AWE Exhaust Suite Installation Guide for C8 Audi S6/S7
This guide provides detailed instructions for installing the AWE Exhaust Suite on C8 Audi S6 and S7 models. Please read all instructions carefully before beginning.
For up-to-date fitment information, please visit the product page on AWE-Tuning.com.
Product Compatibility
This guide is intended for the following part numbers:
- 3015-42103: AWE Touring Edition Exhaust for Audi C8 S6/S7 - Chrome Silver Tips
- 3015-43107: AWE Touring Edition Exhaust for Audi C8 S6/S7 - Diamond Black Tips
- 3020-42101: AWE Track Edition Exhaust for C8 Audi S6/S7 - Chrome Silver Tips
- 3020-43109: AWE Track Edition Exhaust for C8 Audi S6/S7 - Diamond Black Tips
Welcome to the AWE family. Congratulations on your purchase of the AWE Exhaust System for the C8 Audi S6/S7. Exquisite build quality and craftsmanship, coupled with industry-leading performance, distinguish this exhaust system from all others. For the latest fitment information, visit the AWE website. AWE Performance Specialists are available for any questions.
Parts List (Track Systems)
Inspect ALL parts prior to disassembly of vehicle. If damaged or MISSING, please contact the place of purchase immediately.
| Symbol | Part Number | Description | QTY |
|---|---|---|---|
| D36 | A6/A7/S6/S7 DS Flex Section | 1 | |
| D37 | A6/A7/S6/S7 PS Flex Section | 1 | |
| E90 | Audi C8 RS6 Avant/RS7/A6/A7/S6/S7 Mid Section | 1 | |
| E91 | Audi C8 RS6 Avant/RS7/A6/A7/S6/S7 Mid Tube Driver | 1 | |
| E92 | Audi C8 RS6 Avant/RS7/A6/A7/S6/S7 Mid Tube Passenger | 1 | |
| E98 | Audi C8 A6/A7/S6/S7 Axle Tube Assembly | 1 | |
| D44 | A6/A7/S6/S7 DS Track Rear Section | 1 | |
| D45 | A6/A7/S6/S7 PS Track Rear Section | 1 | |
| D46 | S6/S7 ONLY DS Tip Section | 1 | |
| D47 | S6/S7 ONLY PS Tip Section | 1 | |
| A | 180300 | AWE Band Clamp: 3" | 8 |
| B | 3910-41010 | Hardware Kit for Integrated Clamp Style Exhaust Tips - Quad | 1 |
| C | SEC75 | 3" Barrel Clamp (Bubble) | 2 |
| D | 3910-11012 | CLAMP-KIT | 1 |
| E | 3910-11020 | Downpipe Hardware Kit - Requires 1 Kit per Flange | 2 |
| F | GA-6669 | Electronic Valve Simulator | 2 |
| 180014 | 4.50" OD x 3.00" ID, Slash Cut, Silver Chrome, AWE Logo, Integrated Clamp | 4 | |
| G | 180015 | 4.50" OD x 3.00" ID, Slash Cut, Diamond Black, AWE Logo, Integrated Clamp | 4 |
Diagrams on pages 2 and 3 illustrate the routing of Track and Touring exhaust systems, respectively, with various components labeled (D36, D37, E90, E91, E92, E98, D44, D45, D46, D47) and hardware kits (A, B, C, D, E, F, G) indicated.
Installation Steps
STEP 1: Remove Factory Covers and Braces
Figure 1 shows the underside of the vehicle. Labels indicate fastener locations for removing covers and braces.
NOTE: Always refer to the manufacturer's service manual for precise torque specifications on all OEM fasteners.
CAUTION: The exhaust may be VERY HOT — allow adequate time for the system to cool down before disassembly. Severe burns and injury will occur if skin comes into contact with a hot exhaust system.
To begin your AWE system install, start by removing the factory covers and braces.
- Remove the fasteners that hold in the covers shown at (A) in Figure 1. Then remove the covers.
- Remove the 5 OE bolts from the chassis brace, and hanger shown at (B). Then remove the brace, and hanger.
- Remove the 8 OE bolts from the chassis brace shown at (C). Then remove the brace.
- Remove the 2 fasteners shown at (D) allowing the cover to hang from the front fasteners.
STEP 2: Support Subframe and Remove Brace
Figure 2-1 shows supporting the rear subframe with a pole jack near the subframe bolt (A). Figure 2-2 shows the chassis brace (B) to be removed.
Using a pole jack, support the rear subframe of the vehicle close to the subframe bolt shown at (A) in Figure 2-1.
