Best way to get more noise from an S3

[Benji34]

Hi guys, I've tried researching this before posting but couldn't get definitive results. I want to improve the sound from my stock S3 without spending a lot of money on fancy exhaust systems and increasing engine power. Are they are other pieces of kit on the market that could help give me a bit more noise like induction kits or the likes?

 

[paulmc]

You can buy a centre resonator delete straight from VAG (in the US, but I am sure you could get this in the UK) its around £100 and prob the same to fit. other than that its £sssss to get more noise.

Search google loads of info on it

plenty induction kits but none are cheap, all around £300 + unless you can find second-hand. I did the small air inlet and air box mod but makes no difference noise wise.

again google is best

 

[allanmb]

Or you could do the EGR Valve mod ;-) Free and more noise instantly!

 

[Benji34]

You can buy a centre resonator delete straight from VAG (in the US, but I am sure you could get this in the UK) its around £100 and prob the same to fit. other than that its £sssss to get more noise.

Search google loads of info on it

plenty induction kits but none are cheap, all around £300 + unless you can find second-hand. I did the small air inlet and air box mod but makes no difference noise wise.

again google is best

Don't mind spending a few hundred on something like an induction kit if it will make more noise but there seems to be the opinion that it won't make much difference sound wise to a stock car.

I watched a video about the centre delete and was considering it as an option, cheers.

 

[Benji34]

Or you could do the EGR Valve mod ;-) Free and more noise instantly!

That sounds the ticket I'll Google that. Cheers.

 

[billy.rt]

is that a matter of just unplugging the valve actuators?

 

[Joe4842]

There is the thing of deactivating the valves so they are constantly open? I've read about that a lot on here. however suppose it doesn't necessarily make the car louder but it opens up that noise at lower revs?

 

[allanmb]

You can just unplug the valves but you'll want to ensure no moisture gets in. Plus when the car is scanned you'll report an error. Best way is to use VCDS to disable them. As for louder, it is noticeably louder at low revs especially those pops!

 

[Joe4842]

You can just unplug the valves but you'll want to ensure no moisture gets in. Plus when the car is scanned you'll report an error. Best way is to use VCDS to disable them. As for louder, it is noticeably louder at low revs especially those pops!

oh so on the FL it makes the crackles and pops louder too?

 

[billy.rt]

I need to find someone capable of doing this, I know you can download the software yourself and mess about with on board computer but I wouldn't feel comfortable doing that I don't think, especially as I'm leasing lol

 

[allanmb]

oh so on the FL it makes the crackles and pops louder too?

Not directly, no but some of them occur <3k rpm which, without the mod, would have the valves closed and muted. With the valves open these pops will be much louder than they otherwise would have been. It seems to affect day-to-day driving more than spirited driving where you are mostly over 3k rpm anyway.

 

[billy.rt]

allan, if the car is set to dynamic mode wouldn't the valves be open constantly anyway? I haven't got my car yet so I cant even check unfortunately!

 

[Joe4842]

allan, if the car is set to dynamic mode wouldn't the valves be open constantly anyway? I haven't got my car yet so I cant even check unfortunately!

Im sure the valves only open over around 3k revs or somewhere around there, im sure someone more knowledgeable than me can tell you the exact amount of revs that they open on

 

[AudiNutta]

I unplugged my valves, Mum complained about the noise so I bought a plug and play kit with 2 remote controls so I now control the valves manually (open all the time).

In dynamic the valves are open at a standstill, as soon as you pull off they close until over 3000rpm. The open valves make a huge difference around town!

Mine is booked in Saturday for the middle section to be removed. Not paying the £295 on the other thread for the 'anti-drone' pipe though. The Audi pipe can be shipped from the US for £200 (unable to buy in the U.K.). Audi Parts told me to avoid their expensive part as it still wouldn't meet the UK warranty regs, he said use a backstreet garage for £50!!

I've booked mine with a well recommended exhaust specialist, £120 cut out the old section, manufacture the new pipe by hand, clamp it into place (usually weld) so it can be swapped back in half an hour.

Hoping it will add a fair bit of volume. Go on You Tube, S3 Resonator Delete.. enjoy

 

[billy.rt]

Thing is mine will be on a 2 year lease so I don't want to be doing anything too envasive. If it was my own car I would be doing exactly what you have done, it's the best option

 

[AudiNutta]

Thing is mine will be on a 2 year lease so I don't want to be doing anything too envasive. If it was my own car I would be doing exactly what you have done, it's the best option

2 years isn't very long?

