Possibility of new exhaust option

A6 All/ S6 All
#1

I’m going to start this off with I have nothing concrete, all I have is a few handfuls of hope.

So I was at the shop yesterday and there was a sweet looking GLI on the lift with a gorgeous stainless cat back system. Everything from the quality of the material, to the flawless welds, to the shape of the muffler was perfect. When I mentioned that I was told it was a Billy Boat built APR setup. Now, I remember hearing that Billy Boat was near where I currently live, so I asked and googled, and lo and behold, it is literally 5 minutes from my house, and I’ve driven past the building hundreds of times. They have lots of experience with VW/Audi and they are close, so I emailed them(just a few minutes ago) and asked if they’d be willing to build something for me, and that I’d let them have my car to develop on. I told them how the car was available for under $30k and that more and more enthusiasts are buying them and that if anyone could make the v10 sing it would be them!

I don’t know what they’ll say, but it’s worth a shot. I’d like to gauge interest so if and when I talk to them I could possibly put together a group buy, or maybe an AR early adopter discount. I’m just thinking out loud at the moment.

So what are your thoughts? Anything I should bring up, or any other suggestions are welcome!

#2

There are already a few options out there.

Milltek and magnaflow with a few others. MagnaFlow is more reasonable in its price. With a low production number it is going to be hard to get any company to make you a reasonable exhaust system with the proper size. You would want bigger then 2.5 for the v10. When. You get into 2.75 it requires more expensive parts to build.

I would see what they say. Chances are due to there past products they will try to push you into a 2.5 or smaller. This would be a bad choice. If your Looking for sound That’s one thing if your looking for performance you might want to see what’s down the road if they push the 2.5.

It would be interesting to hear what they say.

#3

Yeah I’d bet that

  1. Low volume car means low likelihood of return on investment for them so they won’t be too interested

  2. If they are interested, they will push a 2.25" exhaust which is what they use for everything. Or 2.5 at best. 2.75 is a pain in the ass to work with for most of these shops as they don’t generally deal in 2. 75 so the resources are more expensive (pipe, simply put) , but so is the tooling to make something in 2.75. They make a boatload of 2. 25 oroduxtsnwith 2.25 tools and 2.25 accessories (clamps, mufflers, tips etc) so they’re going to want to use that stuff as it’s their bread and butter and is where their margins are protected

These are just my predictions. Who knows… Maybe they will develop a great 2.75" exhaust for a fair price.

#4

They have several dyno proven 3 inch, mandrel bent, tig welded 304 stainless systems out there including the system for Viper SRT 10.

http://shop.bbexhaust.com/Viper-GTS-Cat-Back-FVIP-0122.htm

With unparalleled performance, sound and style, the 50 state emissions legal, 3” cat-back system Billy Boat Performance Exhaust manufactures for the Dodge Viper GTS is hisssstory in the making. The 3” CNC mandrel bent T304 stainless steel tubing and a unique crossover pipe help balance the exhaust pulses for a smooth uninterrupted exhaust flow. The mufflers use a combination of sound cancelation and absorption for a deep rich exhaust note on acceleration with a mild tone at idle and cruising speeds. All of these benefits equate to better throttle response and increased horsepower and torque. Aesthetics of the Viper is also enhanced with a pair of 4.5” rolled edge elliptical tips. With great attention to detail this system was designed to be a direct bolt, include all necessary hardware and is backed by B&B’s limited LIFETIME warranty. $1323.00

And $3109 for a FULL header back system with cats!

http://shop.bbexhaust.com/Viper-SRT-10-Header-Back-W-Cats-FVIP-0710.htm

Obviously still all speculation whether they will even touch the S6, but it’s worth a try. All they do is exhaust, and they do it really, really well. Up until I saw the GLI system in person the other day, I would probably have had the same reservations, but what I saw was a meticulously crafted 3 inch turbo back system that looked so nice it didn’t belong on the bottom of the car. This is why I’m so excited and I’d love to gauge interest to have a little more traction when I do talk to someone face to face.

Go to their site http://www.bbexhaust.com look around, see what they do, what cars they work with and what options they have and let me know.

#5

The bit I put in navy isn’t readable.

