Who’s running a AWE touring exhaust on there FL5 ?

[TheFactor]

I’ve got the itch to add an exhaust not wanting anything to rowdy and I just say no to fart cans. The stock exhaust is very quiet as we know although I do like being able to hear that woosh woosh from the turbo. The new Magnaflow spec has caught my attention and of course The AWE touring but I like the valve on the magnaflow but haven’t been able to find a sound clip yet . . Really on the fence if I want to add an exhaust or not . I’m not after chasing horsepower numbers just something that sounds good and deep without the raspy. Of course has to be California smog legal.

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[Clark_Kent]

I suggest doing a bit of research via the search feature. AWE was one of the first to market for the FL5 so there were quite a few buyers. From what I have gathered, some love it, others hate it. Drone, questionable craftsmanship, an uncomprising rattle in some instances, and spotty customer service. You're in CA so it shouldn't be difficult to find an FL5 with an AWE they will let you hear. YMMV.

 

[TypeRD]

As @Clark_Kent said, there are definitely reasons to stay away from AWE. Maybe it’s a case of just a few people with problems being louder than those without problems. But based on things I’ve read, the lack of craftsmanship is not an isolated issue and people are wasting A LOT of time dealing with fixes. That’s a red flag to me. I mean…it’s a damn exhaust ; Metal pipes and fittings. The thing should just work!

 

[TheFactor]

Thanks guys I really appreciate the input
I’m leaning more towards a Magnaflow spec only because I’ve had Magnaflow before and they make a nice exhaust with the applications I’ve used with excellent fitment and quality.

 

[princers]

remark >

ive ran awe tourings on all my cars (fk8, corolla gr, mk7/mk8 golf r’s, etc etc) and they all drone badly in the 2-4k rpm range, almost unbearable when cruising in 6th. i will say to compare apples to apples when looking at systems as magnaflow is 2.5in and awe is a full 3in iirc, magnaflow is vband & awe is slip fit, etc

 

[Two Step Performance]

ive ran awe tourings on all my cars (fk8, corolla gr, mk7/mk8 golf r’s, etc etc) and they all drone badly in the 2-4k rpm range, almost unbearable when cruising in 6th.

Sounds like you are a glutton for punishment.

 

[TheFactor]

remark >

ive ran awe tourings on all my cars (fk8, corolla gr, mk7/mk8 golf r’s, etc etc) and they all drone badly in the 2-4k rpm range, almost unbearable when cruising in 6th. i will say to compare apples to apples when looking at systems as magnaflow is 2.5in and awe is a full 3in iirc, magnaflow is vband & awe is slip fit, etc

Thanks for your reply but I have to ask the obvious. If you disliked it so much why did you keep buying it? Must of been something about the exhaust you really liked I would think ?

 

[MERAKIAUTOWORKS]

We've ran 4 different exhausts on our FL5, right now running the Apexi on the fl5.

I'd say Remark is a great bang for buck exhaust in terms of quality.

We have all the named exhausts in this thread in stock though if you're in Socal!

-Josh

 

[RODSCIVIC]

Id say you get one of the JDM exhaust as they are made for sound compliance. I have the AWE track and while it sounds nice it does drone. The Touring also sounds about the same to be honest. I might end up going back to stock.

Is there a way to remove the resonator like the TypeS and then get Pops/Bangs with Hondata? That might be the best route other than JDM.

 

[SP R KiD]

I put an AWE Touring on mine last May and here's my thoughts. FYI don't use sound clips for judgement on these things; unfortunately, sound clips do not do this exhaust comparisons justice. I recommend going to a meet if possible and try and see if you can find someone that can exemplify their exhaust system and help guide you.

As an inexperienced car enthusiast, I don't have much knowledge of different brands, so I don't feel qualified to compare but, I feel I was exactly in your shoes. Only difference was I didn't feel like AWE had a bad reputation, maybe the opposite truthfully. I think there was even a poll somewhere on this forum where everyone voted for their exhaust manufacturer for the FL5 (AWE was #1 IIRC.) The 2nd most popular option was to delete the resonator and run it stock.

I bought the exhaust and to be completely honest the most AGONIZING part was the shipping time. It took way longer than I was initially promised to get the exhaust and while their customer service was choppy.... They did respond and try to assure/take care of me. They sent me a small kit (T-shirt and stickers) as an apology for the long wait time, didn't really care for it but it is what it is. They continued to update me on shipping delays due to material shortages and order backups (a lot of people were ordering it.)

Once I got it the following weekend, I think I spent 3-4 hours in my driveway on jackstands uninstalling the OEM one and putting on the AWE one. The install was pretty straightforward I felt like. The exhaust itself, in my opinion was of good quality. No questionable welds, material looked good. I don't love the idea of ring/hose clamps, but it works (still has, no problems.)

After putting it on, started the car and personally fell in love with the sound. I think it sounds perfect, of course this is subjective for everyone, not too loud but had far more character than stock. It is loud enough that I can hear it in the cabin but it's not so bad that it's unbearable. I enjoy it. Everyone who has rode in my car thinks the drone is fine. Haven't had one bad thing to say about it. Never experienced any rattle that people have mentioned. Idk if the rattle is due to an install failure or just maybe bad parts, so I can't speak on that. My only genuine concern is that the clamps come loose over time, but I haven't checked on it yet, probably when I go to swap my pads this summer I will.