With the subframe bolt removed, remove the chassis brace, shown at (B) in Figure 2-2.
With the chassis brace removed, reinstall the subframe bolt, and remove the pole jack.
Important Safety Note: Do not try to remove the subframe bolt without having a pole jack supporting the subframe. Do not move the pole jack until the subframe bolt has been reinstalled.
Note: The braces will be reinstalled at the end of the installation.
STEP 3: Remove OE Dual Exit Exhaust
Figure 3 illustrates the underside of the vehicle, highlighting clamps (A), hanger bars (B), OE valves (C), and downpipe hardware (D) for removal.
Continue by removing the OE dual exit exhaust by following the steps shown in Figure 3.
Preparation: Soak all bolts and rubber hangers in penetrating oil before starting any work.
Support: Support the mid muffler with a pole jack to ease the removal of the OE exhaust system.
- Loosen the two clamps shown at (A), and move them away from the joint.
- Remove the hanger bars from the OE rubber hangers shown at (B).
- Unplug the OE valves on the top side of the mufflers marked at (C).
- Remove the rear section of the exhaust system.
- Remove the OE downpipe hardware, and hangers shown at (D). There will be 3 nuts per side that need to be removed. With the hardware removed, you can now remove the downpipes.
STEP 4: Install Electronic Valve Simulators
Figure 4-1 shows plugging the valve simulator into the OE harness. Figure 4-2 shows securing the simulator and harness.
Begin your installation by installing your AWE electronic valve simulators. Plug the valve simulator into the OE harness, as shown in Figure 4-1. Next, secure the valve simulator and harness out of the way as shown at (A) in Figure 4-2. Repeat for the opposite side of the vehicle.
STEP 5: Remove OE Hangers from Downpipes
Figure 5 shows the removal of OE hangers from the downpipes.
Remove the OE hangers from both OE downpipes, as shown in Figure 5.
STEP 6: Install Driver Side Flex Section
Figure 6 shows re-installing the OE downpipe gasket before installing the flex section.
Begin installing your AWE driver side flex section (D36). Do this by first re-installing the OE downpipe gasket as shown in Figure 6.
STEP 7: Secure Driver Side Flex Section
Figure 7 shows loosely securing the driver side flex section (D36) at the flange.
Next, loosely secure your AWE driver side flex section (D36) at the flange with the provided hardware, as shown in Figure 7.
STEP 8: Install Hanger and Tighten Flange Hardware
Figure 8-1 shows sliding the OE hanger onto the hanger bar. Figure 8-2 shows reinstalling OE hardware on the hanger after tightening.
Slide the OE hanger onto the hanger bar as shown in Figure 8-1. Make sure the hanger lines up with the bolt holes.
Now evenly tighten down all three nuts on the studs.
After tightening the flange hardware fully, make sure to reinstall the OE hardware on the hanger, as shown in Figure 8-2.
STEP 9: Secure Passenger Side Flex Section
Figure 9 shows loosely securing the passenger side flex section (D37) at the flange.
Next, loosely secure your AWE passenger side flex section (D37) at the flange with the provided hardware, as shown in Figure 9.
STEP 10: Install Hanger and Tighten Flange Hardware
Figure 10-1 shows sliding the OE hanger onto the hanger bar. Figure 10-2 shows reinstalling OE hardware on the hanger after tightening.
Slide the OE hanger onto the hanger bar as shown in Figure 10-1. Make sure the hanger lines up with the bolt holes.
Now evenly tighten down all three nuts on the studs.
After tightening the flange hardware fully, make sure to reinstall the OE hardware on the hanger, as shown in Figure 10-2.
STEP 11: Install Mid Section
Figure 11 shows sliding the AWE mid section (E90) onto the outlets of the flex sections (D36, D37).
Gather your AWE mid section (E90) and two clamps. Slide a clamp over each inlet section. Line up the inlets with the outlets of the flex sections (D36, D37). Slide the mid section onto the outlets and bottom out the slip fits. It is best to do this by pushing from the rear of the mid section, as shown in Figure 11.
STEP 12: Support Mid Section and Reinstall Brace
Figure 12 shows supporting the AWE mid section (E90) with a pole jack and reinstalling the OE chassis brace (A). Clearance between the mid section and tubes (B) is highlighted.
Use a pole jack to support the AWE mid section (E90) as shown in Figure 12. After the mid section is supported, reinstall the OE chassis brace shown at (A) in Figure 12.
With the chassis brace installed, adjust the height of the AWE mid section (E90) to ensure that there is proper clearance from the brace and the dual 3" tubes (B). This will help the rest of the installation to go smoothly.