With unparalleled performance, sound and style, the 50 state emissions legal, 3” cat-back system Billy Boat Performance Exhaust manufactures for the Dodge Viper GTS is hisssstory in the making. The 3” CNC mandrel bent T304 stainless steel tubing and a unique crossover pipe help balance the exhaust pulses for a smooth uninterrupted exhaust flow. The mufflers use a combination of sound cancelation and absorption for a deep rich exhaust note on acceleration with a mild tone at idle and cruising speeds. All of these beits equate to better throttle response and increased horsepower and torque. Aesthetics of the Viper is also enhanced with a pair of 4.5” rolled edge elliptical tips. With great attention to detail this system was designed to be a direct bolt, include all necessary hardware and is backed by B&B’s limited LIFETIME warranty. $1323.00

#6

you want a 3" exhaust? Thought I was talking about 2.75…

#7

In most cases, more choice is usually better for the consumer. If BB can produce a top quality product, specifically designed for the v10 S6, with proven results, at a competitive price, then I am sure they will have some customers.

However, I wouldn’t buy one from them, because they are not Audi v10 S6 experts. If I am going to spend thousands on an exhaust, I will only buy something that is specifically designed for the car, and made to work with a total power package (e.g. catback, headers, ECU tune, TCU tune, intake). There are only a couple options for the v10 S6, and there is a reason… Very few people really understand the car, and the market for v10 S6 aftermarket performance parts is minuscule.

The Milltek catback is a perfect example. Here is the v10 S6 Milltek exhaust

http://dfklk0jrz9g9k.cloudfront.net/images/custom/509.jpg

And here is the C6 A6 4.2 exhaust

http://dfklk0jrz9g9k.cloudfront.net/images/custom/514.jpg

Look familiar?

Both are Pipe Ø: 2.36" (60.00mm)

All Milltek changed for the v10 S6 was the tips and part where the catback connects to the stock exhaust.

How is it possible that the ideal design for a v8 4.2 exhaust is the same as the ideal design for the v10 5.2?

Of course, the answer is that is can’t be. Milltek charges over $2k for an exhaust that is just a slightly modified version of the 4.2 exhaust, which can be found online for $1200. That is how these companies make money. They do as little research and development, and retooling, as possible, when releasing a new product.

Any great exhaust shop can build you a nice looking exhaust for your v10. However, there is only one team worldwide that I would trust in building me an exhaust that is specifically designed for the v10 S6, and made to build the most power. And obviously, that is who my money is going to.

Options are great, as long as you are making an educated decision. Dont fall into the trap of wasting thousands of dollars on something that just looks nice, and sounds good. If all you want is a louder sound, then just delete your resonators and call it a day.

Regarding the Viper exhaust/headers, you will never be able to get v10 S6 headers for that price, with a quality build, designed to make optimum power. Those guys will sell 100 sets of the Viper headers before we will sell one pair, for the v10 S6. If you get me an order for 100 v10 S6 headers, then Ill find a way to slash prices too :slight_smile:

Also, it is about quality of parts and materials. The HJS cats I use in my exhaust would normally cost about half of what they are charging for a complete headers/exhaust. You get what you pay for (although I am sure some lower cost cats are fine, but might not last as long as HJS, or flow as well)

Remember, the aftermarket has had 8 years to design parts that build power for the v10 S6, and they have really offered nothing substantial. I know everyone around here is getting excited with the recent developments, but I just want to remind people, don’t lose focus on why everyone is here in the first place. The v10 experts are on this forum, and no where else. They are building parts to make power for the car, where everyone else has failed, or ceased to even try.

Cheaper is not always better. Do your homework and then place your bets :slight_smile:

#8

Just looked up their exhaust of the B6/B7 S4 v8, and it is exactly as you stated. 2.25" and no X-pipe. Clearly, not the ideal setup for getting power from the v8 4.2, and backs up my earlier statement, that the company is likely more concerned with profit, then designing something that will build REAL power.

And that is for the B6/B7 S4, where the market for aftermarket is about 50x bigger than the v10 S6 market. No way they will put any real development time into a v10 exhaust, if they couldnt get it right on the v8 4.2.

#9

You have to remember that BB was the manufacturer for APR on these and I’m willing to bet built to APR specs. But I don’t know that any more than anyone else outside of the two companies.

I’m going to reserve judgment until I actually hear from somebody there. There is no point arguing probabilities at this point. I want what everyone here wants and that may or may not be something that they can deliver. If they can, great, it will benefit everyone, if not oh well, we will all have to be patient.

