Hi All,

Need wisdom from my fellow 997TTs with AWE or other aftermarket exhaust.

I came from 997 GT3 and the only thing I thought 997TT lacked was a proper sound. After some research, I installed AWE Gen.2 exhaust in my 07 997TT last week. I love the exhaust sound at >2000 RPM (even the resonance at 2500 RPM). It is very similar to GT3 now. This is the way all Porsche should have come from the factory.

However, I have interior vibration (buzzing) noise on the front dashboard and passenger door at 1200 RPM to 1500 RPM. During spirited driving, this RPM range is pretty easy to avoid. If you are stuck on ffice:smarttags" /><?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com<st1:address w:st="on">Blue Route</st1:address></st1:Street> around Philly at <st1:time w:st="on" Minute="00" Hour="17">5 PM</st1:time> during rush hour stop and go, this buzzing noise will slowly but surely drive you up the wall.

I consulted with Mike at AWE and he believes this is normal for any aftermarket performance exhaust.

My question:

1) Do you have interior vibration / buzz at low RPM?
2) Is there anything you can do to eliminate / minimize it?
3) Can you learn to live with it?

Thanks in advance for your collective wisdom.

Brian

 

Make sure all your connections are tight, a loose clamp will drone like a ******.

 

I have this exhaust on my car. It is nice. The "buzzing" I could hear from the back was irritating and I finally traced it to the driver's side rear quarter window. While driving and hearing the noise if I gently pushed on the window (it takes a little flexibility!) it would stop. I'm going to take it in to the dealer when it thaws up here.

 

Have no such issues with my Europipe EP1. The cabin has retained the luxuriant feel of no rattles and noises associated to resonant exhaust vibration. On the other hand when i had the Tubi on, which looks very similar in construction to the AWE, the car immediately lost the expensive feel on the inside. There were intrusive sounds from the rear from engine ticking over and other vibrating trim issues....very dissapointing. The install was tight as a drum with no leaks. The crazy thing is that comparing the two systems back to back, the EP1 is actually louder on the exterior if not by a great degree (but certainly noticeable) yet is so much more refined on the interior. Huge difference! It is a far more sophisticated and nicer sounding exhaust inside and out and all round. I found an instant improvement in performance over stock (using a stock tune file) whereas with the Tubi for eg; with the stock file the car actually lost some of its sting particularly in the midrange. I'm not sure about the AWE on performance gains so i cant comment. But your butt dyno should be a good enough indicator though .

I don't go along with any statement that ALL Aftermarket systems cause these types of vibrations and unpleasant noise intrusions. That is simply not the case with EP1..

 

I do not have any such issues with my EP stage 1 either, apart from the key chain (I have the martini racing lanyard, which has a metal clasp and that vibrates on the keyring!! Took me a week to realize, thought it was coming from the vent!).

I know the feeling, the only way that you can swallow it is fix it, it is NOT easy living with it... So find the source and kill it. Drive with someone else around and have them listen, pressing left and right... At least in that RPM it wont be dangerous!

Good luck!

 

But if what Mike AWE says is true that may mean live with it or get rid of the exhaust. I know i tried with the tubi but i found a bad exhaust is like fitting a millstone around your neck. Eventually it will bring you to your knees .

 

+1 EP

I have absolutely no new sounds/rattles/buzzing/clicking etc. after the installation of my EP1. My 2007 with +20,000miles is as solid and rattle free as they come.

Love the Europipe exhaust!!!!

 

i believe u should make sure every connection in ur exhaust is super tight up
i used to have Tubi + RUF + 2.5" X pipe from protomotive and now 3" X pipe and i tried miltek and Cargraphic non of whats mentioned did what u mentioned GL

 

Brian i understand your frustrations. Been there done that. Many of us have changed our exhaust with expectation of obtaining a decent engine note without adversly affecting the car internally. The reality is that unfortunately the car has inherent resonance issues (although mild) between 1800 to 3000rpm whilst under load with the stock system so, to achieve a decent engine note without raising the resonance levels is evidently a near impossible task for many/most AM exhaust manufacturers. The 997tt uses VTG turbochargers which continually change pitch and note depending upon how the ECU sees best fit. You will notice at standstill if you rev your car up to 1800 rpm in neutral, hold the throttle at that rpm and then depress the clutch pedal whilst in neutral you will experience the immediate change in engine note as the vanes change pitch. I would agree with Mike/AWE that all systems will deliver an increase in resonance that will intrude into the cabin and permeate throughout the vehicle (some moreso than others) causing buzzing. Anything remotely loose will buzz and vibrate particularly in the drone zone (1800 to 3000) due to the resonance biproduct produced within the system. You can chase the vibrations and try to fix them but its probably an never ending pursuit over the long term. You just need to get used to it feeling like an old datsun. It would also appear many owners are prepared to make various compromises on the basis of obtaining a loud exterior noise. Anyway,to further my last reply, I will answer your questions in sequence:

1) No. But i certainly did have before fitting my EP1....especially in warm/hot weather with the Tubi. EP1 on the other hand still has a very mild resonance much the same level as the stock system but it cant be felt through the car so the car feels nice and smooth and has a sophisticated feel and interior note about it with the noise it produces. Its design and construction is without any doubt infinately far more sophisticated than most non users are aware of. I maintain if youve never driven a 997tt with an EP for a few days in varying conditions you will never know what im talking about but in comparison to the Tubi for example its like comparing chalk and cheese.....everywhere. You wont be asking these questions with an EP1 nor will you be having to live with with anything other than bliss.

2) Yes. But you may not like the answer so i wont go there.

3) Well I know I couldnt (even though i certainly did try) and, i certainly "tip my hat" to anyone that can/does/could/would. However if you are asking this question at this early stage then i think you already have your answer. Most that are prepared to dont seem to mind the noise right from the beginning.

Hope this helps.

 

They all drone, even the stocker. The only cure for drone is a one piece jointless system such as EP, 1st gen tubi, Ruf, ........anything with clamps will eventually drone like mad. I've had about 6 different systems and heard about 1/2 a dozen others, so I know where I'm coming from. The worst droner was the cg loud, sorry if that offends anybody.

 

Mike (AWE)

Does the new exhaust for the 997.2 TT have this same issue?

 

+1

Some Porsche Turbo S reviews have commented on the louder turbo pipes relative to 997.1 cars but I haven't read any subjective reports from owners here. I, too, hope it is louder. I just gave up my Carrera 4S that, when in Sport Mode, roared like a lion when I put the pedal to the floor!

My Turbo S comes next week but I will have to break it in before I really ride it hard.

 

To clarify, I was asking Mike at AWE if their new aftermarket exhaust for the 997.2 TT had a similar problem as to what the OP has with his 997.1

 

On my second aftermarket exhaust, Cargraphic race and it is spectacular.

First one was garbage.

 

Agreed! I love mine - got it from RSS - great to deal with.