STEP 13: Install Passenger Side Mid Tube
Figure 13 shows installing the AWE passenger side mid tube (E92) onto the AWE mid section (E90).
Install your AWE passenger side mid tube (E92), as shown in Figure 13. Slide a provided clamp over the expanded side. Bottom out the slip fit onto the AWE mid section (E90).
Snug the clamp but do not fully tighten at this time.
Note: The hanger bar will not be secured into a hanger at this time.
STEP 14: Install Driver Side Mid Tube
Figure 14-1 shows installing the AWE driver side mid tube (E91) onto the AWE mid section (E90). Figure 14-2 shows clearance from the chassis brace.
Install your AWE driver side mid tube (E91), as shown in Figure 14-1. Slide a provided clamp over the expanded side. Bottom out the slip fit onto the AWE mid section (E90).
Snug the clamp, but do not fully tighten at this time.
Note: The proper clearance from the chassis brace that was re-installed in step 11 can be seen here in Figure 14-2.
STEP 15: Install Axle Tube Assembly
Figure 15 shows installing the AWE axle tube assembly (E98) onto the mid tubes (E91, E92).
Install your AWE axle tube assembly (E98), as shown in Figure 15. Slide a provided clamp over the expanded side of each tube. Then align and bottom out the slip fits on each of the mid tubes (E91, E92).
Snug the clamps, but do not fully tighten at this time.
STEP 16: Re-install Hanger and Chassis Brace
Figure 16-1 shows reinstalling the OE hanger onto the passenger side mid tube (E92) at (A). Figure 16-2 shows reinstalling the OE chassis brace at (B).
Re-install the OE hanger onto the hanger bar on the passenger side mid tube (E92), as shown at (A) in Figure 16-1.
Now reinstall the OE chassis brace shown at (B) in Figure 16-2.
STEP 17: Support Subframe and Remove Bolt (Passenger Side)
Figure 17-1 shows supporting the passenger side rear subframe with a pole jack behind the sway bar and removing the subframe bolt (A). Figure 17-2 shows reinstalling the passenger side chassis brace.
Use a pole jack to support the passenger side rear subframe of the car. Place the pole jack behind the sway bar as shown in Figure 17-1.
Remove the subframe bolt shown at (A) in Figure 17-1.
Important Safety Note: DO NOT REMOVE THE SUBFRAME BOLT WITHOUT A POLE JACK SUPPORTING THE SUBFRAME.
Reinstall the passenger side chassis brace as shown in Figure 17-2. After all hardware is reinstalled, you can remove the pole jack.
Repeat these steps for the driver side chassis brace.
STEP 18: Re-install Rear Hangers
Figure 18-1 shows reinstalling the OE rear driver side hanger (A). Figure 18-2 shows reinstalling the OE passenger side hanger (B).
Re-install the OE rear driver side hanger, as shown at (A) in Figure 18-1. Then re-install the OE passenger side hanger, as shown at (B) in Figure 18-2.
STEP 19: Install Driver Side Rear Track Section (Track Systems Only)
Figure 19 illustrates installing the driver side rear track section (D44) with clamps and hanger bars into designated positions (A, B, C).
TRACK SYSTEMS ONLY
Install your AWE driver side rear track section (D44). Do this by first sliding a provided clamp over the expanded joint.
Next, slide the hanger bar into the forward most hanger, as shown at (A) in Figure 19.
Then, bottom out the slip fit on the AWE axle tube assembly (E98), as shown at (B) in Figure 18.
Lastly, slide the hanger bar into the rear most hanger, as shown at (C) in Figure 19.
Snug the clamp but do not fully tighten it at this time.
STEP 20: Install Passenger Side Rear Track Section (Track Systems Only)
Figure 20 illustrates installing the passenger side rear track section (D45) with clamps and hanger bars into designated positions (A, B, C).
TRACK SYSTEMS ONLY
Install your AWE passenger side rear track section (D45). Do this by first sliding a provided clamp over the expanded joint.
Next, slide the hanger bar into the forward most hanger, as shown at (A) in Figure 20.
Then, bottom out the slip fit on the AWE axle tube assembly (E98), as shown at (B) in Figure 20.
Lastly, slide the hanger bar into the rear most hanger, as shown at (C) in Figure 20.
Snug the clamp but do not fully tighten it at this time.
STEP 21: Install Driver Side Rear Track Section (Touring Systems Only)
Figure 21-1 shows installing the driver side rear track section (D42) with a clamp at (A). Figure 21-2 shows the slip fit onto the axle tube assembly (E98) at (B) and the rear hanger at (C).
