFL car. However with a few other mods the noise can be epic on the FL car......here's a reminder from a vid that was posted earlier this year by a Youtuber. The best noise is in the second half of the video.

 

[Terminator x]

I doubt that he'd still be in business if "bodging it" BB

TX.

 

[Deep penetrator]

Not taking anything away from the guys skill at getting into the exhaust box and patching them up again......if anything I would say he is not charging enough for the amount of labour he puts into doing the job.
Personally, it would not be my first choice of achieving a better noise from an expensive factory fitted stainless steel sports exhaust, its a bit too 'non reversible' once he has done the job and if for any reason you feel it's too loud or doesn't sound quite right then going back the stock item could be a very expensive mistake. Problem is that there are not many real solutions out there to improve the FL exhaust noise and they are way more expensive than the PCW solution.
Mine has the pops and some crackles mapped back in by MRC, its good but is still not quite on par with the PFL car. However with a few other mods the noise can be epic on the FL car......here's a reminder from a vid that was posted earlier this year by a Youtuber. The best noise is in the second half of the video.

I disagree mate as it costs £300 depending on whether you go to him or he goes to you, which is peanuts as oppose to spending over £1k for an aftermarket system which you also might not like them your either stuck with it or trying to flog it.

The guy now works on some serious metal excuse the pun, AMG, M, RS, and now Porsche including a few GT3 and GT3RS so he’s highly recommend and fairly priced for the results.

 

[Beebee-one]

I doubt that he'd still be in business if "bodging it" BB

TX.

Sorry TX but I think some people are taking me out of context here. I have not suggested he's a bodger in anyway, in fact I actually said he should charge more because it looks as if he works damn hard to get you the result and it would still be good value! However, as mentioned above, it would not be my personal choice of modifying my exhaust for reasons explained in my previous post.........but that's just me.

Penetrator; not sure what you are disagreeing with exactly...there is no denying that PCW is a very cost effective solution.....and I have not presented any argument or opinion to the contrary concerning the cost of the modification. My only concern was that it's a permanent mod and cannot easily be put back to stock if you dont like it (or the missus says it's too loud ) or selling it back into a dealer network.

As you say, its good that you have shown that there are alternatives to just bolting on expensive aftermarket hardware, and there's no guarantee that you will like them either. lol.