[vhs]

I was set on getting some X-pipe tips for my base C, looking at Soul. I was thinking that in a month or two, I'd get their cat downpipes, and more growl and a performance boost. But... then I started thinking of just doing it all now.

The Soul set up adds 14 hp and 24 ft-lbs of torque for $2200. The downside is not being California emissions compliant, but it's not a worry for five more years and could put the OEM back on. Dealer grief for a new cat is a concern.

The AWE adds 9.5 hp and only 6 ft-lbs of torque for $1950. The downside is less horsepower, having to wait for it to be built, and less attractive tips (subjective, in my opinion).

Sound-wise, it's a toss up. The $250 difference isn't a factor if all is good. I could go for the $1500 AWE Track exhaust and hope it's not too much for my creampuff little 718 (specs in signature), kind of like a chihuahua that barks like a Doberman.

I want the car to sound better and I welcome any performance enhancements. I like having headroom. I know these are two very different approaches. The car is still my primary car, but I have a Q5 to drive to work so my perspective has changed a bit on how I see the car. It's more of a "want to drive" car vs. "have to drive car". It's still a very new car to me, but I love the options I have towards working with what I have to make it "my" car. I can't trade it in for a GTS.

Has anyone else been in this sort of dilemma? If so, what did you choose and what are your thoughts on the backside?

 

[982CS]

I doubt you would notice the difference in horsepower between the two options.

I have the Cargraphics 200 cell downpipe (as well as an ECU tune) on my 2.5s. It did improve the exhaust note - it's a little deeper, has more of burble and you hear the turbo more, and I'd say it's 10-15% louder than before (I have PSE). But there's not a night and day difference. I personally like the fact it's not too loud, as the PSE was loud enough for me. I would say if you want to significantly change the sound (whether that be exhaust note or loudness) the exhaust itself would probably be your best option. Doing both would of course have the biggest impact .

I'm guessing you've heard

(he's a member on here). He has AWE and Soul PP downpipe on a 2.0.

 

[Pinocchio]

I was set on getting some X-pipe tips for my base C, looking at Soul. I was thinking that in a month or two, I'd get their cat downpipes, and more growl and a performance boost. But... then I started thinking of just doing it all now.

The Soul set up adds 14 hp and 24 ft-lbs of torque for $2200. The downside is not being California emissions compliant, but it's not a worry for five more years and could put the OEM back on. Dealer grief for a new cat is a concern.

The AWE adds 9.5 hp and only 6 ft-lbs of torque for $1950. The downside is less horsepower, having to wait for it to be built, and less attractive tips (subjective, in my opinion).

Sound-wise, it's a toss up. The $250 difference isn't a factor if all is good. I could go for the $1500 AWE Track exhaust and hope it's not too much for my creampuff little 718 (specs in signature), kind of like a chihuahua that barks like a Doberman.

I want the car to sound better and I welcome any performance enhancements. I like having headroom. I know these are two very different approaches. The car is still my primary car, but I have a Q5 to drive to work so my perspective has changed a bit on how I see the car. It's more of a "want to drive" car vs. "have to drive car". It's still a very new car to me, but I love the options I have towards working with what I have to make it "my" car. I can't trade it in for a GTS.

Has anyone else been in this sort of dilemma? If so, what did you choose and what are your thoughts on the backside?

My response is "What dilemma?"
Quantitatively: Sunday, I was meatballed at Laguna Seca for 96DB (last lap blow it out) and I was probably under 6K. The 718S is plenty loud with a deep, unmistakable growl, that gets nasty, very early in the wind-out. In fact, I am going install down-tips, though I am not sure how effective they are.
Qualitatively: At the track, NOBODY gives a darn what your car sounds like. What matters is lap time. I'll take torque and speed over exhaust note, every time.

 

[Soul Performance Products]

My response is "What dilemma?"
Quantitatively: Sunday, I was meatballed at Laguna Seca for 96DB (last lap blow it out) and I was probably under 6K. The 718S is plenty loud with a deep, unmistakable growl, that gets nasty, very early in the wind-out. In fact, I am going install down-tips, though I am not sure how effective they are.
Qualitatively: At the track, NOBODY gives a darn what your car sounds like. What matters is lap time. I'll take torque and speed over exhaust note, every time.

We made turn down tips for the original poster if that's something you would be interested in!

-Mike