I have a pretty well loaded C2S, has nearly everything you can get except PSE, and I wanted some sound and a little performance boost so after long research I ended up buying the AWE locally.


I've had two days to drive the car with the exhaust now and I have noticed that at idle the valves are open and the car is slightly audible, at low RPM the car sounds almost identical to stock, and at high RPM and heavy throttle it screams, it's the loudest thing I've ever driven... I once owned an S2000 with an Invidia Ti Race exhaust, I know loud.


Is there a way around this lack of sound between idle and what seems like about 3000 RPM? It's a bit frustrating how the car goes from quiet to loud in a snap of a finger at what, to an outsider, probably seems like a very random moment. I also love the popping and gurgling the car makes when I lift off the throttle, but I only get a brief moment of it before the valves close and everything goes away, there's no sound on down shifts either.


I have to say that I'm pretty surprised how the whole thing seems to be centered around being quiet and docile and will only make noise (albeit a ****-ton of noise) when you really stomp on it.


Does anyone know if there's a way to permanently open the valves? I don't want to go through a return process quite yet, I'm still on the fence about it to be honest, but I'd love to understand why they sold me an exhaust that is essentially stock with a random moment of noise at full throttle, above a certain RPM, at a certain speed, etc. It's finicky.

 

Ouch, I would have the same concerns you are experiencing. I really like the sound of the AWE at full throttle and almost bought one ... but finally decided what I really wanted was a bit more sound was at the lower RPMs ... and probably not as much sound as the AWE offered. Which would be my problem in having the valves open all the time. I know that there are lots of folks out there that are really happy with their AWE but I finally decided it wasn't for me. And I do think your exhaust is working exactly as designed -- opening the valves around 3200 rpm.

I opted for a dealer installed PSE and although Ive only had it a couple of weeks I have been happy with it. Reading your post makes me realize that I am actually VERY happy with my choice.

Good luck on whatever you decide to do....

 

It sounds like your ears aren't happy with the exhaust. No amount of words or explanations will change that. I'd say bite the bullet, return the AWE, and get yourself a PSE. It's truly an outstanding exhaust through the entire rev range (I have 46k miles on mine )

 

Just a tribute to how people want different things. I have had my AWE on two cars. I personally prefer the lower sound at lower RPM but really love the sound at higher rev's especially on the track. For me the key was no drone when cruising on the highway. I also am happy with the extra power and torque in the mid rev range.

 

Just add PSE. I activate with the AWE when I'm out running about. I shut it off when I get to my neighborhood.

 

I considered this but the $~4k for the PSE followed by another $~3k for the AWE was just way too much for me....

 

I totally agree: I would hate the AWE system without PSE for the very same reason as the OP. But I must add that the AWE is really incredible with PSE switched to "ON."

I love rumbling around at lower RPMs and goosing the throttle every now and then. My car always turns heads whenever I'm entering or exiting a car gathering. Okay, so I guess I never will grow up.

As an aside: I had a similar system on my previous ZO6 (the exhaust opened at 3K). I located the fuse for the circuit that activated the vacuum controlled solenoids and rigged an "on-and-off" switch, which enabled me to activate the system at will. I eventually added a radio-controlled switch, which added some class.

Perhaps a similar system will work on your 911. This would definitely give you what you're looking for. Good luck!

 

You have to understand that the two valves on all these exhausts - from stock to aftermarket to the Porsche Sport Exhaust and all software controlled and designed to open at around 3,700 RPM. The opening of the valve is physically controlled by a vacuum line which in turn is activated by the car's computer based on rpms. The diagram looks like this:



So, to keep the valves open you can either apply engine vacuum to them from idle or jam/wire them open, or you could install an inline switch to the solenoid and override the systems if you can figure out where the solenoid is located, its not easy to trace those vac lines back. I've not done it on mine because I like the car quiet under 3,700 rpm as that loud noise will drive you batty cruising on a long trip at 70 mph. But to each his own.

All the center-muffler pipe delete units, regardless of maker will be quite loud as you have removed the primary muffler from the car. The Side Mufflers that remain can't dampen it enough. Some like it loud, others not so much. I had an AWE on my car briefly and it was too loud for me, and then installed a full Tubi system which is perfect for me.

 

Got the Kline Iconel myself. Thought the AWE was a little too loud (even though I did like it) and I wanted a more F1growl. The Kline is a great quality build and a full system. I did have PSE though prior so I have the switch to activate.

 

thank you for the detailed response, I'm not interested in jury-rigging things on the car (I'm sure understandably) so what is the next option? The car is not a daily driver so my intention was not to have it sound like one, I really just wanted a great sounding exhaust. If I went with a full cat back system including the side mufflers would I end up with a system that does not make use of these valves?

 

Not the whole system, just the console pieces. Attached is the parts list. The switch may be different for your car depending on it's set-up. $400 for parts.

 

I emailed awe and they said customers wanting what I want just disconnect the vacuum line that closes the valve and plugging it, this leaves the valves open all the time.

The shop I purchased the exhaust through said that's fairly normal and the owner is happy to do it free of charge. If it's too loud I can always re-connect the line, we'll see how it goes.

 

You dont' really need to take the car in to do that, long as you don't mine a little crawling under the car. You can pull the lines off the valves in 30 seconds once you get down there. Stick a rubber plug on the valves and a screw into the vac line itself and you're in business. Ten minute job, tops.

 

yup, but AWE emailed the owner of the shop and he emailed me, offered to do it for me at no charge and he has a lift. He put the car in the air and cleanly took off the correct valve and said "sounds great, have a nice day, if you want to put it back just let me know."


Thanks for the posts.