The one noteworthy thing that scared me was when I first installed it, it did make a very strange start up noise the first few starts. It's hard to describe but it almost sounded like an abnormal burble/popping on startup. It did it like 3 times in the first 2 weeks and I have never heard it again. AWE does mention something about this in the install/start-up guide or something like that and talks about giving it 1 month to acclimate to the car.

If I had to rate the entire experience, I'd give it an 8/10. 6/10 for customer service, 8/10 for part quality (clamp/hose rings are what brought it down for me, but the material/welds are fine), and 10/10 for satisfaction of the product sound.

Long read, but I hope that helps.

EDIT: here is the link to the poll I was referring to. I just want to point out the poll is more of a popularity contest rather than what sounds best but use it at your discretion.

(3) What in your opinion is the best exhaust for the FL5? | CivicXI - 11th Gen Civic Type R (FL5), Hybrid, Si Forum, News, Owners, Discussions

 

[TheFactor]

I put an AWE Touring on mine last May and here's my thoughts. FYI don't use sound clips for judgement on these things; unfortunately, sound clips do not do this exhaust comparisons justice. I recommend going to a meet if possible and try and see if you can find someone that can exemplify their exhaust system and help guide you.

As an inexperienced car enthusiast, I don't have much knowledge of different brands, so I don't feel qualified to compare but, I feel I was exactly in your shoes. Only difference was I didn't feel like AWE had a bad reputation, maybe the opposite truthfully. I think there was even a poll somewhere on this forum where everyone voted for their exhaust manufacturer for the FL5 (AWE was #1 IIRC.) The 2nd most popular option was to delete the resonator and run it stock.

I bought the exhaust and to be completely honest the most AGONIZING part was the shipping time. It took way longer than I was initially promised to get the exhaust and while their customer service was choppy.... They did respond and try to assure/take care of me. They sent me a small kit (T-shirt and stickers) as an apology for the long wait time, didn't really care for it but it is what it is. They continued to update me on shipping delays due to material shortages and order backups (a lot of people were ordering it.)

Once I got it the following weekend, I think I spent 3-4 hours in my driveway on jackstands uninstalling the OEM one and putting on the AWE one. The install was pretty straightforward I felt like. The exhaust itself, in my opinion was of good quality. No questionable welds, material looked good. I don't love the idea of ring/hose clamps, but it works (still has, no problems.)

After putting it on, started the car and personally fell in love with the sound. I think it sounds perfect, of course this is subjective for everyone, not too loud but had far more character than stock. It is loud enough that I can hear it in the cabin but it's not so bad that it's unbearable. I enjoy it. Everyone who has rode in my car thinks the drone is fine. Haven't had one bad thing to say about it. Never experienced any rattle that people have mentioned. Idk if the rattle is due to an install failure or just maybe bad parts, so I can't speak on that. My only genuine concern is that the clamps come loose over time, but I haven't checked on it yet, probably when I go to swap my pads this summer I will.

The one noteworthy thing that scared me was when I first installed it, it did make a very strange start up noise the first few starts. It's hard to describe but it almost sounded like an abnormal burble/popping on startup. It did it like 3 times in the first 2 weeks and I have never heard it again. AWE does mention something about this in the install/start-up guide or something like that and talks about giving it 1 month to acclimate to the car.

If I had to rate the entire experience, I'd give it an 8/10. 6/10 for customer service, 8/10 for part quality (clamp/hose rings are what brought it down for me, but the material/welds are fine), and 10/10 for satisfaction of the product sound.

Long read, but I hope that helps.

EDIT: here is the link to the poll I was referring to. I just want to point out the poll is more of a popularity contest rather than what sounds best but use it at your discretion.

(3) What in your opinion is the best exhaust for the FL5? | CivicXI - 11th Gen Civic Type R (FL5), Hybrid, Si Forum, News, Owners, Discussions

Thank you so much for taking the time with such a in depth reply . You’ve been very helpful !

 

[TheFactor]

We've ran 4 different exhausts on our FL5, right now running the Apexi on the fl5.

I'd say Remark is a great bang for buck exhaust in terms of quality.

We have all the named exhausts in this thread in stock though if you're in Socal!

-Josh

Hey Josh I’m from HB and I will definitely be in touch
I’ll try and reach out to you later today .
-Ed

 

[FL5HondaGuy]

I have the AWE Touring and it sounds great. No drone at all (no idea why someone said they drone maybe they had an older exhaust but it literally comes with what they call "anti-drone" technology) and has a relatively deep throaty (for a 4 banger- lol) exhaust note. The K20C1 is simply not a great sounding engine to start with so temper your expectations accordingly. Def a thumbs up from me. This is not a shouty exhaust, nor a neighbor annoyer. After initial start give it 25-30 seconds and at idle you will barely hear it. No weird looks from neighbors either. Good luck with your choice.

 

[TheFactor]

I have it and it sounds great. No drone at highway speeds and has a relatively deep throaty (for a 4 banger- lol) exhaust note. The K20C1 is simply not a great sounding engine to start with so temper your expectations accordingly. Def a thumbs up from me. This is not a shouty exhaust, nor a neighbor annoyer. After initial start give it 25-30 seconds and at idle you will barely hear it. No weird looks from neighbors either. Good luck with your choice.

Which one brother ? There was a few mentioned here “AWE”?
Thanks!

 

[FL5HondaGuy]

Which one brother ? There was a few mentioned here “AWE”?
Thanks!

The thread states who is running an AWE "Touring" . That's what I am running (edited my original post)

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