But 2 years is enough to make it louder and put it back I'm 5 weeks in and the exhuast is being modified

 

[billy.rt]

2 years isn't very long?

But 2 years is enough to make it louder and put it back I'm 5 weeks in and the exhuast is being modified

I'm normally changing my cars after 18 months and I was losing so much money with the depreciation I've just decided to lease I get bored of the cars to quick but I'm not sure now about the S3 even with the test drive I didn't want to give it back! See how I feel after the two year lease is up... and stop temping me haha! Might look into getting the remote valves like yourself. Something not to invasive but enough for around town driving!

 

[Pederson]

Missus will get the right hump if I make the car louder, she used to hate the RS. I am with you Bill I get bored after 18 months are start getting the itch for another car, so 2 years is perfect for me.

 

[billy.rt]

I'm just wary of making to many invasive changes to the car I know what these companies can be like and I can do without being hit with a bill at the end of my term!

 

[Pederson]

Yeh just do not change anything that 1 can void your warranty and 2 that cant be put back. I will at most put a performance panel filter in, that will be it.

 

[billy.rt]

I just watched a video of the S3 resonator delete which audinutta is having done and I don't think I could deal with that noise constantly to be honest lol! Going to look into getting an exhaust valve remote though...

 

[Terminator x]

Im sure the valves only open over around 3k revs or somewhere around there, im sure someone more knowledgeable than me can tell you the exact amount of revs that they open on

They are open at idle then close as you move off until about 3k as you say even in dynamic mode eg loud exhaust etc. This is good imho as who wants it loud when just pootling along? Each to their own though

TX.

 

[billy.rt]

Cheers TX that makes sense! strange why you cant have them fully open if you wanted too like an exhaust setting in the drive select.

 

[Benji34]

I unplugged my valves, Mum complained about the noise so I bought a plug and play kit with 2 remote controls so I now control the valves manually (open all the time).

In dynamic the valves are open at a standstill, as soon as you pull off they close until over 3000rpm. The open valves make a huge difference around town!

Mine is booked in Saturday for the middle section to be removed. Not paying the £295 on the other thread for the 'anti-drone' pipe though. The Audi pipe can be shipped from the US for £200 (unable to buy in the U.K.). Audi Parts told me to avoid their expensive part as it still wouldn't meet the UK warranty regs, he said use a backstreet garage for £50!!

I've booked mine with a well recommended exhaust specialist, £120 cut out the old section, manufacture the new pipe by hand, clamp it into place (usually weld) so it can be swapped back in half an hour.

Hoping it will add a fair bit of volume. Go on You Tube, S3 Resonator Delete.. enjoy

What is this plug and play remote control you speak of mate? You got a link or a name of the product?

 

[richinsoton]

I can't believe no one has suggested the obvious answer for getting more noise yet... press here!.

 

[AudiNutta]

I'm normally changing my cars after 18 months and I was losing so much money with the depreciation I've just decided to lease I get bored of the cars to quick but I'm not sure now about the S3 even with the test drive I didn't want to give it back! See how I feel after the two year lease is up... and stop temping me haha! Might look into getting the remote valves like yourself. Something not to invasive but enough for around town driving!

The exhaust valves do make a big difference, I can't drive it with them closed now Excited for the middle box Delete tomorrow now!!

 

[AudiNutta]

What is this plug and play remote control you speak of mate? You got a link or a name of the product?

This is it:

http://www.awe-tuning.com/switchpath-exhaust-remote

I managed to find one on eBay that was used as a bench demonstrator for £175! There is an AWE Tuning supplier in Manchester if you look on their website, you'd have to contact them to get one I think.

It is expensive for what it is, but it is OEM quality using VAG plugs and is very nicely built. I didn't like disabling the valves in VCDS, at least now I still have manual control!

 

[Benji34]

This is it:

http://www.awe-tuning.com/switchpath-exhaust-remote

I managed to find one on eBay that was used as a bench demonstrator for £175! There is an AWE Tuning supplier in Manchester if you look on their website, you'd have to contact them to get one I think.

It is expensive for what it is, but it is OEM quality using VAG plugs and is very nicely built. I didn't like disabling the valves in VCDS, at least now I still have manual control!