And for the record I did have my resonators deleted and while I like the sound, it’s still not what I want or know is possible from the engine. It’s not fair to say I’m looking for ‘cheaper is better’ either, because that is not my goal. I’m always looking for the best return on my investment. And unless you’ve seen Billy Boat’s stuff it’s not fair to call it cheap. Their prices are what they are because exhaust is all they do and they have the knowledge, equipment and volume to sell for less than the competition. And full disclosure, I have nothing to do with Billy Boat at all, other than living close to their facility, and if they get back to me and they try to put together an untested, undeveloped system, my answer will be no, because I can go to the shop that deleted my resonators and build my own system for a fraction of the cost and the dude is amazing.

#10

Yeah, I am actually very interested to hear what they come back with. So please post their response here.

In the end, I still maintain that they dont have any Audi v10 experts in house. So, no matter what they promise or say, it won’t change my opinion. That S4 exhaust is a perfect example, but if you don’t know the whole history of B6/B7 S4 aftermarket performance development, then you probably wouldn’t understand why that exhaust is a big waste of money, when there are much better options available for the same price (HINT Fast Intentions/JHM https://jhmotorsports.com/shop/catalog/exhaust-cat-back-jhm-b7-s4-stainless-steel-25-pipe-by-fi-p-385.html)

Or course, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. So, see what they come back with and then figure out if their product is worthwhile. After wasting money on products with false promises in the past, I have just learned to be much more careful with how I spend my MOD money.

By the way, I just PM’d you info on the catback used in my project car. If you want a well designed exhaust, you do have options (but they don’t include Milltek or BillyBoat)

#11

Hey now, my Milltek exhaust was worth every penny I paid for it! Which was free ;D

It does sound nice and holds me over for the time being, but definitely would not have considered paying $2k for it. Hoping to change to something else someday, I’m sort of waiting to see what you all do first before I decide.

#12

Greekinc

We all are interested in what they have to say. But the same things you said about BB can be said about the Milltek and magnaflow. They both specifically make exhaust systems. But they worry more about profit then performance. The only reason I bring this up is so you don’t think we are being negative.

Regardless of who builds an exhaust it’s got to have the right combination to be helpful. We have seen several exhaust companies say what people want to hear but they are just saying these things to sell something.

I’m not saying any of this is true of BB. I’m just saying it’s exciting to hear what they have to say but if they say they made 500 more hp and you don’t need 2.75 or bigger know they probably want to make an exhaust that has more profit then performance.

All speculation but I wanted to pre say it so if it happened you didn’t think guys were haten.

#13

I’m a geek, not a Greek! Haha!

That’s the point is that it’s all speculation, hell, they haven’t even responded to my email yet. And they may never.

Maybe I wasn’t clear enough in the original post. I want what we all want, a good system that makes the car better. They build exhausts for some pretty serious cars and they have dyno and track proven systems. If they are willing to develop and test a system for the S6, I’m offering them access to my car. I’m not looking for a cheap fart cannon system, I’ve already had the resonators deleted and an x-pipe installed, but I’m not happy with that setup. It sounds great when you’re behind the car and someone else is driving, but sounds almost stock when I’m in the car and call me selfish, but I want to be the one enjoying the v10! The shop that deleted the resonators does impeccable work and I could have them throw on a couple of magnaflows and call it a day, but that is not what I’m after. This car is the start of a long term project and I want it to be something I can enjoy and show off for a long time. Like you guys stated, there is no harm in asking, worse case scenario, we are in the same position we are in now, best case scenario we have another option. Once there is traction in the marketplace, other aftermarket companies might jump on the bandwagon and before we know it there might be a bunch of cool toys for us to play with.

#14

You geek lol.
Like hope you didn’t think I was not believing in your honest attempt to find another option. I was more or less saying this could be exciting or it could be a disaster. Given that we are all NA guys so the catback is one of the most critical systems. So if they do get back with you we all might be very critical of there response or suggestions depending on what they say. Regardless on how many great systems they have made. It’s nothing to do with you…That’s all

#15

I appreciate the clarification and I get it, I was excited at the prospect but if you knew me, you’d know that I’m a very weary and skeptical person and I don’t make decisions without a ton of research. It’s the geek in me. For example I’m adding a few fruit trees to the backyard and I’ve spent several months researching different varieties of lemon trees. I like to ‘measure twice and cut once’ when I do things and I love cars way more than trees!

So no offense was ever taken, I was trying, poorly maybe, to explain myself.

Alright enough sentimental shit, let’s build some cars!