Review of AWE Performance Exhaust NA 911 3.4 PDK
Review of AWE Performance Exhaust NA 911 3.4 PDK
I installed the AWE Tuning Performance Exhaust with Chrome Tips on my PDK 2014 C2 (non PSE).
Performance exhaust systems are each designed to meet the specific needs of the end user. For example, different folks desire different degrees of increase in sound, type of sound (depth of throatiness), power and torque. With this in mind, it is important to provide the reader with my wants and desires, in selecting an exhaust. I wanted the following:
1. Sound – IMHO, the 2014 C2 (non PSE) 991 is too muted in its stock version.
2. Increase in power and torque – I enjoy Autocross and frequently participate. I wanted increase in those power ranges typically from 2500rpm - 5000rpm. I also run HPDE a few times a year so I wanted increased power through 7,000 rpm.
3. Compliance – The system had to be emission compliant and not throw CEL’s every time I used my car. I also wanted a system that would not automatically void my warranty. I am willing to fight for the right to use an after CAT exhaust, however I want a fighting chance to prevail should I suffer a cataclysmic engine failure.
4. Return back to stock – Since I lease my car, I did not want to spend a small fortune returning it to the stock exhaust.
My evaluation of the AWE Performance Exhaust will primarily be based upon the above objectives:
1. Sound – I reside in a large high rise with underground parking. I could not have a system that would shake the building at low rpm’s unless I wanted to be evicted. This system met that requirement and exceeded my expectation. When driving at low rpm’s it is a bit more throaty than stock. When cruising in 7th gear at less than 1900 rpm, it is quiet with no discernible drone. I did detect a bit of a higher pitched tone at constant 1,750 rpm in 7th. Simply moving off 1,750 rpm to 1,800 made the pitch disappear. In short, it is “stock like” in sound at overdrive highway cruising.
Step on the accelerator and the exhaust sound comes to life, the harder the acceleration the louder the sound. The balance of the sound with the acceleration is just right. I don’t how these guys did it, but they got it right. At very high RPM’s the sound is loud but only through continuing acceleration. So, if you hit it hard, then back off and maintain 5,000 rpm the sound decreases to a lower level but louder than stock. The back off pops and crackles are not very loud and seemed just about right for me.
2. Power and Torque – The system technical sheet indicates an increase of 29 hp and 33 tq at 4430 rpm. I can verify that I can feel the increased power and torque in the 3000 rpm to 5000 rpm range. It is almost like having another Sport + setting from 3,000 rpm to 5000 rpm. It is not a surprise as the power gain represents approximately 20% more hp and 16% more torque at 4430 rpm. The peak power and torque gains are negligible 4 hp and 4 tq. Weight savings are 12 lbs from stock.
Other observations and information:
• No CEL’s were thrown in one week and 300 miles of driving.
• Install was two hours, including removal of center muffler. Rear bumper cover did not have to be removed, saving about 1 hour of labor at least. I think my mechanic had small hands.
• Workmanship of the system is excellent. No install glitches as everything fit precisely.
• Chrome tips are better looking than the website pictures. Very smart in appearance.
• Cost, including tips and install was $1800 all in.
Disclaimer: I have no financial interest or any other relationship with AWE Tuning other than that of a customer.
Performance exhaust systems are each designed to meet the specific needs of the end user. For example, different folks desire different degrees of increase in sound, type of sound (depth of throatiness), power and torque. With this in mind, it is important to provide the reader with my wants and desires, in selecting an exhaust. I wanted the following:
1. Sound – IMHO, the 2014 C2 (non PSE) 991 is too muted in its stock version.
2. Increase in power and torque – I enjoy Autocross and frequently participate. I wanted increase in those power ranges typically from 2500rpm - 5000rpm. I also run HPDE a few times a year so I wanted increased power through 7,000 rpm.
3. Compliance – The system had to be emission compliant and not throw CEL’s every time I used my car. I also wanted a system that would not automatically void my warranty. I am willing to fight for the right to use an after CAT exhaust, however I want a fighting chance to prevail should I suffer a cataclysmic engine failure.
4. Return back to stock – Since I lease my car, I did not want to spend a small fortune returning it to the stock exhaust.
My evaluation of the AWE Performance Exhaust will primarily be based upon the above objectives:
1. Sound – I reside in a large high rise with underground parking. I could not have a system that would shake the building at low rpm’s unless I wanted to be evicted. This system met that requirement and exceeded my expectation. When driving at low rpm’s it is a bit more throaty than stock. When cruising in 7th gear at less than 1900 rpm, it is quiet with no discernible drone. I did detect a bit of a higher pitched tone at constant 1,750 rpm in 7th. Simply moving off 1,750 rpm to 1,800 made the pitch disappear. In short, it is “stock like” in sound at overdrive highway cruising.
Step on the accelerator and the exhaust sound comes to life, the harder the acceleration the louder the sound. The balance of the sound with the acceleration is just right. I don’t how these guys did it, but they got it right. At very high RPM’s the sound is loud but only through continuing acceleration. So, if you hit it hard, then back off and maintain 5,000 rpm the sound decreases to a lower level but louder than stock. The back off pops and crackles are not very loud and seemed just about right for me.
2. Power and Torque – The system technical sheet indicates an increase of 29 hp and 33 tq at 4430 rpm. I can verify that I can feel the increased power and torque in the 3000 rpm to 5000 rpm range. It is almost like having another Sport + setting from 3,000 rpm to 5000 rpm. It is not a surprise as the power gain represents approximately 20% more hp and 16% more torque at 4430 rpm. The peak power and torque gains are negligible 4 hp and 4 tq. Weight savings are 12 lbs from stock.
Other observations and information:
• No CEL’s were thrown in one week and 300 miles of driving.
• Install was two hours, including removal of center muffler. Rear bumper cover did not have to be removed, saving about 1 hour of labor at least. I think my mechanic had small hands.
• Workmanship of the system is excellent. No install glitches as everything fit precisely.
• Chrome tips are better looking than the website pictures. Very smart in appearance.
• Cost, including tips and install was $1800 all in.
Disclaimer: I have no financial interest or any other relationship with AWE Tuning other than that of a customer.
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