TOURING SYSTEMS ONLY
Install your AWE driver side rear track section (D42). Do this by first sliding a provided clamp over the expanded joint.
Next, slide the hanger bar into the forward most hanger, as shown at (A) in Figure 21-1.
Then, bottom out the slip fit on the AWE axle tube assembly (E98), as shown at (B) in Figure 21-2.
Lastly, slide the hanger bar into the rear most hanger, as shown at (C) in Figure 21-2.
Snug the clamp but do not fully tighten it at this time.
STEP 22: Install Tip Sections
Figure 22-1 shows installing the driver side tip section (D46). Figure 22-2 shows installing the passenger side tip section (D47).
Install your AWE driver side tip section (D46), using the provided barrel clamps, as shown in Figure 22-1.
It is helpful to have someone align and hold the tip section while you tighten the barrel clamp.
Repeat this process for the AWE passenger side tip section (D47), as shown in Figure 22-2.
STEP 23: Secure Exhaust Band Clamps
Figure 23 illustrates correct clamp installation: (A) expanded pipe and clamp, (B) overlapping pipe, (C) clamp at the edge of the expanded pipe.
It is crucial to install each section and exhaust band clamps correctly to prevent loose joints, exhaust leaks, and rattles.
Arrow A shows the expanded pipe and the preinstalled exhaust clamp being brought up to the corresponding pipe.
Arrow B shows the overlapping pipe installed correctly over the corresponding pipe.
Arrow C shows the exhaust band clamp being brought to the edge of the expanded pipe.
NOTES:
- Do not fully torque any exhaust clamp until the entire exhaust has been installed and adjusted.
- Torque specification is a minimum of 60 ft/lbs.
STEP 24: Install Exhaust Tips with Integrated Clamps
Figure 24 shows the process of attaching an exhaust tip with an integrated clamp using carriage bolts and nuts.
To install the exhaust tips with integrated clamps, first, attach the exhaust tip in the proper orientation onto the exhaust outlet tube.
Insert one of the carriage bolts from the hardware kit (3910-41010) through the tab on the exhaust tip and thread on one of the corresponding nuts.
Using anti-seize on the bolt threads will help installation and prevent breakage of hardware.
If your exhaust system only has 2 exhaust tips, while the integrated clamp kit has enough hardware for 4 tip exhaust systems, you will have 2 sets of hardware left over that will not be used.
STEP 25: Install All Exhaust Tips
Figure 25 shows the completed installation of all four AWE exhaust tips on the vehicle.
Install all 4 AWE exhaust tips onto the tip outlets with the provided hardware as shown in Figure 25.
Note: When installing tips, be careful not to damage the rear valance.
STEP 26: Install Lock Collar Clamps
Figure 26-1 and Figure 26-2 show the installation of AWE lock collar clamps on the rear hanger bars.
Install your AWE lock collar clamps on the rear most hanger bars on both sides of the vehicle, as shown in Figure 26-1, and Figure 26-2. Install the clamps flush with the end of the hanger bar.
STEP 27: Final Adjustments and Heat Cycle
Figure 27 shows the rear view of the Audi S6/S7 with the installed AWE exhaust system.
Make your final adjustments to the tips to ensure they are in a position you like. Once the desired position is achieved, work from the front of the car to the back, tightening all the clamps fully, and ensuring there is proper clearance of the chassis and braces.
It is now recommended to drive the car to allow the exhaust to heat cycle after all clamps and tips are fully tightened.
Important Note: At this point the exhaust will be very hot; allow time to cool before work continues.
Check the tips for correct alignment, adjust as needed.
Don't forget to see the last page for any troubleshooting needs!
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Exhaust is not fitting correctly | Most fitment issues are due to improperly adjusted exhaust. This includes tip fitments and rattling due to chassis contact. Check out our fitment guide for more installation tips. |
| Incorrect or missing parts | Double check the parts list for your system and compare them with what you received. Fill out our contact form, found below, and let us know what parts you need. |
Care and Maintenance
Once installed properly, your AWE exhaust will provide years of trouble-free performance. The exhaust volume and sound will settle with usage; 800-1000 miles is required to break-in new exhaust systems.
Also, please note that the rear 180Technology® resonator has a small drain hole to allow condensation to escape. Water drops from this area are normal.
Periodic cleaning of exhaust tips is necessary to maintain proper finish, especially in areas prone to road salt and caustic deicing solutions. Use a mild soap and water solution or car wax to clean the finish. Avoid using abrasive polishes, as they can scratch the finish.
Warranty Information
Up-to-date warranty information is found HERE.
Any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact AWE via their Contact Form.
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