Unlocking Performance: The Ultimate Guide to Aftermarket VW Exhaust Systems

Let’s be honest: while Volkswagen owners aren’t the only auto enthusiasts in Australia, they can proudly boast that they’re members of one of the most fabled factory-performance fraternities in automotive history. From the impishly quick Polo GTI, to the demonically fast Golf R, VWs are revered for their rock-solid reliability and almost effortless ability to double and even triple their output with the right selection of components and proper tuning. Ultimately, it’s a testament to how VWs are natural recipients for aftermarket parts, and this is especially true for exhaust systems.

Regardless of whether your engine is fuel-, or force-injected, the biggest mistake a VW owner can make when upgrading their exhaust is assuming that bigger is better, because it’s not. An effective exhaust system has to match your engine’s breathing characteristics, which is why even when you’re looking at exhaust upgrades, you have to look at the complete performance picture.

Superior Aftermarket Exhaust Systems Engineered Especially for VWs

Ask any exhaust engineer and they’ll tell you that no matter if you’re looking for additional performance or richer sound, the key is balance. Maximum scavenging and velocity, together with minimum backpressure are what you want, and a precision-made VW performance exhaust system is designed to deliver both. Thermal efficiency is what you’re looking for, and premium, ADR (Australian Design Regulation) compliant cat-back and turbo-back systems are available for the meanest lineup of Aussie-spec VWs built over the last 10 years, to include:

• Model AW and AE Polo GTIs;
• Model R Sciroccos; and,
• MK5, MK6, MK7-7.5, and MK8 Golf GTIs and Golf Rs.

No matter if you’re looking for a bit more bite from your daily driver, or you’re preparing to unleash the beast in a supertuned super streeter, aftermarket VW performance exhaust systems offer the flow and sound you want, at a price that’s consistent with the affordable power gains that VW is known for. Superior exhaust system design depends, however, on an understanding of the way spent exhaust gases move from high pressure to low pressure. Fortunately, that’s an area where VW engineering, even in bone stock trim, helps make aftermarket exhausts so effective.

XForce Masters the Fundamentals of VW Exhaust System Construction

While it’s no secret that most aftermarket exhaust conversations start with canyon-sized pipes and exotic materials, the fact is, that large-diameter systems crafted from costly metals still can’t yield the same results as a steel one that’s been properly balanced. Premium aftermarket exhaust system suppliers like Perth’s XForce aren’t impressed by expensive alloys; that’s because they keep their emphasis on perfecting the fundamentals: scavenging, velocity, and backpressure.

• Maximizing scavenging. Scavenging occurs when heated exhaust gases naturally move from a high-pressure environment to a low-pressure one; a process where spent gases are continuously drawn out of the cylinders, and out through the tubes.
• Maximizing exhaust gas velocity. This is the speed at which spent gases are able to move through the system; and the faster they move, the more efficient an engine is able to scavenge.
• Minimizing backpressure. Regardless of whether it’s caused by an inline obstruction, or the radii of the tubing itself, backpressure is any type of resistance to the movement of spent gases as they’re leaving the exhaust system.

Ideally, a high-performance exhaust system needs as little backpressure as possible, and the highest gas velocity possible, to achieve the best scavenging. And as OE 16-valve VW heads, especially the latest versions of the APR 2.0T castings, are known for their impeccable exhaust flow characteristics, they’re able to exploit the advantages that high flow / low restriction tubes have to offer better than almost any other comparable powertrain available in Australia.

XForce moves their understanding of flow dynamics and VW’s naturally good breathing characteristics even further by combining them with a host of qualities tailored specifically to reducing backflow to the absolute minimum, including:

• Mandrel bent 2.5“ or 3.0“ tubing, with high flowing 200 cell cats;
• Die-cast split pipes for greater flow distribution and heat dissipation; and,
• Straight-through middle resonators, or optional resonator deletes for maximum flow.

Make no mistake: from their optimally sized tubes, to their TIG-welded flanges, XForce VW high-performance exhaust systems are designed to eliminate the causes of power-robbing turbulence and inline flow restrictions – all in a 304 stainless steel package. And when it comes to tuning your VW’s exhaust note while maximizing its flow, XForce’s Varex™ mufflers are the final word in customization.

Varex Mufflers Give Your VW Exhaust the Functional Edge

While electronically controlled mufflers are nothing new to the automotive industry, groundbreaking Varex mufflers are a giant step forward in the evolution of tunable muffler technology. These mufflers are regulated entirely by remote control; and as “pop” tuned performance exhausts have gained in popularity with VW owners, their 3-mode, butterfly-valve actuated functionality adds a new dynamic to on- and off-road exhaust science.

• Street Mode. With street mode, the muffler’s valve allows spent gases to transit through the system like an OE muffler, while absorbing the most sound.
• In Between Mode. In this mode, the muffler’s valve only partially restricts spent gases through its body, allowing for an increase in performance and sound level.
• Race Mode. Race mode offers the free flow of a full-fledged racing exhaust, giving you top performance with the loudest vocal note.

With the push of a button, Varex mufflers give VW owners the ability to fine-tune both their exhaust flow and note according to their surroundings. You’ll want to check your state’s regulations on variable exhaust systems before installing a Varex on a road-driven car, but make no mistake: they offer the custom tunability that your VW can benefit from, no matter how you drive your car.

The Final Word

At the end of the day, balance is the key to getting the most from any exhaust system. And while OE Volkswagen exhaust systems are very capable performers, it takes a balanced aftermarket system to allow the VW’s exceptionally engineered heads to breathe as fully as they’re designed to.

Regardless of the type of driving you do, a balanced, precision-made VW performance exhaust system has all the qualities you need to take your driving experience to the next level. They give you the complete performance perspective that you expect from an upgraded exhaust.