<TABLE class=tborder cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=4 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD class=alt1>Today, Chris from NY (E55AMG) and I went over to visit the AWE and Fabspeed facilities to check out their exhaust systems. While Chris's car is still a twinkle in his eye, I brought mine along for comparison.

Both shops seem top notch. AWE fabricates everything in-house, and has quite a set up for both R & D and manufacturing. We saw a really sweet white GT3 they had for prototype fabrication. Mike, the P-car sales specialist, was very friendly and helpful, showed us around the whole place. We took a ride in their beautiful basalt 997 with their exhaust set-up and GIAC ECU. Holy crap!! That's the way a turbo should be! Trying to compare to my stock car, I would estimate about 25% more "go", much quicker spool; I didn't get the chance to really open it up, but I can imagine that sucker really flies! The sound is a little louder than stock, but deeper, more aggressive. Zero drone IMO. A beautiful tone, music to the ears.

Fabspeed, about 6 miles away, just finished adjustments to their GT3 set-up and somebody from the shop peeled away in it (white again) just as we pulled up. Jay was kind enough to let us drive their GR turbo, fitted with exhaust and intake mods, but no ECU mod. Their products are made off-site, but the quality is said to be top-notch. What little I saw seems to agree with that sentiment. The sound of the FS system is even more agressive than AWE, a tad louder still, throatier. At idle, makes a very nice purr and growls just about right when pulling off. No drone, per se, but cabin sound level is higher. Too little time to determine if it would be too much for a long drive. I drove with Bill, the chief designer, and he acknowledged that drone can be a bummer and he made every effort to eliminate it while maintaining the "growl". I think he did a great job.

Which is best? you ask. That's about as subjective as which color do you like best? I'm definitely going to get an aftermarket exhaust, and these two seem to be good options. Decisions, decisions.
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Pleasure meeting you both. Thanks for stopping in!

 

Ya, Mike really knows his stuff...and the shop is beautiful...

 

That was me pullin away in the GT3

 

I'd like to echo Ken's sentiment. Both AWE and FS went out of their way and were great hosts and both are very excited about their products. AWE's facility is impressive and it was very interesting to see the products under construction. Their attention to detail and quality is almost fanatical. I have no doubt FS system is made with that same level of detail - you just can't see it first hand, which when you come down to it, is no big deal. What a great day for a "waiter" like myself to get to play around with some great turbo's and eye Ken's slate car as I wait for mine. Oh, as Ken said, AWE's GIAC tuned car absolutely hauls ***!! VERY impressive!

I know the one thing I will miss with my C2S is that N/A wail at WOT. No TT/exhaust combo can replicate that but both companies have done a great job in improving the sound of this car. FS is a bit more aggressive and maybe has a higher pitch to it. I purposely tried at one point with the car in 4th gear at a relatively slow speed to see if I could hear any drone. I could not detect any but did not get the chance to cruise a highway in 6th to prove that. I know Stephen (Imagine) has this in his car and has installed a bunch and has said there is no drone so I'll take his word.

What's better? Ask me today and I might say FS. Ask me tomorrow and I might say AWE. As Ken said, it's like asking someone what color is better.

I would absolutely recommend either company and either system without hesitation. Thanks Mike and Jay for taking time out of your day.

 

Thank you for the great thread about the AWE/Fabspeed Exhaust system, They both sound great judging from the Videos over at Youtube. However I would like to know if AWE has released their Exhaust tips yet for the 997TT?

Thank you in advance.

 

They have not finished them. Should be out in a month or so.

 

Thanks for the excellent review! I had an AWE exhaust on my X50 and loved it. Yesterday we did a few pulls against an E55AMG. Very impresive car. The tt pulled it by a few car lengths @ about 100, rolling on from about 30. I'm sure from a standing start it would be greater but the E55's performance is substaintial in a straight line. The owner is going to KTR to have a Kleeman kit installed, so obviously I must retaliate ( chip / exhaust/ ?) !!! Here we go again.

 

I've seen AWE's fabrication area and I can say it is most impressive. These guys care about their products and the reputation behind them and it shows. I have their exhaust manifolds for my S4 and they are a work of art.

 

Thank you, Cant wait to see them.