AWE tuning Cayman exhaust coming soon

http://www.awe-tuning.com/ With all the interest in exhaust systems and wanting to get some more HP I figured I would see what AWE was up to. I was interested in AWE and if they were going ot start developing any Cayman modsandI was told my inquiry was timely and that they have a Cayman they are testing.They said they are complete with their testing and dyno runs for a full exhaust set-up.If anyone here knows anything about AWE they only develop and built parts for Porsche, Audi and VW and are a GIAC dealer. They have some great exhaust set-ups and get some pretty great gains on their exhaust systems which they Dyno all results before and after on a Mustang dyno. I was told that they will have the Cayman S dyno results with videos and pricing coming out within a week or two.Hopefully, they will post here in this site.

Here is what AWE says about their Carerra GT Exhaust system: Option highlights: <ul> [*]+12 ftlbs crank torque gain at 3000rpms with muffler [*]+22 ftlbs crank torque gain at 3200rpms, +12 hp crank gain at 6700rpms with straight pipes [*]26 lbs weight savings with muffler [*]50 lbs weight savings with straight pipes [*]100% stainless steel tubing and flex joints [*]Lifetime Warranty [/list] The results of our Carrera GT exhaust development were significant, given the high level of engineering that went into the factory system. Our comprehensive testing included dyno testing of the vehicle with the stock exhaust in place and removed, so that we knew exactly what we were up against with our design challenges. The factory muffler is an impressive piece, consisting of several chambers and vacuum actuated flaps to give a very high pitched street legal sound without impacting power output tremendously. However, the results of this type of sound control results in a muffler weighing in at over 75 lbs, which is the heaviest muffler we have ever weighed for a mid or rear engine vehicle. By eliminating the flap mechanisms, as well as using a straighter path for the exhaust gasses, we were able to gain quite a bit of power in the low end of the rpm range, while virtually matching the stock muffler high rpm power output. And in the process, we were able to shave off 26lbs from the assembly, resulting in a 49 lbs muffler weight. The sound is just slightly louder than stock as measured in the cabin, and with a tone that is a mix between the high pitch of the stock muffler and the low pitch of the open exhaust with no muffler. Our system is also modular, meaning that straight pipes can be installed to delete the muffler, resulting in a very aggressive sound and even more power gains. Installation of the straight pipes means another 24 lbs of weight savings over stock. Considerable time was taken to document critical interface issues of the exhaust and the rest of the vehicle. The factory design uses a hemispherical gasket shape where the muffler inlet tubes mate to the over-axle pipes. Through careful digitizing of this gasket's profile, we were able to duplicate the tubing shape that it is clamped against, ensuring a leak-free seal. We also use a stainless steel lined braided flex joint on each inlet tube, just like the factory. A lined flex joint allows for proper heat expansion/contraction of the system while permitting an uninterrupted smooth bore for ultimate gas flow. Special high temperature tubing wrap is used on the inlet tubes and tailpipes, just like factory, to ensure proper heat shielding to carbon fiber structural and trim pieces. We also increased tubing diameter from 2.75' to 3.00'. All adjustments for fitment are retained, just like factory. Like all our exhaust products, fitment, performance, sound tone and volume are all carefully documented, verified, and field tested by our engineers and designers.

Check out what they did with the 997 Carerra S System highlights: <ul> [*]+39 crank hp, +31 crank tq with full system [*]9.4 lbs weight savings from lighter mufflers [*]300 cell catalysts for long term emissions compliance and no check engine lights (100 cell cats available upon request) [*]304 stainless steel construction throughout [*]Reuses stock tips [/list]

I saw an advert for this product in the August issue of European Car. Is anyone using it now, or does anyone know more about it on the CS? It's priced at $1695 and promises 11 hp and 9lb-ft in torque gains. It looks pretty good in photos. AWE Tuning has some nice video and audio about the prouct on their website. Comments?

Just a general comment that AWE has been around for quite a while and has a very good reputation in the Audi /VW community. I have a set of their downpipes on my S4, and they seem very high quality. I've heard the Cayman cat back won't be available until Aug 8th. I asked them if they had any plans to do headers and was toldthey do not at this time. I also confirmed that this exhausteliminates the 2nd set of cats. I have no connection with awe other than a satisfied customer. Hope that helps - Dave

You might want to look at the Orton headers See the header thread in the Mods forum for the pciture. The headers with cats are $2795 and they are made in the USA. Neil Orton Tel [phone removed] Fax [phone removed] www.ortonusa.com

Square boxes do not make the best flow, plus it looks like they did away with the secondary cats. I wouldn't put this on my car unless it was tested and proven first.

kreggin - Orton uses FABSpeed headers.

