S6 weekend power improvements

A6 All/ S6 All
#1

What’s a weekend if you’re not pulling a car into the garage to punch off about 12 years of rust from the stock exhaust? Well, probably fun. The stock exhaust system that Audi puts on the cars is great for stock and is great for apparently about 12 years before you might loose a muffler.

http://audirevolution.net/addons/albums/images/473141241.jpg

Every now and then you get people that cut off the mufflers, just to help get a better exhaust tone. While that might not be the best way to dig up performance, it can help make the car sound a little better. I will tell you that having just one muffler on one side of the exhaust, isn’t great for sound. Having a car that has a stock exhaust for over 12 years driving in snow states or the snow country. It’s going to take some work to get the exhaust off.

A quick tip. If you’re replacing your stock exhaust with a performance exhaust and the car is over 5 years old, it might be a good idea to get new exhaust clamps for the transition section between the Dp and the cat back. The clamps might not want to cooperate and if you’re reusing them you need to be careful not to damage them. We had an extra set of hands and were using a lift, this made saving the clamps and getting the exhaust off possible. If this was an on your back exhaust install, this wouldn’t have been very easy and could have potentially not been possible

http://audirevolution.net/addons/albums/images/802306576.jpg

When having to fix a damaged stock exhaust a good solution is a nice cheap catback. One choise can be an exhaust from magnaflow, to replace that rust magnet of a stock exhaust. The magnaflow isn’t always a super great fitting exhaust but, if you’re looking for cheap and something that meets all the requirements, it’s not too bad.

http://audirevolution.net/addons/albums/images/362638290.jpg

So, here is the thing about cheap exhaust. Long pause… Maybe quality control isn’t always the best. This magnaflow exhaust system came with an extra part. I’ll explain that in a second, but first, if you look at the top picture of the stock exhaust, you will see that the driver side muffler fell off. There is an incredibly small chance that magnaflow knew this as, the magnaflow system that we were sent, came with two driver side muffler sections. Not ideal for most cases, but a possible interesting solution for ours. Not really. Needless to say, that wasn’t going to work. The good thing is that, the magnaflow system came with resonators, they make it semi possible to drive until something gets figured out with the issue of having two driver side muffler sections. The frustrating part of this is, after spending all the time to fix the exhaust issue, the car actually left with even less mufflers that it came with.

The good news is not having a muffler section of the exhaust made it easier to install the new rear sway bar.

http://audirevolution.net/addons/albums/images/380613747.jpg

When people ask what is the difference between the stock and aftermarket sway bars it can be hard to understand what the size difference is, unless you see it directly compared to the stock unit.

The top bar is the new unit and the bottom one we are just holding it up to show the size difference.

http://audirevolution.net/addons/albums/images/5987396.jpg

Something that is always a great idea is to replace your 02 sensors, when you do an exhaust upgrade. Really it seems to be more when you do the dps, especially putting in catless dps. Here the B2S1 was getting a code so, we just replaced it. I don’t really know why but a few people on the internet made it sound like getting to the B2S1 on the S6 required all kinds of work. It was actually one of the easiest things we did.

Start with this.

http://audirevolution.net/addons/albums/images/857892766.jpg

Remove the coolant tank and there it is.

http://audirevolution.net/addons/albums/images/361500277.jpg

We all know stickers add hp

http://audirevolution.net/addons/albums/images/198080146.jpg

#2

Funny stuff that exhaust story

Tell the owner to invest $20 and a couple of hours in refreshing those headlights. They look like a 4 pack a day smoker’s fingernails.

http://slcpinball.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/imag0974.jpg?w=978&h=552

http://slcpinball.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/imag0997.jpg?w=948&h=534

#3

Great writeup!

First, I just want to give a big thanks to CountVohn and Justincredible for doing all this work on my car. I stood back and watched as the experts went to work. It is always cool to see these jobs being done. Even the freezing cold temps, which left me shivering in the corner, didnt slow these guys down at all. Thanks again!!!

CV worked his magic on the car, and the drive back home was a lot of fun. The rear sway, which Justin installed, is such a simple, cheap mod, but makes a huge difference in the handling and feel of the car. Highly recommended.

As I drove back, the car kept getting faster and faster LOL. And yet, it was so much smoother than the stock tune. Anyone with a 4.2 Audi who doesnt have a JHM tune NEEDS ONE NOW!!! It transforms the car. I still can’t believe how quick and nimble this 350k km wagon is. It is crazy. These cars don’t need a lot of modification to make them incredible, it is just about spending money in the right places.

