Hello Guys, So I have been thinking about going stage 2 APR on my car. I currently have stage 1 and a little more power would not hurt. My question is how much louder is the APR downpipe vs stock? Also how noticeable is the difference between stage 1 and stage 2? Thanks!
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APR Downpipe and Stage 2
- Thread starter Yppf77
- Start date
Mk7VW
Banned
- Location
- Somewhere, USA
I have the down pipe. When you cruise it's not loud and when you want it to be loud its pretty loud, but not as loud as cat less. The DSG farts are cool.
normcaldwell
Go Kart Newbie
- Location
- Denver, Colorado
I have somewhat sensitive ears.
I found Stage 2 with APR catted downpipe to be much louder than Stage 1 with stock catted/resonated downpipe.
For me, it was too loud, especially under throttle.
Installed a Vibrant resonator between the stock mid-resonator and rear muffler. Still louder than stock, but much more quiet than prior. DSG farts are still quite noticeable.
For engine performance, I like the Stage 2 setup much more than Stage 1. The APR downpipe moves the cat much further downstream, and the turbo spools earlier and sooner. I think throttle modulation is easier than with Stage 1.
Hi Norm - I have the APR downpipe and also think it's too loud. Could you share more info about the Vibrant resonator, such as the part number and if there were any 'gotchas' installing it?
napadirt
Ready to race!
- Location
- SF Bay Area
- Car(s)
- MK7 2DR PP MT, Macan
I did not care for the sound of the APR downpipe at first. Thought it was too loud and wanted to find a way to return the sound nearer to stock with the same performance.
After some brief reaearch I concluded this wasnot really possible and gave up. After a few weeks, once I got over the change (the car is nearly silent stock), I actaully like the sound of the downpipe.
I think others might have the same expirence. They'll like te sound if given enough time to adapt.
After some brief reaearch I concluded this wasnot really possible and gave up. After a few weeks, once I got over the change (the car is nearly silent stock), I actaully like the sound of the downpipe.
I think others might have the same expirence. They'll like te sound if given enough time to adapt.
ModdedEuros
Go Kart Champion
- Location
- PA
Difference between a stage 1 and 2 tune is pretty noticeable. As far as sound goes, it really depends on personal opinion. We run a full turboback on our car and really is not that loud in my opinion but others will find tbe's to be too loud for them
If you want to keep the car more muffled stick with the stock catback.
If you want to keep the car more muffled stick with the stock catback.
Metaprose
Ready to race!
- Location
- Richmond, VA
Napa, how long have you been stage 2? And when do you plan on going for an upgraded clutch kit?
Metaprose
Ready to race!
- Location
- Richmond, VA
Same question to you. Have you found a need for an upgraded clutch?
normcaldwell
Go Kart Newbie
- Location
- Denver, Colorado
My APR dealer installed a Vibrant 1141 2.5" Ultra Quiet Resonator in the straight section downstream of the stock mid-section resonator, and upstream of the rear muffler.
After the mid-section resonator, the exhaust pipe angles towards the driver's side, then goes straight for about 18 inches, then angles back before going into the rear muffler. The Vibrant 1141 fit nicely in that 18 inch straight section.
It made a big difference in volume, and I certainly feel no difference in power. Very pleased with the result.
PENROSE
Go Kart Champion
- Location
- Pittsburgh
Whatever downpipe you buy (doesn't have to be APR).....just make sure you get it with a cat AND a resonator if your concerned about too much volume.
Pair that up with the stock catback....and you should be very happy.
Most companies that sell downpipes offer the option of getting it with a cat....or a resonator....or both.....or neither.
My personal preference when it comes to the exhaust on this car is a catted and resonated downpipe paired with an aftermarket catback. To me, that sounds the best. Nice sound. Loud only when you want it to be (can control with throttle). No ricey/tinny sound. And no smell (if you get a cat)
As for which downpipe is the best???
Man..................it's a PIPE, for fucks sake. As long as it fits well..and doesn't leak....it's good. This is just MY opinion, but paying top dollar for a big popular name brand down PIPE is ridiculous. Most downpipes are made from the same identical materials. Same guage. Same stainless steel. Etc. Some may have prettier welds or what have you.....but whatever. For the most part, a $399 dollar downpipe is just as good as an $800 one.
Again....my opinion
I know many will disagree
Pair that up with the stock catback....and you should be very happy.
Most companies that sell downpipes offer the option of getting it with a cat....or a resonator....or both.....or neither.
My personal preference when it comes to the exhaust on this car is a catted and resonated downpipe paired with an aftermarket catback. To me, that sounds the best. Nice sound. Loud only when you want it to be (can control with throttle). No ricey/tinny sound. And no smell (if you get a cat)
As for which downpipe is the best???
Man..................it's a PIPE, for fucks sake. As long as it fits well..and doesn't leak....it's good. This is just MY opinion, but paying top dollar for a big popular name brand down PIPE is ridiculous. Most downpipes are made from the same identical materials. Same guage. Same stainless steel. Etc. Some may have prettier welds or what have you.....but whatever. For the most part, a $399 dollar downpipe is just as good as an $800 one.
Again....my opinion
I know many will disagree
Johnny Blaze
Go Kart Champion
- Location
- SFV 818
a $399 DP is not as good as my $900 neuspeed DP sorry, i have a CAT that is CEL free, and i bet you the material is 10x better and the FITMENT.
Great info, Norm. I'm going to do the same. Many thanks!
PENROSE
Go Kart Champion
- Location
- Pittsburgh
10x better material?......what is your downpipe made of?
Every downpipe I've looked at (including Neuspeed) is made of 304 mandrel bent stainless
And as far as fitment....yes, that's important but all you have to do is do some homework and research a little before pulling the trigger on a downpipe to see if there are any fitment issues
As for the CEL free? Most people who get a downpipe get tuned so if there were a CEL the tune takes care of that. If no tune then a spacer works
I see most are selling Neuspeed downpipe for over $1,000
I'm sure it's a very nice piece of pipe.....but there is no way in hell I would ever spend that much in a downpipe.
You could get one for less than half that and it would perform/dyno/sound exactly the same
Would it last as long? Hell....I dunno. As long as it lasts as long as I own the car, that's all I care about. If it starts falling apart after 6 yrs.....that's the next owners problem
It's a PIPE.
Now....when it comes to catbacks??
I will pay more of a premium price for a catback. Different catbacks have different designs.....some have 3 mufflers.....some have 2....some 1.....some none. Some have 2 tips....quad tips...bigger/smaller tips....oval....carbon fiber....burnt tips....etc
And there is fitment to worry about again
And different catbacks have different sounds.....some more aggressive than others...etc
So for that....I will pay extra.
But not for a downpipe. Sorry I just won't
Once again this is just my opinion......and if I am the only one on this forum who feels this way, then so be it