Here we go again exhaust fans. Welcome to chapter 2 of the Gator Bite Exhaust Test Chronicles. In this episode we'll be examining the new 2nd generation AWE Tuning Catback Exhaust System for the Porsche 987s (2005 & up Boxster & Boxster S, 2006 & up Cayman & Cayman S).
Very observant of you. Yes, you're right. Those are the new Diamond Black exhaust tips. Here's a closer look:
These tips are very unique, very pretty and very hard to photograph. They sometimes look black, other times they look like dark chrome, almost like a gun metal blue. Ina (my wife, pronounced 'Eena') says, "I reeeeeaaalllly like those tips".
First impressions:
OK, before I even got the box off of the UPS truck I took a look at the shipping label. Why? Because I knew that you guys would be asking me how much the system weighs. Well, the shipping weight was 42 lbs, including at least 4 lbs of box and packing. So that means the system itself must weigh in around 38 lbs. That's 10 lbs lighter than the stock system. Not bad.
Once in my place, the next two minutes were frustrating.
Why? Because the boys in the packing department at AWE tuning slammed 12 staples into the box. When you're this excited to see what's inside, the last thing you want to do is go hunting for a screw driver and pair of pliers.
OK, so I'm kidding. Great packing job guys. Really. My box arrived with some serious damage to one of the edges, but my system was in perfect undamaged condition.
When I pulled the first piece of packing material out of the box, I saw something that
really made me happy. The system is fully polished to a high luster. Wow.... And Ina was happy too because that means she won't have to be a 'buffing widow' again while I'm in the basement polishing my exhaust. (Wait, that doesn't sound right.... Never mind...)
Speaking about the polished finish, you guys know that I'm a freak and have some polishing experience. Well, let me say this. The finish on this system is very good. The guys at AWE must have spent a LOT of time on this, and I appreciate it. This will save me a ton of work. The mufflers have a finish close to that of a mirror. The pipes have a few visible machine marks on them, but believe me when I tell you that for an exhaust application, this level of finish really is over kill.
The next thing I noticed is that the parts are robust and solid. I can definitely see the 2nd generation improvements. Welds are smooth but generous. The material feels thick and solid. Pipes fit very snuggly together and the header flanges are incredibly thick. This is a high quality system.
Why AWE Tuning?
AWE Tuning was one of the first companies to develop and offer an exhaust system for the Cayman. In the early days of the Cayman Club there were many very positive testimonials about this system, many from people whom I know and trust. Unfortunately a few of the early systems developed problems and those issues seemed to knock AWE Tuning out of the spotlight. (More about this later). Since then, AWE has revised their design to correct and prevent those issues.
The AWE Tuning design interests me. It's a truly hand made straight though muffler system made of T-304 and T-321 stainless steel. Each muffler is unique in the fact that they have two chambers and a cross over pipe connecting their second chambers. This design should reduce resonance, burble and reversion gasp.
I also like the fact that the AWE Tuning system utilizes the factory exhaust hanger. The factory hanger is quite sophisticated and I believe that it offers superior vibration isolation. It may also help reduce resonance. For more information about the factory exhaust hanger, please
see this thread.
The optional AWE tips are very interesting. Not only are they beautiful, they are also functionally sensible. Their 'Y' pipe design should theoretically help scavenge gasses from the adjacent muffler and in theory this design should offer a performance benefit over the factory 'T' pipe.
AWE Tuning System Benefits:- High luster polished stainless steel finish.
- Two chamber mufflers with cross over pipe to reduce resonance.
- Use of factory exhaust hanger bracket to eliminate vibration and reduce resonance.
- Ability to use the factory tip assembly for a stock look.
- Multiple connections points should help to ensure a perfect and trouble free fit on all cars.
- 10 lbs of weight savings over stock
That's all I've discovered so far, but there may be more. I'll keep you posted as I make more discoveries. If you have any questions, please let me know. If I don't have an answer, I'll get an answer.
I re-installed my stock exhaust system this past weekend. I would like to spend a week or two driving with the factory system so I can 'cleanse my pallet' and offer you a good comparison to stock. I can't wait to install this system. I am VERY curious about it's sound.
Product Information:- Price (catback system): $1,695
- Price (optional tips): $395
- Warranty: 2 years
- Verified Vehicle Compatibility: 2005-up Boxster & Boxster S, 2006-up Cayman & Cayman S
- Country of Origin: United States of America
- Construction Material: T-304 & T-321 Austenitic Stainless Steel
- Muffler Design: Straight Through Muffler with Dual Chamger & Cross Over Pipe
- Tip Configuration: Utilizes existing factory tip. Optional tips available.
- Weight: ~38 lbs (17.3 kg) [10 lbs (4.5 kg) < stock system w/tips & hangers]
