Bi-Modal Exhaust

[Blue103TDIDSG]

Hi all

Been lurking on the forum for a while
Just been confirmed that I will be getting a Scirocco end July or 1st week in August
Long story - hope it will be a white DSG - will depend on what is available but white seems the most populous
Current cars are Yeti TDI DSG (hence the Username) - love the DSG gearbox
and a Fiat 500 TwinAir with the Dualoigic single clutch robotised gearbox - the paddles are nothing but fun

Loved the Scirocco from first sight when they were released but never thought I would ever be able to get one
Recently been for a couple of test drives
First was an MY14 and the one last week was the new MY15
Very hard to get all the "answers" in a 20 minute test drive - apart from "I want one"

To be honest, the first test drive was mostly thrash and enjoy the sound
not what you would really do on day to day driving in a car that YOU paid for
Tried to be a bit more realistic on the second
Like the exhaust in "sports" mode

Have searched the web but can't find out if the MY14 has the same exhaust as the MY15
Didn't notice on the first test drive and the sales man didn't come with us - just gave us the car
Can't even find any reference to the switchable exhaust on either model

The current HSV GTS Bi-modal exhaust is activated through the touch screen
and can be turned "on" permanently - hope the Scirocco is the same

Presumably (on the Scirocco) there is an electrically operated valve on the bypass
at the left side of the muffler that is operated in "sports" mode

Is it possible in the VCDS to lock it "on" - permanently ??
Maybe over-ride or bypass ??

Going to be a long 4 months

Thanks in advance

[tigger73]

I'm not 100% on this but I think you'll find that the exhaust setup is fixed. What does change is the level of sound from the artificial noise generator (Soundaktor). This pumps engine noise into the cabin and you can change the settings on this with VCDS.

You can get aftermarket setups that will operate a valve/flap and change the exhaust path like the bi modal systems in the HSV. These can get wired back to a button in the dash.


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[Blue103TDIDSG]

Thanks Tigger73

Didn't know about the Soundaktor
I'm guessing that the changes in the MY15 are mostly cosmetic and equipment level
meaning new lights front and back and Sat/Nav now standard -
no changes mechanically so the exhaust system would be a carry over without change just like the rest of the mechanicals

Found the following photos that show some sort of bypass, not unlike the Monza system on the Abarths
but they are mechanical and open around 3000rpm


and

red arrow shows where the actuator presumably goes

Would be nice if that actuator could be set in the VCDS or over ridden

[tigger73]

Have a look here for a range of buttons you can get. Some people have added garage door openers into their cars : CarStyle4you

[Romp]

Exhaust is same as previous prefacelift

You have 3 options
1) vacuum valve operated so it opens flap on boost for more noise
2) no flap, loud from idle
3) button operated ipe exhaust.. Exxy

[Blue103TDIDSG]

Thanks Romp
Ideally being able to turn it on and off would be best - go back to standard if you get sick of the noise as on a long trip
But to get to that point do you have any idea what is fitted OEM and how it works ??
like does selecting "sports" mode open the valve so it is on bypass from idle or does it open up on boost ?
Don't want to change the muffler for warranty reasons - just changing when the bypass works shouldn't be an issue

[Romp]

There is a vacuum hose that connects to the catback section of the exhaust. When your turbo goes from vacuum to psi it opens the flap to allow more noise.

If you want to keep your existing exhaust then some people do the "flapper mod" which they basically tie off or clamp the vacuum hose so it's open by default (when car is on the vacuum closes it if hose connected)

When you are sick of the noise then undo this.

I haven't seen a button to control the standard exhaust flap

[Romp]

Also changing the muffler won't impact your warranty.. It's easy to put the stock one back on without evidence of catback change

[Blue103TDIDSG]

Have a look here for a range of buttons you can get. Some people have added garage door openers into their cars : CarStyle4you

Thanks Tigger73
Have you or anyone else used any of these or dealt wit CarStyle4you ??
There is one for the Exhaust Flap
CarStyle4you
but the description doesn't help much in trying to work out what you need

Also changing the muffler won't impact your warranty.. It's easy to put the stock one back on without evidence of catback change

Too much stuffing around for me - I'm an oldfart !!
But still like quick cars and a good sounding exhaust - used to be Lukey mufflers in my younger days LOL

Thanks for heads up on how it works
found this on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ac-57_RW1f8
so it seems that all it does is quieten it down in cruise - what you want on a trip
but for me not what I want just driving around
So a solenoid valve in the vacuum line should work - maybe one of the switches above if I can work out what I need
thanks again

[Andych]

I wouldn't bother looking for a vacuum solenoid... the exhaust isnt intrusive even with the flapper mod done so I would just disconnect it (making sure the flap is open) and then see if you like it or not.
I have disconnected (removed) the Soundaktor so all the sound I get is exhaust, intake and turbo noise.
I dont remember seeing anything in VCDS about changing the Soundaktor profile... you can certainly test it to make sure it is working but other than that I am not sure.
As for wanting the exhaust to sound like it does when you give it some beans in Sports mode... well give it some beans in Sports mode...
It wont give a blip on downshifts in drive.... it wont give you the little burps and farts, burbles etc in drive either...
You will find that when in sports mode the shifts are much faster... throttle mapping is slightly different as are the change points on the DSG.
Push the button and move the suspension into sports mode and not only do the shocks get firmer but the steering sharpens up as well...
The benefit of all this is you can tootle around in town while using not much fuel and then with the flick of a switch you can unleash the beast and have plenty of fun... certainly not restricted to younger folk either... I am a long long way past being young... or even middle aged...lol

One thing you will need to get used to though....is having people stop and stare or point at the car... it still brings a smile to my face after 3 years of ownership....

[Blue103TDIDSG]

Thanks Andych
Not only for your post here but previous ones regarding the Soundaktor in the Soundaktor thread(s)
Did some serious searching both on this forum and YouTube
think this one would be the most "informative" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvglicdigjc
So it would seem that switching the Soundaktor on and off would be more desirable on a long trip rather than the flapper valve
and as you suggested just lock the flapper in the open position

also Tigger73 for bringing up the Soundaktor in the first place
not something that is discussed by dealers, salesmen etc - the usual lack of product knowledge
guess they probably either don't know or understand what it is

When I get the car will just try each mod and see how it goes
Ah well - now the long wait

[Andych]

Personally I prefer the sound without the Soundaktor... Once you know what it is and how it works... it seems a little contrived for the actual performance of the car...
Not to mention there have been plenty of people who had rattles etc they couldnt trace but they disappeared once they disconnected the Soundaktor.
Personally I went for the weight saving method (removal) lol.

[vwryogi]

For those of us playing at home, do you have a link to the DIY of below mods??

flapper mod done. Disconnected (removed) Soundaktor

[SK00LD]

For those of us playing at home, do you have a link to the DIY of below mods??

+1 on this request

APR Tune or exhaust - which one should I do first and why?

Also Turbo-Back v Cat-Back worth the extra $ to got TB?

[abs89]

+1 on this request

APR Tune or exhaust - which one should I do first and why?

Also Turbo-Back v Cat-Back worth the extra $ to got TB?

Just depends on how much you want to spend. Cat-back is really for sound only. Doesnt add any performance improvement. TBE is sound + performance. Or you can just go a downpipe upgrade only which provides performance + a bit of sound increase.

In terms of which one goes first - if you get a TBE you need a tune. Catback doesnt require one.