Couldn’t believe that Magnaflow sent the wrong parts. If I were getting the job done locally, it wouldnt have been as big a deal. But seeing as this was all done in another country, and I have someone coming to buy the car next week, the mistake by Magnaflow really made things more complicated.

http://ep1.pinkbike.org/p4pb11706882/p4pb11706882.jpg

http://ep1.pinkbike.org/p4pb11706886/p4pb11706886.jpg

Just talked to Dan at Performance Peddler, and he is going to do his best to help resolve the whole thing. Anyway, we will see how things go.

Exhaust is loud as F*CK without the mufflers. After about 15min, my ears couldnt take it anymore. As soon as I crossed the border, I went directly to a Shoppers Drug Mart and purchased ear plugs. CountVohn may even have a video of it to share (not a video of the ear plugs, but of the deafening exhaust)

Hahaha… CV did tell me to do the headlights actually. And I agree 100%, they are disgusting.

I was told by a bodyshop that I would be better off with new ones. Perhaps they are salvagable, but I already bought a set of new ones (used, but excellent condition) to swap in.

I have used the 3m kits in the past with great success. But, they are $35 each with tax at Can Tire, and you would need two to do these headlights.

Anyway, I am including the other set of headlights with the car for the new buyer, so it will be his choice. Fix the old and have two sets, or throw them in the trash and swap in the new.

#4

Nice. Didn’t know it was yours, but I was thinking it was a pretty big coincidence.

I thought you can DIY the headlights with ultra fine sandpaper and a polishing machine like a flex or C&P? Maybe I didn’t research it enough.

Someone actually suggested using toothpaste and it cleared them up probably half way. Funny eh?

Bummer about magnaflow. Exhaust looks decent otherwise. Great for an option that is in the $800 range (have I got that right) and is 2.5" with an X. It’s maybe a bit more jagged bend than the JHM exhaust or the Fast Intentions on the B678 cars, but it sure beats the SHIT out of milltek, AWE, APR, Billy Boat, Corsa and all these other dummies designing restrictive, stock diameter ‘performance’ exhaust

Was there a reason to not put one of the mufflers on and leave the other one off for the changeover?

p.s. this thread doesn’t exist, since Justincredible, Count Vohn and me are the same person…

#5

Yeah, I think there are a lot of ways to do them. I have heard toothpaste too, as apparently it is a mild abrasive. If it was summer and I had the time, Id give it a shot for sure.

The Magnaflow has got to be the best bang for the buck out there for the C5 4.2 cars. Just because with a coupon you can get it so cheap if you can find the right discount code on the web. Retail is $1100 I think, but with the coupon it is less than what you posted. It does drone, but CV did something to the ECU to minimize it.

I really hope there is a video, because the sound is crazy loud with no mufflers.

And btw, Dan from Performance Peddler has amazing customer service. He is doing everything he can to resolve this issue ASAP. Just as CV pointed out, quality control is something that may be sacrificed when you get a cheaper product.

The guys recommended against leaving one on, due to the unequal pressure that the engine would see on each side.

Justincredible, CountVohn, Sakimano are all the same guy??? Holy crap, that is some serious Houdini shit you guys (or you guy) are pulling off.

UPDATE:

Just heard back from Dan at Performance Peddler. Looks like Magnaflow is going to get me the passenger side muffler to Canada this week. Mistakes happen, but that is some amazing customer service from both Dan at Performance Peddler and Magnaflow to sort the whole thing out. THANK YOU !!! Amazing customer service !!!

#6

Good stuff on the car, I can only imagine how much more fun it is now! Modifying the car is almost half the fun of enjoying a car to me.

Make sure after you do the headlights you also apply some sort of sealant, otherwise they’ll end up looking like shit again in 1 week. Polishing them will work, but you’re removing the oxidized sealant that came on them from the factory. I’ve hear of some people just applying an automotive wax/sealant and reapplying every so often, and others have rattlecanned / professionally sprayed a clear-coat sealant as well.

#7

Boatmobile, I hope you are taking notes on all these headlight refinishing tips LOL

Thanks Maddog. And yeah, the car is definitely a complete blast to drive with these new mods.

#8

For the miles on the car it’s not in bad condition. I was mad when I figured out we only had half the tail section. It did sound mean without the mufflers. I thought we took a quick video of it starting and on the hoist.

How big of a difference was that rear sway bar. If we put it on that other setting it will be even more stiff

LOL in my free time I have been thinking about also being v8a6.

#9

The rear sway bar makes a huge difference. I was surprised, but it is immediately apparent.

The car just feels a lot more neutral, and things like lane changes are really quick. Also, the body roll seems lessened, and carving around turns feels like the car isnt stuggling or holding on for dear life. It just GOES!

