AWE Tuning Catback Exhaust on Porsche Cayman S

[MikeSouzaYT]

For lots more information about Cayman Exhausts, google 'Cayman Register'. If you're not a PCA member, enter 'Trial' as your PCA number when you register.

[JasonBayly13181]

Mike,

In your opinion, what is the best exhaust in regards to sound, quality, and bang for your buck? I'm looking to get one for my '07 Cayman S within the next two months and not sure what route to go. Any feedback from you is appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[MikeSouzaYT]

@JasonBayly13181

That's so hard to answer, because each has a different set of strenghts and weaknesses. The things you should consider are fit, quality, warranty, sound, drone, vibration, construction material, etc....

One system may sound the best, but may deliver a lot of drone. Another may drone less but not deliver the same sound. How is the vehicle used? Track, weekend, daily driver? 6 speed or Automatic? and so on....

[JasonBayly13181]

@MikeSouzaYT I appreciate the feedback. My Cayman S is a car I put 2500 or less miles per year on. It's not a track car, just a toy really. It's a 6 speed manual as well. I just want a good sound with a nice HP increase mainly. I really liked the Borla sound a lot and got a few thumbs up from some friends who I showed that video to as well. Definitely leaning towards it I think and will most likely be adding it toward the end of March when the weather breaks a little.

[MikeSouzaYT]

@JasonBayly13181

The Borla is hands down the best sounding, and best made. On the down side, it delivers more drone (2,200-2,800 RPM under load) than most others. You can learn to drive around it, and considering your annual mileage I don't think this will be a big problem for you. It's most annoying when the car is used in a city environment where lots of low RPM pulls and shifting are needed.

In regard to horsepower, every system I've tried delivered about 15-20 hp.

[JasonBayly13181]

@MikeSouzaYT Thanks again for the information. I'm a novice at exhausts. I noticed from the video that there is a sucking sound from the exhaust after it's revved up and the rpm's are starting to come back down. Is this what you mean by the drone sound? Someone labled it as a "queef" sound, haha. Sorry for the poor use of words. If that's the sound you mean, I can see where it would be an annoyance. Not sure how much I like that sound to be honest. The rest sounds great!

[MikeSouzaYT]

@JasonBayly13181 No. That sucking sound is called 'reversion'. That's when the engine will actually suck air in from the exhaust. The camera kind of amplifies that sound.

Drone is more like a low howl. The hatch in our Caymans acts like a big horn, amplifying sounds in the 100hz range. Many systems (Borla included) can deliver a very loud howl if you step on the gas hard in the 2,200-2,800 RPM range. This is drone, and it kind of sucks. I suggest you test drive one.

[Zontalim]

borla is my favorite

[Carshouston]

how come there are 3 different vids with the same cayman, the same location, al of the l sound are the same but with 3 different exhaust brand ?

[MikeSouzaYT]

@Carshouston ... Because I tested all three systems. I intentionally tested them all in the same place, on the same car, with the same camera angle, distance, setup, etc..., so I could provide the best A/B comparison possible. Listen again, they do NOT sound the same.

You may notice that they were shot during different times of the year. Look at the trees, grass, etc...

I wrote up comprehensive product reviews on these, published at the PCA Cayman Register.

[etechremapping]

I'm thinking of a full Milltek system on my DE1 - meant to give 25hp - what do these give ? I'm after the biggest gains. I've already had a motorsport map on it for 28hp and a BMC but am chasing mooorrreee !

[MikeSouzaYT]

@etechremapping The Milltek is a nice system, especially if you're looking for less sound. It's probably the quietest system out there, but still not free of drone. If you're looking for the most gains, the Milltek is probably not the first choice. Most dyno charts I've seen of the Milltek put it in the 8-10 RWHP range. The AWE, Borla and SpeedART are up around 15-18 RWHP on an otherwise stock Cayman. Most get more when combined with a DME flash. Google Cayman Register for dynos.

[nickeroo]

Mike, do you prefer the Awe or Borla?

[MikeSouzaYT]

@nickeroo The Borla sounds the best, but the AWE is more streetable.

[nickeroo]

@MikeSouzaYT Thanks Mike

[MikeSouzaYT]

@Oggy2007UK They are all different. The Capristo should be at the top of anyone's list, but you just need to know it's freaking LOUD in open mode. Too loud if you run on a track like Lime Rock or Laguna Seca.

The Borla is very agressive and loud, with some healthy drone under load between 2,200-2,800 RPM.

The AWE is less agressive, with more controllable drone in the same area.

The speedART is quieter still, with less and more controallable drone, but it still has drone.

[MikeSouzaYT]

I would disagree. The Capristo is a great exhuast system, one of the only bi-modal systems out there, able to switch from quiet to loud with the push of a button. It sounds nothing like the AWE. In the quiet mode, it sounds very quiet, like stock. In the loud mode, it sounds like it has straight pipes. Lots of crack and rasp. It does not have the deep robust sound that the AWE or Borla do.

Also, in loud its way too loud for a sound controlled track event. And, it costs ~ $5,000.

[abdulelahqutub]

fucking amazing difference

i'm planing to get a cayman s next year I'm definitely getting this upgrade

Question: are you filming in virginia?????

[MikeSouzaYT]

Nope. Connecticut.

[porschecarreragtmay6]

Out of the speedART, AWE, and Borla exhausts you have had, which one is the loudest while gunning it?

[MikeSouzaYT]

@porschecarreragtmay6

Hands down, the Borla.

[porschecarreragtmay6]

@MikeSouzaYT I also think that it sounded the best.

[a1rs0ftman]

very nice video, you live in a wonderful nature! i think this exhaust gives an amazing sound but it still sounds like porsche, but the borla was more aggressive and racing :) just my laic opinion.

[MikeSouzaYT]

I like them both for different reasons. The Borla is more "Yeee haaaa..... Let's rip...." where the AWE is more "Yeah, that's right. I'm a bad a-- sports car.... Coming through....". Does that make any sense?

The Borla is more raw and has an amazing WOT howl.

The AWE is more civilized and streetable.

Both are pretty aggressive and sound great.

[golfguy11800]

Oh and do you like this more/ less/ same than your previous Borla exhaust?

[MikeSouzaYT]

They have different personalities. The Borla is more in your face full time bad boy. The AWE is more refined when cruising with the ability to get nasty on demand.

[bugseysdog]

Great Video, I want an AWE for a Cayman, and I haven't even bought a Cayman yet !

[golfguy11800]

Excellent video

Love the 1st drive away from the camera