Cheapest sound upgrades

[bosstucker]

Hey guys, got an 02 C4s (no PSE) and I'm wondering what I can do to spice up the sound of that beautiful flat 6. It's not a major priority now so I'm only allocating 1k to the project, and would prefer something that didn't destroy my MAF or what not, so does anyone have any tips on what is reliable and cheap and makes the car a bit louder?

[714dre]

I'd say go with a new pair of mufflers...

I recommend Cargraphic... awesome German product for a German car.

[Tecra]

Hey guys, got an 02 C4s (no PSE) and I'm wondering what I can do to spice up the sound of that beautiful flat 6. It's not a major priority now so I'm only allocating 1k to the project, and would prefer something that didn't destroy my MAF or what not, so does anyone have any tips on what is reliable and cheap and makes the car a bit louder?

i would recommend one of those cold air intakes (just a plastic elbow)

but some some searching here and you can find the parts to construct your own. exhaust parts are expensive and you should also consider the muffler by pass pipes ($200)

even though it MAY throw CEL. you can clear it with the enthusiast version durametric cable ($100). the by pass pipes give the most authentic race sound produced. sounds just like a gt3! driver beware, its very loud. check out fabspeed video of the bypass pipes

btw, i do run all these parts myself except i still have the schnell cold air intake laying around (less than a year on her). i removed it as i have supercharger installed and running different air filter/box. i can sell you mine for $25 plus shipping

[jgriffin56]

Check out doing the PSE upgrade on your own mufflers. Putting a pipe from the intake part of the muffler to the out side, will add sound for a small amount of money, Most muffler shops can do and DIY on Rennlist will show you how. Then get the Cold air intake from Fabspeed, which does not use any oiled air filter (like K&N) that will foul your MAF. Here you go for under $500

[bosstucker]

Thanks guys! I have to try this for sure. Does the schnell CAI run an oiled filter, how reliable are they (MAF issues)? And does it make a noticeable sound difference? Even subtle changes are welcome!

[1dmurrray]

I just put the Schnell kit on my '01 C4. I am using a stock paper air filter, and I like the throatier intake sound.

I cleaned the throttle body at the same time. There is a DIY tutorial for this. Highly recommended. Engine purrs like a kitten now. Idle, acceleration and deceleration are much smoother.

I would like to try the Fister modified mufflers for the 996. $265 with core exchange. http://fdmotorsports.net/fister-exhaust-996

[valley996]

I did the fister exhaust on mine. It's inexpensive and sounds great. He does a great job and I got mine powder coated. I wouldn't even consider one of the expensive exhausts when you can do this one. It's louder than stock of course but its not too much. Sounds really good when your accelerate.

Edited December 21, 2012 by valley996

[1dmurrray]

Valley996: Did you install the Fisters yourself? Any tips on getting the stock mufflers out? I've seen the diagrams, but the 3 bracket bolts appear to be difficult to reach.

[valley996]

I did it myself. Remove rear bumper cover and heat shields. Muffler bolts may be rusted, so either spray with liquid wrench or heat with torch. Do one or the other. There might be a DIY on here. I replaced all the bolts while I had them off. Fister does a fast turn around and quality work. I bought my bolts and couplings from Fister. He was cheaper than most places. If you haven't done it, replace your spark plugs while your mufflers are off. It makes that job easier.

http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/42727-muffler-clamp-replacement/?hl=%2Bremoving+%2Bmufflers

Edited December 22, 2012 by valley996

[1dmurrray]

I did it myself. Remove rear bumper cover and heat shields. Muffler bolts may be rusted, so either spray with liquid wrench or heat with torch. Do one or the other. There might be a DIY on here. I replaced all the bolts while I had them off. Fister does a fast turn around and quality work. I bought my bolts and couplings from Fister. He was cheaper than most places. If you haven't done it, replace your spark plugs while your mufflers are off. It makes that job easier.http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/42727-muffler-clamp-replacement/?hl=%2Bremoving+%2Bmufflers

It looks like I have a new project. Thanks.

[valley996]

It's not difficult just a little time consuming. I just got mine back on the road, new ims, rms, coil packs, starter, torque converter rebuild. I did alright for the most part. This forum and the members helped me so much.

Edited December 22, 2012 by valley996

[Stakeman]

+1 on the Fister type of mod. I in now way will discount his work, it does look like he does a flawless job. I did some research locally and found a shop that has a reputation for excellent exhaust work on high end cars. I showed them what I was looking for, saw some of their work and had them do the same thing for 100 bucks out the door. If you do a search there is no shortage of guys doing this mod. The most important thing is find a shop that does great welds. As far as removing the mufflers, I did mine with the bumper still on the car. It's a tight sqeeze but very doable.

[DK570]

It seems there are two ways to modify the mufflers for a PSE always on effect, depending on where the new pipe is added. Looking at pics of the factory PSE, it seems like the top picture is closer to the routing that PSE uses. Anyone know anything about the differences?