AWE Tuning exhaust installed...drone is unbearable

Hi All, I just had my AWE exhaust installed yesterday on my 2010 CS and the drone between 2000 and 3000 rpm is unbearably loud. I have taken it out for a couple drives so far and each time it actually causes pressure in my ears that gives me an earache. I ordered this particular exhaust because everything I read and was told said that it had the lowest drone out of any of them. I even tried re-adjusting the exhaust on the hangers last night to add tension as was mentioned in another thread but it didn't make any difference. Has any else experienced this? Does it go away once broken in? (even if it was half as loud as it is currently I think it would still be too loud). The only difference I can think of between mine and what others might have is I retained my stock tips. Could the T-joint of the stock tips be causing this much drone? Thanks

Is your car an auto or manual? Also how many miles have you put on it so far? My Borla drones less now than when it was new, I almost have to try and get it to drone. However, that could be my driving style with the 6 speed.

I have the manual transmission on mine. The exhaust was just put on yesterday but the drone is so loud I can't see it quieting down enough to make it drive-able. And just to be clear the drone is there all the time in that RPM range. Not just going up a hill or on the highway but even in 1st gear when accelerating through the RPM range so it is not really avoidable by driving style.

Since the tip is so easy to change, I would swap it out and try. If you're getting it in all RPM ranges it seems something is off. We do know that the factory tip does not flow as well as the aftermarket ones, that's why the dream1 and 2 tips work so well. Or give AWE a call and ask them, most of the manufacturers of Porsche parts are very helpful and support their product 100%.

I've done some work w/ my droning borla ... I loved the sound but tired of the drone. search the forums for the words "porcine rhinoplasty". should get you there. EDIT: even more basic ... did the installer tighten everything in the exhaust path?? this sounds suspiciously like a loose header or other connection! I don't remember what your exhaust configuration looks like so I can only offer one other suggestion: if your car is running rich ... like it's always in warm up mode ... the drone will be significantly increased. even w/ my modified borla, documented in the thread I pointed you to, I can tell when the ecu thinks the car is warmed up. it happens later than the "temperature" gauge would suggest. the car quiets down appreciably. while I'm at it -- look at your Awe and see if there are any points into which you could add the Car Chemistry exhaust inserts. they work. again, see my thread. post a picture of the model exhaust and i may be able to offer suggestions. mmmv, -PM.

That for the tips. I have sent a email to the AWE tech support to see if they have can confirm that this might be caused by using the stock T-connection tips. It might be worth trying the Dream 2 as there is no way I am going to pay over $1000 for the AWE tips. I did get under it yesterday and check and even loosened and re-tightened the fittings to make sure everything is okay. I just took my friend out in it for a second opinion and while he acknowledged there is drone he actually like the drone sound for some reason. Maybe my ears are extra sensitive to the exact frequency being put out by the exhaust between 2 and 3000 rpm.

I didn't realize the AWE tips weren't included. I don't blame you for not spending $1k on tips, that would make that system like $2500+ which is insane.

ChaoticBliss, We have received your email and are looking into it. I must say though, this is not representative of our systems.

Are you getting the popping and gurgles?

We have a 987.1 Cayman S project car, we have the AWE without baffles (I forget the version at the moment, but it's the more aggressive version). We originally had the "T", and it ruined the sound. I found it to be an annoying system, hated driving the car. There were weird gurgles, pops, noise, etc. Our technician guessed it was the "T" causing the problem. We tested the theory by removing the "T", and installing this tip: After the tip was installed, it sounds like a totally different car. Now it sounds fantastic and I enjoy driving the car again. It's still loud, but now it's a real Porsche-style sports car sound. The difference was mind-blowing . No more weird gurgles or pops. The tip above is a wide-open chamber design, seems like it prevents any restrictions. I'm guessing the same would be true for the Boxster Spyder tip or RS60 tips which we offer. I have the Boxster Spyder tip on my 987.1 Cayman (manual, 5-speed, 2.7 liter) with Agency Power Exhaust, and I also love the sound with that system. I've heard folks complain about Agency too, saying it causes cabin resonance issues. I've never noticed issues, and this is my daily driver driven in a city. Occasionally on the highway I might notice a little extra noise, but it's never been annoying or constant. So IMO, don't trust feedback on a 987 exhaust system unless the correct tip is used (Boxster Spyder, RS60 Version: stainless with double tips, or tip shown above). My opinion, sound is VERY subjective. I've tested Agency Power, AWE, and Milltek. Agency and AWE are my current favorites, Agency is on my daily driver. AWE is on our track toy/test mule. Not sure if it's the same system on your 987.2, but I'm sure the "T" could be the issue. - Ric

I do get some popping and gurgles when letting off the gas but nothing too obnoxious. AWE tech support is looking into it so hopefully they have a solution. It could be that my expectations were way to high for this exhaust but I have had aftermarket exhausts on other cars that did drone but none as bad as this.

