BackgroundOn my previous car (Mk5 Edition 30) I ran a Milltek system for well over 50k miles. During this time I had some modifications done to the system by Milltek that really made the system what I wanted it to be (basically something in-between a res and non res system with a shallower / less visible rear silencer). However during the ownership I did experience a couple of faults with the system. The first was down to incorrect installation by the original supplying Milltek dealer which caused the flexi section to split. The second issue was the plating on the tail-pipes cracking / splitting. Both of these issues where resolved quickly by Milltek under the warranty.
These issues did give me some concerns and when the time came to choose the new system for my Mk6 GTI I did not immediately consider a Milltek one. During my research on the available systems I was given the opportunity by Revo to try a Blue Flame one that featured their branding, at a similar time I was also contacted by Milltek, but due to timescales the opportunity to get the blue flame system on the car came first.
While this system ticked all the boxes on paper in terms of spec (Stainless Steel Construction, 3” diameter pipework and 100 cell CAT) the reality for me personally was it didn’t work. Mainly the “issues” where related to needs for a system, the sound levels from cold start and between 3-4k are excessively “boomy” and “droney”, and that at higher motorway speeds the system was very intrusive. I also felt the construction of the system showed why it was cheaper, benefits like not having a large rear silencer where lost because of the use of cheaper U clamps that where visible when following the car on the road or when stood a few meters behind it. The system also seamed to have a mind of it’s own in that some days it could be relatively quiet and others it was far louder.
On the positive side of things the system did make the car feel far more responsive and most certainly gave good performance increases.
After running the blue flame for a couple of weeks (and a ring trip), while it had a lot of good points, it was clear in my own mind it wasn’t the right system for me.
Shortly after this I was contacted by Milltek to discuss the option to use my car to develop something new for the Mk6. From the outset of the discussions I had with Charlie at Milltek I was impressed and felt reassured by the fact they acknowledged that going back over the last 12 months or so there had been some quality issues, he took time to describe the various steps Milltek had taken to address the quality issues that some customers had experienced. This included substantial investment in new equipment and technology to allow them to test the metal being used in the production of the exhausts rather than being in the hands of various suppliers.
So off the back of this discussion a new Mk6 system has been created. The remit agreed between Milltek and I was to deliver something a bit more performance orientated than their existing Mk6 system (which is designed to meet the various levels of regulatory requirements in the different markets Milltek have dealers in) and to also produce a new system that looks and sounds the part without going OTT.
So now you know what/why/how I have come to having this system, on with the review.
WhySimple answers is, a turbo back exhaust system is widely know to improve performance (more so when used with a stage 2 remap), but also improves the aesthetics and sound output of the car.
For me all three of the aspects are as equally important when choosing an exhaust system. The Mk6 design/layout of the “wheel barrow” handles that are set into a diffuser means the tips need to be a good size with an angled slash cut to fall into line with the shape of the diffuser. This design also means the central rear silencer that is found one the OEM system is very visible so again an exhaust system that addresses this was also important to me.
So here is the end result of Milltek’s development efforts: -
VIDEO TO FOLLOW, CURRENTLY BEING EDITED
So the system is made up of: -
Large-bore Downpipe and 100 cell Hi-flow Sports Cat
Front Connecting Pipe
Centre Silencer Assembly
Twin Rear Silencer Assembly
GT100 Tip Assembly
All made up in 3.00" / 76.20mm diameter pipework
SourcingPricing TBC
Available to order from Milltek Dealers. List of dealers can be found here -
http://www.millteksport.co.uk/stockists.cfmInfo on the system can be found here -
http://www.millteksport.co.uk/exhaust.products.cfm?variantid=308 (Product 7)
FittingNot massively difficult, this system once can be installed in under 2 hours by a competent garage.
Most Milltek dealers will offer a fitting service.
Other versionsBlue Flame
APR RSC
Akrapovic (Coming soon)
MV Sport
Or Custom Built Systems
Plus PointsMassively improved aesthetics, no large centre silencers or visiable U clamps to be seen.
Good sound levels and minimal motorway drone which only comes in well above the national speed limit. 3-6k RPM sound level has a deep tone with a the DSG burp on gear change sound is nicely enhanced by the system.
True 3” turbo back system with a properly sized 100 cell CAT, delivering improved performance, better throttle response and more induction noise.
Minus PointsAs it uses a 100 cell CAT a stage 2 remap will be required or the EPC light will be lite up on the dashboard.
SummaryIf your looking a system that gives the loudest possible noise, then this isn't the one for you. However I really believe Milltek has massively stepped up their game with this system and have more than exceeded all of the expectations I had for appearance, sound quality/level and performance increases. The quality of workmanship and the materials appears to me to be the best I have seen on an aftermarket system of this level.
I have now put over 1500 miles on the system since it was installed and it has shown no sign of any issues or fitment problems. The car has adapted well and despite some more work being needed on the stage 2 software I am running the performance has remained strong and the fuel economy is unaffected.
I have been very fortunate to be able to be involved in the development of this system, but given what I now know of the system I would 100% buy it if I still in the market to do so