I bet it has a resonance problem.

I was going to say the same thing, but AWE is a reputable tuner so lets see what comes out of their testing. Lets not rule out the possibility of them making a great exhaust system. The more products out there for the Cayman, the better it will be for us.

Hmm, I was just on the website. The price right....and it's polished. The dyno numbers and sound from the video clip seems promising. It's kinda different looking. Boy the choices are starting to pile up. I think an exhaust shootout is seriously in order!

I am interested to see the dyno gains. It looks like an air conditioning duct though???

Hi Guys, We're not a sponsor of this forum (yet?), so I don't want to step on any toes in regards to commercial posting here. I'll try to keep this as non commercial as possible and only respond to some of the posts in this thread. Our muffler uses perforated round tubing inside the can, and is a straight through design. The shape of the can plays no role in the power results, and it is the same one we use on our 996TT system. Modularity is one of the reasons for being able to keep the pricing down. Without giving away too much info, a picture of the internals can be seen here: We also use a chamber at the outlet connected to a balance pipe between the two cans. The open chamber and balance pipe really cleaned up the sound, eliminating some pops and roughness, while not losing any power or increasing the volume noticeably. We dyno tested each version in house. As a lot of Porsche owners can attest from other forums, our mufflers are famous for no drone design. We spend weeks and months perfecting sound tone through miles and miles of street driving before releasing a system. We believe that a system's ability to please the owner through the day to day driving is one of the most important aspects, vs just giving an awesome sound at full throttle. Let's face it, we spend more time at part throttle than full throttle on our US roads. Dyno sheets, more photos, and a comprehensive video can be found on our website. Any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me here or directly. Edited by - Todd/AWE on 08/15/2006 10:17:40 AM

Mr. Sager, Please check your PM regarding the AWE exhaust . Thanks. Vic (Silversled)

Okay, We just installed the first AWE exhaust on the White Cayman CS you have probobly seen pictures of. Ican assure you that AWE makes a very high quality exhaust , and it sounds great. Todd does extensive testing, and they have their own dyno in shop to assure his numbers stack up. Fit and finish is first rate and our customer is gushing about the extra horsepower. The dyno says an 11 hp gain, but it feels like more. I know that there are other exhaust options, but for me it is AWE all the way. They have never let me down. PSvery littleresonance--that is why they retained the cross pipe like the factory exhaust .

What other mods did the test Cayman S have?

None as of yet. Just the exhaust .

Good on the difussed pipe through the can, that will reduce the standing waves that causes resonance drone. It would be interesting to see the WHP gain if this is coupled with a bundle-o-snakes headers .

I was close to getting the AWE exhaust but when they didn't offer headers , that is why I choose the miltek. AWE does make good stuff.

any plans in the future to offer a 'full exhaust '? also, even though there is 11hp gain is it all top end?..noticable change in the power band?

Red, The dyno charts on the awe web page should answer your powerband questions. When I inquired about it a couple weeks ago, I was told they have no plans for headers at present. hope that helps - Dave

Yes on the noticable changes in the power band (see AWE web site). Also remember that not everyone wants to replace headers and cats. The AWE exhaust costs $1,695 and only requires us 2 hours to install. That is under $2k for a good hp gain and a much better sound. Then if you want more hp, GIAC can help with a DME update (do I sound like I am cautiously approaching that subject) and add anEvo intake--net 7 extra hp. Also, please note that AWE did testing on headers , and they have not ruled out a system for the future. They just are very meticulous about their development process, and they are not at a point where the hp gain warrants the price. They obviously have had succes with headers in the past (see their C2S system that boosts hp by 40)! Like I said there are alot of great options out there for a Cayman S , amd in the end you just need to pick what sounds and performs best--while fitting in your budget. Let me know if anyone has any other questions-- am happy to help.

Richard you failed to answer my PM, please do so immediately or else I will be forced to shut this thread down.

The sound clip didn't sound that much different to the stock exhaust from where I'm sat? Manufacturers should video a stock Cayman next to their product so the viewer can really tell the difference side by side. They would sell more product IMHO. The quality of the AWE looks nice though!

Anyone have any further comments on AWE? I am contacting them about the exhaust system today. I will let everyone know what happens.

Yes they are supposed to be sending me a unit to test. I have emails/phone calls into them currently, just waiting on a response back.