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Downpipe tuning
What Does the Downpipe Add to the Equation?
Downpipe Tuning
Downpipe Tuning – What Does the Downpipe Add to the Equation?
The downpipe, or rather exhaust tuning, is one of the most popular tuning measures because the sound of a tuned downpipe is unmistakably rich and sonorous. But the sound fun is by no means all that the so-called Y-pipe has to offer. You can also achieve a substantial increase in performance by replacing the boring standard part with the downpipe.
2.5L TFSI Audi RS3 8V & TTRS 8S downpipe plus TÜV/EWG HJS
What is a downpipe?
A downpipe is a pipe that connects the turbocharger to the exhaust system. Accordingly, it is usually located between the turbo and the center silencer. The downpipe can come into play on its own or as part of the sports exhaust and as such replaces the exhaust pipe that is fitted as standard. With its larger diameter, the downpipe reduces the exhaust back pressure, which in combination with other tuning measures results in a significant increase in performance and definitely a lot of driving pleasure.
What does a downpipe do? These are its advantages!
Tuning the downpipe brings you many advantages, especially in conjunction with map optimization (chip tuning). The software is perfectly matched and optimized to the new hardware, which results in a further significant increase in performance. Thanks to the larger diameter of the downpipe, the turbocharger is relieved. This is because it can blow more exhaust gases through a wider pipe, as the back pressure is much lower than with the standard part. In addition, the exhaust gases are cooled down, which noticeably increases performance in the form of torque. The downpipe sound is rich and a pure joy to listen to, which particularly blows motorsport enthusiasts away. All in all, the downpipe is a good way of increasing performance for any vehicle with a turbocharger and a driver with sporting ambitions.
All the advantages at a glance:
- Reduced exhaust back pressure
- Rich and sporty sound
- Increased torque
- Improved response of the turbo
- Longer service life of the turbo
- More horsepower in conjunction with chip tuning
- Significantly reduced fuel consumption
The disadvantages of a downpipe
Unfortunately, installing a downpipe can also have disadvantages. For example, the louder sound is not for everyone and can be annoying under certain circumstances. Another disadvantage of downpipes is the question of type approval. If you do not use your vehicle exclusively on the racetrack, you should definitely install a downpipe with TÜV approval. Another disadvantage, which affects most tuning measures, is the loss of the vehicle warranty. If you also install a downpipe without or with a less efficient catalytic converter, this will lead to increased pollutant emissions and thus a burden on the environment.
How are downpipes constructed?
Depending on the model, the downpipe consists of the connecting flange for the turbocharger, threaded connection for the lambda probe, a flexible pipe, a pre-catalytic converter and a main catalytic converter. The downpipe is connected to the turbocharger flange at the outlet end of the turbocharger.
The flex pipe is used to reduce vibrations and take the tension out of the exhaust system during acceleration. This prevents the individual elements of the exhaust system from separating and increases durability.
The catalytic converters are used to comply with the exhaust values. They filter the pollutants from the exhaust gases and, depending on the design and material, can also further reduce exhaust gas congestion. If you are interested in this topic, take a look at the information on our sports catalytic converters.
Stainless steel has established itself as the material of choice for downpipes, as it can easily withstand the high thermal loads. It is also extremely resistant to corrosion.
Which diameter is the right one depends on your requirements. A larger diameter downpipe always ensures greater throughput and therefore more power and better response.
Downpipes and vehicle inspections – what you need to look out for
(This article refers to German regulations; be sure to check the regulations in your own country.)
Obviously you want to install the downpipe yourself. With the right tool and a little know-how, it’s time-consuming but not very hard. However, you have to get the conversion approved under the vehicle inspection system (TÜV in Germany), otherwise you won’t get far on public roads. To obtain the approval it has to meet certain standards. Our advice: opt for one of our downpipes plus TÜV. Lots of manufacturers also provide approval information on their datasheets and websites.
Want to build your own downpipe?
No worries – you just need the experience, the know-how and the tools. But if you’re a tuning newbie, you’re better off having it installed by a pro at the garage. The approval can very quickly put a spanner in the works – not to mention the manufacturer’s guarantee, and, of course, your safety.
Downpipe kit universal for self-building from BAR-TEK®
Any questions?
Check out our FAQs if you have any questions. Or contact us direct with a chat message or via our contact form.
His first car was a Polo Mk1 with a 40 Weber twin carburetor and 129 PS (95 kW). His second was an Audi 50. Today Bartek tunes Lamborghinis to 1000 PS (735 kW). Even as a young boy, Bartek disassembled vehicles and put everything back together better. He wrote his high school diploma with oil on his fingers. The trained automotive mechanic with a focus on engines and gearboxes was determined to go into motorsports. In his 10 years in Formal 1, he supervised 73 races, including as engine mechanic for Ralf Schumacher at Toyota. Since 2010, he has dedicated himself fully to his company BAR-TEK® and helps his customers to bring VW and Audi engines to peak performance.
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Comments
Thabani Makhathini
10.08.2023, 08:19 Uhr
I want to tune my 2015 BMW M sport 320d to stage 1, is it possible actually I live the sound at the back and put nice Diffuser of 340i.
Popelka Philipp
03.01.2023, 08:39 Uhr
Guten Tag.
Meine Frage wer gibt es eine downpipe mit klappe die man steuern kann
Jerome
11.04.2024, 14:02 Uhr
Hallo,
eine Klappensteuerung in der Downpipe macht meiner Meinung nach nicht soviel Sinn, warum den Motor bzw. Turbolader mit Staudruck drosseln bei geschlossener Klappe. Nichts desto trotz, machbar ist eigentlich alles aber mir ist kein Hersteller bekannt.
Grüsse
Patun Justin
12.12.2022, 07:08 Uhr
Hallo ich fahre einen Audi A4 B9 190 PS
Bj. 2018 (Diesel) und habe ihn bereits auf 230 PS gechippt.
Dazu möchte ich aber auch gerne eine Downpipe einbauen lassen nur die frage wäre welche ?
Dean
15.05.2024, 07:36 Uhr
Hi, für dein Modell haben wir leider nichts in unserem Shop. Kannst du uns vielleicht nochmal per E-Mail dein genaues Modell und deine Motordaten geben?