MK4 Jetta ALH Turbo Back exhaust system

kitko100 · Nov 2, 2013

I am replacing the stock exhaust on my 2001 jetta tdi. Im thinking of getting the Complete 2.5" or 3'' Stainless Turbo Back exhaust system by kermatdi. Im on the fence about 2.5'' vs. 3'' I want to delete the cat use a muffler and possibly a resonator. Is there anyone that has a 3'' turbo back that can give me an idea about how well it works and the noise level?

ghohouston · Nov 2, 2013

Mine sounds amazing straight piped. I dont feel the need for a muffler

ghohouston · Nov 2, 2013

However, kerma only sells them with a resonator

kitko100 · Nov 2, 2013

so you have the 3'' system with no cat no muffler? how loud is it while driving down the highway? doesn't get annoying at all?

Ganoid · Nov 2, 2013

I have the 3" turbo back. Just running around town if you keep it under 3k its fairly quiet. On the free way with the cruise set its also fairly stock'ish. If you put your foot in it though be ready to hear it roar. I think the positioning of the tail pipe has a big impact on the sound level in the car. I did have some fitment issues but was able to get them resolved on my own. The kit looks very nice and the clamps are great. The clamps do need to be very tight and it took our truck mechanic at work to point this out to me as they are the same style clamps used on our KW's. Be sure to check the down pipe flange against the gasket to be sure its aligned properly as I had to clearance mine a bit (port match).

kitko100 · Nov 3, 2013

thanks guys, is there anything better or similar to the kerma turbo back kits. I cant seem to find much on the good ol interweb for a ALH jetta.

BlankThis · Nov 3, 2013

BuzzKen is your boy.

flee · Nov 3, 2013

Compare all your options: ID parts, Kerma, BuzzKen and there are others.
I have a custom downpipe with a 2.5" BuzzKen cat-back.
The quality and fit is great and his service was great also.
I recommend at least 2 resonators. I asked for 1 and now I'll probably add another.

ghohouston · Nov 7, 2013

Ganoid said:
I have the 3" turbo back. Just running around town if you keep it under 3k its fairly quiet. On the free way with the cruise set its also fairly stock'ish. If you put your foot in it though be ready to hear it roar. I think the positioning of the tail pipe has a big impact on the sound level in the car. I did have some fitment issues but was able to get them resolved on my own. The kit looks very nice and the clamps are great. The clamps do need to be very tight and it took our truck mechanic at work to point this out to me as they are the same style clamps used on our KW's. Be sure to check the down pipe flange against the gasket to be sure its aligned properly as I had to clearance mine a bit (port match).

Agreed. Yes mine is fully straight piped. The whistle sounds good, but you cant hear the whistle too much after 1st gear, unless youre creeping along, or in between shifts, it whistles. I like the way it sounds a lot. Like my sig says, I have 3" turbo back, 4" pipe after the rear axle, and a 5" tip

TDI_ · Nov 7, 2013

ghohouston said:
Agreed. Yes mine is fully straight piped. The whistle sounds good, but you cant hear the whistle too much after 1st gear, unless youre creeping along, or in between shifts, it whistles. I like the way it sounds a lot. Like my sig says, I have 3" turbo back, 4" pipe after the rear axle, and a 5" tip

Just out of curiosity, did the 4" tailpipe make a difference? Or did you just upgrade to it because there are more options for the 4" when it comes to the exhaust tip selection?

kenzie2029 · Nov 7, 2013

Got my 2.5" turbo back straight pipe from buzzken too. Love it! Only wish I would have done 3" instead. I drive 100 miles a day for work and it's nice and quiet when cruising, but awesomely loud when you want it to be when you get on it.

ghohouston · Nov 8, 2013

TDI_ said:
Just out of curiosity, did the 4" tailpipe make a difference? Or did you just upgrade to it because there are more options for the 4" when it comes to the exhaust tip selection?

Mainly for sound, and the tip. I cut the tip off a truck at work that was being scraped, and my buddy had a 4" tailpipe/over axle piece of exhaust off his powerstroke lying around, so I decided what the hell. Sound wise, the 4" and the tip definitely made a difference

TDI_ · Nov 8, 2013

I see

figured the tips for trucks look much better on a diesel car hehe.

I will keep that in mind man, thank you for your answer.