Cheers buddy, it sounds like it would be worth it.

 

[AudiNutta]

Cheers buddy, it sounds like it would be worth it.

It is definitely. But, before you buy it.. unplug the valves.

Run the car, put it into dynamic and the valves will open.. unplug the valve on both exhausts by depressing the clip, then they will be permanently open! Just tuck the short cable up out of the way and drive for a week! I noticed little difference initially (only had the car 2 days), but after a week I plugged them back in and the sound was so underwhelming.

It's very easy to disconnect them, then you can decide

 

[billy.rt]

I think i will have the car a couple weeks and might get these to see how I feel! Silly question though... why would you have two remotes? One for each side, or just as a spare? And does one remote control the full exhaust system?

 

[AudiNutta]

I think i will have the car a couple weeks and might get these to see how I feel! Silly question though... why would you have two remotes? One for each side, or just as a spare? And does one remote control the full exhaust system?

One spare remote, the one remote does both valves yes. Look at the instructions on their website for a better idea of it how it works.

 

[billy.rt]

You da man AN! Cheers mate!

 

[AudiNutta]

Mine is on the ramp now being done, scary seeing them cut the box out but it's a very clean job

 

[Benji34]

Mine is on the ramp now being done, scary seeing them cut the box out but it's a very clean job

Keep us posted with the result.

 

[AudiNutta]

Home now, it is insane!! Takes the car to a new level, considering what it is! Sounds like it has much more grunt, but also quite loud inside when over 3000rpm.. can't fault it! Shutting the valves takes the edge off of it, so hopefully I will get on with it day to day.

@Benji34

 

[AudiNutta]

Just been out for another more sedate drive, inside the car the noise is much deeper at every note.. the pops and farts are much louder, I'm hearing pops now I never did before!!

But, the noise at around 3000rpm engulfs the interior, whether the valves are open or closed.. it is loud, but as a consequence of it sounding like it does I'm more than happy to put up with it. At 70-80, silent!

 

[Flying Scotsman]

AudiNutta, as long as you can live with drone after the resonator removal. I test drove a used 2016 S3 with a resonator removal and it had a lot of done at around 2,500-3,500 rpm and on run down in manual Stronic. My existing car (2014 VW GLI) has a Magnaflow cat back exhaust which includes a resonator and is expensive but no drone and sounds perfect to my ears.
But to tell you the truth I do not think I will put a Magnaflow on my ordered S3. As the existing exhaust note is not great but acceptable, time will tell though.

 

[AudiNutta]

AudiNutta, as long as you can live with drone after the resonator removal. I test drove a used 2016 S3 with a resonator removal and it had a lot of done at around 2,500-3,500 rpm and on run down in manual Stronic. My existing car (2014 VW GLI) has a Magnaflow cat back exhaust which includes a resonator and is expensive but no drone and sounds perfect to my ears.
But to tell you the truth I do not think I will put a Magnaflow on my ordered S3. As the existing exhaust note is not great but acceptable, time will tell though.

I'm pretty sure I can live with the drone, it is a tiny bit quieter with the valves shut but not much. It is a sports car after all though.... I didn't buy it to be quiet, as long as it isn't deafening at motorway speeds I'm happy.

I'm pretty sure you will want some form of modification on the S3, all it is missing is the noise factor and I think I've unearthed it!!

 

[zippster]

for more noise, I added a ITG panel filter (drop in) and a CTS TIP, much better induction noise and a noticeable difference to response and performance..

I took these items off on Wednesday as the car was going to Audi and its like chalk and cheese.. needless to say I put them back in/on the moment I got it home audit felt like a new car again..

I won't be removing them next time it goes to Audi

worth the bucks and not just noise is gained!

 

[AudiNutta]

So, Day 2 has rose... needless to say what my reasons were for offering to take the mrs' to work

Needless to say I've burnt some fuel on this tank

With the windows down it's unbelievable and the pops are so much louder in the car, I'm getting more pops than ever.. much more! But, the drone in normal driving at 3000rpm ruins it. If you're accelerating slightly hard, you don't get it.. it's with gentle acceleration that it gets very loud for around 1000 revs!

Thought about looking into the pipe that claims to remove the drone, but I can't lose any of this noise I've got now so I'm gonna stay put for the moment.