Description
The 3″ catless downpipes eliminate the factory catalytic restriction, while the included mid-pipe further improves exhaust flow through the system. Combined with the supplied heat shield, this setup provides a performance-focused solution for owners looking to increase exhaust-flow capacity and support higher-power ECU tuning.
Key Features
3″ Catless Downpipe Design – Maximum Exhaust Flow
The 3″ catless downpipes remove the restrictive factory catalytic converters, providing a significantly freer-flowing exhaust path and reducing exhaust backpressure.
Included Mid-Pipe
The system includes the matching mid-pipe, providing additional improvements in exhaust flow and creating a more complete exhaust upgrade compared with replacing the downpipes alone.
Improved Turbo Response & Performance
Reduced exhaust restriction can help the twin turbochargers operate more efficiently, improving spool characteristics, throttle response, and overall engine responsiveness.
Aggressive 4.0T V8 Sound
Removing the factory catalytic restriction combined with the included mid-pipe allows more of the EA824’s characteristic twin-turbo V8 sound to come through, producing a deeper, louder, and more aggressive exhaust note.
Heat Shield Included
The included heat shield helps manage radiant exhaust heat and provides additional protection for surrounding components.
Designed for Tuned Applications
The increased exhaust-flow capacity makes this system well suited for Stage 1 and Stage 2 ECU-tuned applications, particularly when additional supporting modifications are installed.
Direct-Fit Design
Designed around the Audi C7 4.0T platform and factory mounting locations for a straightforward installation.
Installation Hardware Included
Includes required installation hardware such as replacement gaskets, bolts, and related installation hardware where applicable.
Tune Strongly Recommended
While the system can be physically installed on a factory calibration, an ECU tune is strongly recommended to properly utilize the increased exhaust flow. A downpipe-specific Stage 2 calibration is recommended for maximum performance.
Estimated Performance Gain
Actual results will vary depending on ECU calibration, fuel quality, supporting modifications, vehicle condition, and dyno methodology. The following estimates are based on the Audi RS7 C7 4.0T EA824, rated at approximately 560 HP, with the factory turbochargers and 91–93 octane pump fuel.
| Tuning Level | Estimated HP Gain | Estimated Output | Estimated Torque Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Tune | ~5–12 HP | ~565–572 HP | ~10–20 WTQ |
| Stage 1 Tune | ~95–130 HP | ~655–690 HP | ~100–140 WTQ |
| Stage 2 / Downpipe-Specific Tune | ~105–145 HP+ | ~665–705 HP | ~115–160 WTQ |
Stock Tune:
The factory ECU can benefit slightly from the reduced exhaust backpressure and improved flow, but the stock calibration will not fully utilize the additional exhaust-flow capacity. Expect approximately +5 to +12 HP and +10 to +20 WTQ. A check-engine light is expected.
Stage 1 Tune:
With a Stage 1 ECU calibration, the EA824 can take advantage of increased boost, optimized ignition timing, and fueling. Estimated gains are approximately +95 to +130 HP, resulting in approximately 655–690 HP.
Stage 2 / Downpipe-Specific Tune:
When combined with the Untd. Performance 3″ catless downpipe and included mid-pipe, along with a downpipe-specific Stage 2 ECU calibration, estimated output can reach approximately 665–705 HP, representing approximately +105 to +145 HP over the factory RS7 output.
The Stage 2 configuration provides the largest performance potential from the options listed, with the ECU calibration specifically configured around the increased exhaust flow.
For S6/S7 C7 models producing approximately 420–450 HP, percentage gains can be higher. Published Stage 2 tuning data has shown substantial gains on these platforms, although the factory downpipes are not necessarily the largest restriction on stock turbochargers. As a result, some Stage 2 setups may show more noticeable improvements in turbo response, spool, and exhaust sound than in peak horsepower alone.
Performance figures are estimates only. Actual results will vary based on ECU calibration, fuel, supporting modifications, ambient conditions, dyno type, and vehicle condition.
Check Engine Light & ECU Tuning
⚠️ A CHECK-ENGINE LIGHT IS EXPECTED
Because this system removes the factory catalytic converters, the vehicle’s rear O2 sensors will detect changes in catalyst efficiency.
When installed with the factory ECU calibration, a check-engine light for catalyst efficiency / rear-O2 monitoring is expected.
A compatible Stage 2 ECU tune is strongly recommended for this application. The calibration should account for the increased exhaust flow and disable the appropriate rear-O2/catalyst monitoring strategies.
Running a catless system without appropriate ECU calibration may also result in drivability issues or ECU protection strategies depending on the vehicle and software.
Why Upgrade?
The factory exhaust system on the C7 4.0T is designed around emissions control, noise reduction, durability, and everyday drivability. For performance-focused applications, reducing exhaust restriction can improve the efficiency of the twin-turbo V8 and provide additional flow capacity for tuned vehicles.
The Untd. Performance 3″ Catless Downpipe + Mid-Pipe system can help:
- Reduce exhaust backpressure
- Improve turbocharger response
- Improve throttle response
- Increase exhaust-flow capacity
- Support higher boost and power levels
- Enhance 4.0T V8 exhaust sound
- Improve the effectiveness of Stage 2 ECU tuning
- Provide additional exhaust flow through the included mid-pipe
- Support performance-focused C7 builds
Compatibility
Audi C7 4.0T Applications
- Audi S6 C7 4.0T
- Audi RS6 C7 4.0T
- Audi S7 C7 4.0T
- Audi RS7 C7 4.0T
- Audi 4.0 TFSI EA824
- C7 / C7.5 4.0T platform
Included: 3″ catless downpipes + mid-pipe + heat shield.
Important Notice
⚠️ CATLESS / OFF-ROAD / COMPETITION USE ONLY
This product removes the factory catalytic converters and is intended for off-road, competition, racing, or other applications where emissions regulations do not apply. It is not emissions-legal for use on public roads in many jurisdictions, including Canada and the United States.
A check-engine light is expected when operating the catless system without appropriate ECU calibration. A compatible Stage 2 tune is strongly recommended for optimal performance and operation.
Professional installation and ECU calibration by a qualified performance specialist are recommended.
Estimated horsepower and torque figures are not guaranteed and will vary depending on fuel, tune, supporting modifications, environmental conditions, dyno methodology, and vehicle condition.
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