The best way I can describe the car now is “nimble”. I know it sounds funny, but that is how it feels, which is really surprising when it is a 4000 pound AWD station wagon on all-season tires. It feels like a much smaller, lighter car.

I would love to try it on the stiffer setting just for fun. But really, I think it feels great now.

Thanks again for all your help man!

Now where is that damn exhaust video from CV ? LOL

#10

Me too!

#11

Wow nice write up.

The tangents in this thread remind me of a YouTube show I used to watch, including how to restore headlights, and stickers adding power lol. Awesome.

But seriously I love love love the sticker. Adds a lot of pride. Serious thank you CountVohn; serious thank you Justincredible; and serious thank you v8a6. Total bonus on a car that I woulda been buying regardless.

Yes lol I’m taking notes v8a6, but I’ll probably just switch out to the newer headlights you have, and put the cataracts headlights on the shelf, in case a headlight gets hit by a rock or something. It’ll probably end up facelifted to the newer-looking full grill before it goes for final paint anyways. I was looking for an Ultrasport bumper, similar to what’s on my B6 A4 wagon, and I found this instead:

http://www.lltek.com/HFL_A6_C5_facelift.htm

Looks pretty decent! It’s been the best option I’ve seen so far to sharpen up the front end.

And v8a6, if it’s at all possible to get those mufflers installed before I pick up the car, then please make an appointment with your favorite local shop. I’d prefer not to go cross country with a bombs over Baghdad exhaust lol. Just add the muffler install cost to what we already agreed on. All good.

#12

It’s always nice to see good people getting good cars. I had a A6 originally. I might consider getting another one down the road. The cars are just so cool and I think I can butter up CV to fire back up the belt program.

If you haven’t seen this is the exhaust I want.
http://audirevolution.net/forum/index.php?topic=2621.0

wow on the llteck seriously. I would say that’s the best looking kit ever. I just wonder how much it really is when you figure in everything.

The best thing you can do if you really want to beef up the car is to only listen to the guys on this site. That’s not meant to sound uppity but this site has all the guys that have been there and done that.

#13

UPDATE:

Dan at Perfromance Peddler is a miracle worker, and managed to get me the replacement muffler shipped to my doorstep in Canada within two business days of hearing of the problem. THANKS DAN !!!

Now, I am just awaiting one of the other ones. For some dumb reason I left them both in Detroit. Don’t ask why. It seemed to make sense at the time, but Performance Peddler resolved this issue much more efficiently than I expected.

#14

wow that was a weird decision to leave them behind. How were you going to install it?

Did you buy this from the US and have it shipped to Detroit so that you wouldn’t get raped on duties and stuff?

also how’s your S6 looking? Did you make it up there?

#15

Yes, and that was the basis for leaving them behind, although it was a bad decision now that I look at it.

I didnt want to pay duties and taxes on the whole exhaust, and go through an interrogation when they see a single muffler in the back. I thought we would return it all to PP in Detroit, and then they would ship it to me in Toronto. But, it didnt work out that way.

In hindsight, it was a mistake. I am paying about double to ship the muffler to Toronto than I possibly would have paid on taxes. Honestly, I dont know what I was thinking.

Anyhow, it looks like it will all work out in the end, but Ill just be out an extra $150 USD

Getting back to Toronto was a blast. The new tune seemed to keep adjusting and making more power as the drive went on. I had to wear ear protection, as my ears started hurting after 15min in the car. I guess I have previous hearing damage from spending too much time in nightclubs in my youth, so my ears are really sensitive now, and get fatigued really easily.

#16

Man i hope i didnt get 2 passenger side runs. Ordered my mf catback from performance peddler. Lol hadnt opened it up yet. Car is at local shop pulling dp’s to piggie or cut out and replaced with straight pipe section (precat only) and exhaust install.

Need to pull ecu to send off to jhm. Did you get a tcu tune as well?

#17

I don’t think we could have predicted the best way to handle it. The siuation was crazy that they would make that big of a mistake. Looks like PP is more of a drop ship business with a few scattered supply locations. Due to the time frame we has to work with it was just good you got it all sorted out.

#18

Yeah, you are right. It looks like it is all going to work out in the end anyway. You guys did a great job in getting the car back on the road with the partial exhaust install and everything else done. I couldnt ask for anything more, considering the situation.

And yes, happy, I got a tune too at the same time. After driving it I keep asking myself why it wasnt the first thing that I did when I got the S6. The car feels amazing.

#19

Need to get mine out to their shop to get her tooned. Soon

#20

Need to get mine out to their shop to get her tooned. Soon