AWE Tuning Exhaust System (Review)
 

First off welcome AWE Tuning... new to Camaro and new to this forum... and they came on in a big way in case anyone hadn't noticed. It's been great having them here, especially with a new product, to answer questions and explain the different components of this exhaust system. Really just wanted to give props to a great system and say thanks to Josh/AWE for hanging out with us here.

The AWE Camaro launch timing was just right for my new car delivery and after some discussion and re-assurance from the experts at Phastek Performance I dropped it off there and told them to go for it. Now that I've had it on for a couple months it's time for a short review.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Acj0MpWrVkE

One of the best things about this setup is how modular it is and with different levels of sound achieved by adding or removing sections. I don't believe any other Camaro exhaust works this way without mixing and matching with other manufacturers. Huge upside there!

I have the touring system with secondary cats in place which is middle of the road on their sound chart. The name "Touring" sounded to me like it would be a bit tame, but definitely not, so beware if you go with the track version with no mufflers. Their sound chart is a great resource. I'm sitting a level 3 now, but can easily go 2 or 4. I would really like to experience this with the resonator section and my plan is to add this right before the ARH headers go on just to check it out and get some sound clips. I'm not going to add headers without a resonator (been there done that) so this is pretty sweet.

Everything about the fit and finish is absolutely on point. The hangers are perfectly level, solid clamps, and a ton of clearance front to rear. I think most folks that have seen the pictures can figure out it's a solid system. Adjustable tips is another great feature that most don't have. In fact I think I'm going to adjust mine in just a tad bit this weekend. In the past I've just had to live with tips landing where they did after the install.

Attachment 968658

Attachment 968659

Attachment 968660

Attachment 968661

Attachment 968676

Attachment 968675


I guess the only drawback for some is no NPP option, but not something I miss, especially with the weight savings, which I believe is ~25lbs (correct me if I'm wrong) and getting rid of the ugly stock system. Most only want NPP for the cold start blast to keep the neighbors happy anyway and I understand that can be a show stopper, but not an issue for me. The new black 4.5" tips are so much nicer too.:thumb:

Attachment 968662

Attachment 968677

Attachment 968664

A couple more video clips for the important part... SOUND. :headbang:

This is definitely a middle of the road exhaust as far as deep or high pitched. Most have their preferences as do I on sound but AWE nailed it between the high pitch rasp and the lower tones that will drone on you. The 180 Technology in this muffler seems to be working well as there are a lot of folks running this exhaust now and all love it with zero complaints.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f7beXCHKY0

Track Video at MSR Houston last weekend. Got some great compliments on how it sounded coming down the front stretch. Supercharger whine and all.
A little wind noise, but you'll get the idea... PDR video coming from the inside will get posted here as well. Quite sure that will give you a good idea of what it sounds like inside. Stay tuned...:smoking:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LugJRkgR9ow

PDR Sound on the inside at the track...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GRYZzqTiPc

Sound Level Chart
 

Any one put this on a V6 what is the sound, I understand it not the same of V8 but looking. I have the factory duals but...

Great review with some good pics and video. Very well done!

Thanks Josh..:thumb:

Thanks M, nicely done.

does AWE make a pipe which deletes the secondary cat as well

:thumb:

Yes, it's called a downlink pipe. That's what I really like about this system. I can easily add this piece.

Mike, your review pushed me over the edge. I already have a Magnaflow axle back, but I just pulled the trigger on the full AWE Touring Resonated Catback with Link Pipes based on your review. I don’t want drone, but I do want it to sound badass, and I love that the AWE is locally sourced 304 (not 400-series) stainless! Just seems like a fantastic product.

I guess I don’t handle peer pressure too well! :bellyroll:

Man that car sounds badass. I just ordered a ZLE. I can’t wait. I think I may have to get the exhaust here before the car arrives.

LOL.. I'm not going to call this one completely drone free but the ZLE runs at higher RPMs and I can hear it at 3k rpms but not much. Just lets you know there is a custom system on. No one that I've heard of has experienced drone in the SS, especially with A8

I had stuff waiting for mine as well... like this exhaust... wheels/street tires, CAI, Radiator overflow tank and tint job already paid for..:lol:

Just added this PDR video of sound from the inside... Not the best quality with all the wind noise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GRYZzqTiPc

Oh momma that sounds good:w00t:

I have the Resonated Cat-Back with link pipes on my 2016 SS and I have to say it sounds great. I get a lot of compliments on the way it sounds. I have the non-NPP(Standard) exhaust and it's not really that loud on a cold start at 6am when I go to work or at least my neighbors have never said anything :biggrin:.

https://i.imgur.com/XQnI52Ml.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/RZs8qfkl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/mZrnwudl.jpg