Here was the car with the old tip: Suncoast Motorsports Cayman - YouTube Under full acceleration, you can hear this weird whistling, or rush of air. That's completely gone now.

Is that the exhaust tip from a base 981 ? Does it bolt right onto a 987, or does it need some tweaking? Have you done any before/after dyno (or other) testing?

I had an AWE system installed on my 2012 Cayman before I took delivery of the car. The first day I picked up the car, my wife and I went for an extended drive. Drone was excessive between 2200 and 2800. So much so that it was hard to carry on a conversation. Did I have regrets? Yes. But the exhaust itself sounded great so I decided to live with it. But over time the drone dissipated. I still have a bit of drone, but it only seems to happen when going uphill at a slow speed - i.e.; when lugging the engine a bit and the revs are in 'that' range. I think it takes a while for things the seals and whatnot to settle. So just give it time. In the mean time, try avoiding the rev range in which the drone occurs. And enjoy the drive! :burnout:

I agree with Tommy, give it some time. Right after installation of my Borla, I thought it was too loud. Approximately 6-8 months later, It's settled in nicely and I absolutely love it. All the parts need to expand, contract and go through different pressures before it breaks in properly.

AWE is a mature outfit but for lowest drone the carnewal will be the winner. Light throttle cruise is hardly louder then stock. Get into it and smile. I think you will be satisfied. - b

I had an AWE, switched to a Carnewal GT, then missed the AWE and went back to it. Everyone says the car sounds great. I drove it from San Diego to Houston with no problems. I think something is wrong with your install. I do have the AWE tip on mine, I bought the system used and it came with it.

It could be that over time your ears lose perception to that frequency of noise and you only think drone has lessened. This drone is common to flat six engines and related to the muffler design. A 914-6 w 2.2E ,webers had the stock hotdog style muffler one end outlet blanked off n 4 rear outlets added. It was still unbearable with 2 of those 4 blocked off. The exhaust is tuning a sound/pressure wave n is a compromise. You decide how much compromise you require.

Hi All, Just wanted to posted an update to this thread for those following it. First off I never heard anything back from AWE which is a bit disappointing. Even if just to say that is way their exhaust is and there is nothing that can be done about it. (which seems like it might be the case after talking to others who have it - though I am still convinced mine must be worse than normal). So I installed the Carnewal about 2 weeks ago. The best way to describe it is stock + 25% more volume (loudness). Anywhere under 3000 rpm it sounds pretty much the same as the stock exhaust which is good as there is no drone whatsoever. Above 3000 rpm is where you get the extra 25% volume. If someone had never heard the stock exhaust and got into my car they would have no idea that it didn't come from the factory that way. Now for my own personal preferences I would actually like something a little louder but it seems you can't get louder with these cars without introducing drone so I will stick with this setup for the time being.

Chaotic- PM sent.

Hello Chaoticbliss, May I suggest you consider installing a DREAM2 with your Carnewal exhaust. Deeper mellower sound with slight increase in gas mileage and performance. Please visit our website: Porsche Boxster,S and Cayman,S fans, Welcome to BC Velocity Exhaust for more information.

Hey Mike still have your car in the league city area?

10 years after this post and I can assure you this problem is still occurring - I completely wasted my money on this AWE exhaust 3 weeks ago. Awful droning at 2,000 to 2,500 rpms. I've put over 1,000 miles on the car to break the exhaust in. The droning continues unabated.

Holy thread resurrection. You'll get the drone with any aftermarket exhaust, the only ones that don't are the PSE system and possibly the carnewal, which is almost the same thing. My Capristo drones and that retails at around $7500. Capristo were no help at all, useless. What I do now is get out of the 2500-3000 rev range as quick as possible, but on the motorway, that's difficult at cruising speed.

Add the Fisker to that list of non-drones. But it is a very short list, and the Fisker mod (basically full time sport exhaust) is rather rare.