Freeekonaleesh2 · Nov 11, 2013

Any documentation on HP or TQ gains? Also have yall seen any MPG gains with your systems?
I drive over 400 miles a week. Any help in the MPG is good. Currently getting 40-42 MPG @ 70MPH.

Votblindub · Nov 13, 2013

I've been looking around for exhausts as well, I'm going to subscribe for recommendations instead of starting an identical thread

Do you guys think it'd be a good idea for me to start a thread with people's exhaust sound/video clips as a resource for everyone to hear the different tones and whistles and a list of exhaust parts/sepcs in it? I realize there's thousands on youtube, but I'd like to hear the member's feedback.

DMViergever · Nov 14, 2013

I am suscribing too. I gotta bit of turbo lag with my stock system with the cat and muffler in place and have really been considering a turbo back straight.

Psymos · Nov 20, 2013

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-g7TaXKdksk

my 3" turbo back straight pipe from buzzken (check vendor section)

worth every penny imo

Votblindub · Nov 20, 2013

Psymos said:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-g7TaXKdksk

my 3" turbo back straight pipe from buzzken (check vendor section)

worth every penny imo

That sounds great!

Psymos · Nov 21, 2013

Votblindub said:
That sounds great!

thank you!

i really want to get an inside video with it, as it really isnt as loud as one would think. I should record in sound in the wifes stock tdi, and in mine to show the difference!

vwdiesel101 · Nov 21, 2013

go with the 2.5 inch, 3 inch isnt necessary. you will notice drone in the cabin but realy only above 100kph but its not near as bad as a honda with a fart can. i dont realy see the logic in these expensive exhaust systems. volkswagen exhausts dont rust to begin with, take it to a exhaust shop and theyll weld you up some straight pipe for like 150 bucks max and your good to go!.

Golf GLS TDI · Nov 21, 2013

My 3" straight pipe exits just behind rear drivers tire out to the side and it is loud. The noise gets old when driving the interstate but quite a few people say the car sounds awesome. You do hear the turbo whistle at idle and low cruising speed like the guy a few posts back said. I like it but thinking of adding a resonator.

Psymos · Nov 22, 2013

Honestly, my 3" straight pipe doesn't really drone at highway speeds 60mph+ below that it does a little. Nothing unbearable(IMO). Throwing a straight pipe on a TDI isn't like throwing a straight pipe on a gas car.

When I first put it on I was afraid of how much my wife would hate it, but she honestly doesn't mind it at all. Passed the wife test!!

Then again she is probably used to my STi with an almost straight pipe on it lol.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Robski92 · Nov 24, 2013

Psymos said:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-g7TaXKdksk

my 3" turbo back straight pipe from buzzken (check vendor section)

worth every penny imo

Do you have a cat or res in it?

jptbay · Nov 25, 2013

ghohouston said:
However, kerma only sells them with a resonator

Not true for this Kerma kit: http://www.kermatdi.com/servlet/the-447/2.5-inch-Stainless-Cat-dsh-Back/Detail

I have this one on my car with an IDParts downpipe and I couldn't be more pleased. Straight through.

Psymos · Nov 25, 2013

Robski92 said:
Do you have a cat or res in it?

no sir

just straight through piping.

Robski92 · Nov 26, 2013

Psymos said:
no sir just straight through piping.

Thanks now I know what I'm getting.

durdy1 · Nov 28, 2013

I was starting to look at the 2.5 turbo back system. I have just the mufflerectomy now. If I go with just a high flow cat, will I have close to the same sound inside and out that I have now? And buzzken can you shoot me a price on this also. Thanks

durdy1 · Nov 28, 2013

thank you for the very quick reply on Thanksgiving Day. I just want the interior sound quiet. I like the turbo sound out that i have now. Also what grade stainless is the pipe. Thanks agian.

BuzzKen · Nov 28, 2013

durdy1 said:
thank you for the very quick reply on Thanksgiving Day. I just want the interior sound quiet. I like the turbo sound out that i have now. Also what grade stainless is the pipe. Thanks agian.

16 gauge 409 stainless from a mill in North America. It won't be silent, but will be toned down nicely.

flee · Nov 28, 2013

Get 2 resonators if in doubt.

BK, do you offer an extended tailpipe to get the opening past the bumper?

MK4 Jetta ALH Turbo Back exhaust system

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