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The Mk5 GTI, like many modern cars, suffers from the compromise which car manufacturers make in satisfying the mass market by increasing cabin soundproofing - I dread to think what the Mk6 GTI is like with it's VW stated soundproofing 'improvements' but am about to find out. There are far too many people, in my not so humble opinion, who prefer not to hear any of their engine or mechanical sounds. However, enthusiasts love to hear their (and other people's) exhaust sounds and many of us also recognise its value as a driving aid - You might not be able to always study your rev counter but you can at least always hear your rev levels and you know when your engine sounds healthy.
As individuals, us enthusiasts have our own individual preferences for the exhausts on our car. Some prefer it very loud, others not so loud, some very pop and crackly, others richer and deeper, etc etc. Each of the exhaust manufacturers offerings has its own distinctive sound.
Most of us feel weak at the knees when we hear a V6, a V8, in fact anything V! and also not forgetting a 5-cylinder or a Porsche engine. The lowly 4-pot is more limited in its appeal but an aftermarket exhaust system does much to help. I think we would all like our cars to sound like this : -
WHY?A caring manufacturer feels a need to respond to its customers and also to grasp opportunities to beneficially continue to develop its products. Milltek is one of those companies which strives to continually do the best it can. This particular evolution of its quads for the Mk5 GTI has been initiated by my particular feedback and wishes regarding my own car.
SOURCING:Not yet available but will be via Milltek and their network of approved resellers.
Linky : -
Milltek - Home page....Prices unknown at this stage but pro rata to other Milltek products.
OPTIONS:- Currently quad exit pipe configuration but may be twin to follow.
- Either Black Satin ceramic finish tips or usual Milltek silver ones.
- Either Resonated (quieter) or Non-Resonated (louder) but the Non-Res version will have a small resonator box otherwise the system is alarmingly loud and guaranteed to get you into trouble.
INSTALLATION:Unless you have the equipment and also are capable (I'm certainly not, and neither am I at all interested in doing my own car mechanics - "Help the aged!" I say), it's best to use an approved Milltek dealer's workshop.
^ EARLIER VERSION ON TEST ^
^ PRE-PRODUCTION VERSION ^
COMPARISON WITH PREVIOUS VERSION:Comparing the quad versions and not the twins:
- Sound - The new 'Resonated' version is louder than the previous version but quieter than the previous Non-Resonated version. I let SteveP drive my car recently and he does a big annual mileage such that a normal Non-Res Milltek was too loud for him except when in enthusiast-mode at weekends. He commented that my new Milltek was just right for his weekday needs. Chris aka WhiteGTI has an APR RSC system and would prefer mine slightly louder.
- Performance - Freer flowing and therefore delivering slightly more power in upper rev range. The new and smaller back box has virtually nothing in it and so the flow is easier.
- Style - Now slash-cut (angled) tips instead of straight-cut fatter walled tips. The result is that they look much more oem and don't stick out so much either.
- The ceramic finish is far more resistant to the elements than the previous powdercoated black.
- The pipes from the smaller back box are now 4 totally independent pipes instead of a 'Y' configuration and so equal exhaust gases flow is far more reliable.
- Being a shallower back box, it's now less visible from the rear except to surviving small mammals or someone lying in the road.
PLUS POINTS:- Sound - The Milltek sound is sophisticated and never boy-racer. It's a deeper and richer sound than most of its competitors but sound is of course very subjective and up to what each individual wants and prefers.
- Performance - TBE aka Turbo-back when in combination with an established tuner's remap, will deliver more power and exhaust efficiency.
- Style - The black ceramic finish tips are very stylish and low-key, especially when you have 4 exhaust pipes! They look cool. For those who love the all-black stealth spy plane look, they are surely a must-have.
- Practicality - The black ceramic version tips are extremely easy to keep clean and with a minimum of time and effort - Just like Monza wheels.
- Excellent warranty and aftersales service, if it's ever needed.
MINUS POINTS: - Not the cheapest exhaust systems on the market (but one of the very best).
- Not really a minus point but you need to use a totally non-abrasive cleaner on the black tips. Meguiar's NXT Generation Tech Wax 2.0 (a cream) works extremely well and brings out the satin sheen.
SUMMARY:The previous Milltek quad exhaust system has now evolved through a series of relatively small developments which add up to a much improved whole. It will, of course, be up to Milltek's management to decide if any of these developments can apply beneficially to the twin pipe versions.
I shall be working with Milltek in testing a slightly louder version over the next few months which will then be the equivalent of the previous 'Non-Resonated' version but with a small resonator. It's a fine balance but Milltek have over 30 years experience in such matters.
I had experienced minor problems with the earlier version (actually one of the very first examples of it) and it's a testament to Milltek how willing and helpful they have been in responding to my criticisms and providing solutions. The result is this version on my car and I am so confident in it that I have felt it appropriate to write this pre-production review.
I'll edit or add to this review in due course.
The result is a much more subtle display of the quads. Eat your heart out, Mk6 GTI !!
