Resonator delete for standard, S-line and TTS petrol models

The resonator delete on the Audi TT MK3 (8s) is one of the most popular first mods to do for those on a budget. If you’re in two minds about a full cat-back system, taking one or two resonators out gives that added OEM plus sound that should help you determine if you prefer a louder system or not. It’s also worth noting that TTS models come with 3 resonators – unlike base/s-line models that only come with two.

To add more fun and drama, opting for a stage 1 ECU (electronic control unit) and TCU (transmission control unit) remap, particularly for 230hp models, will take your car up to 300-310 bhp whilst changing the exhaust tone slightly.

It’s worth noting that these modifications don’t add any drone to the cabin in all driving modes, this only occurs once the backbox (muffler) is modified/deleted.

Inside Both Resonators

Custom Resonator Delete

If it’s your first time getting an exhaust modified, the best option is to remove 1 of the resonators first. This gives slightly louder upshifts (DSG farts). If you’re still dissatisfied, a second res delete will give more of a growl, particularly when you put your foot down in dynamic mode, along with a tad more horsepower. However, when getting the work carried out by an exhaust shop you must ensure to choose a reputable place that has had experience working on these cars. Trying to save money with a backstreet exhaust shop can leave you (in some circumstances) with exhaust tips that aren’t centered, and/or a slightly smaller exhaust pipe to replace your resonator(s) – which is not recommended for turbo-charged cars.

DIY Resonator Delete

If you’re more hands on then an 034 Motorsport Res-X resonator delete pipe is the way to go. This pipe replaces the resonator before the large, rear backbox (muffler) and doesn’t need welding. This mod is a completely reversible install and only requires one cut to your OEM exhaust. Once you have removed the res it’s just a matter of smearing some gun gum exhaust paste inside both ends of your new pipe, bolting it onto the factory exhaust and away you go. However, before you start cutting away at your exhaust you must ensure you cut in the correct place by measuring your straight pipe with the factory exhaust system.

Top Tip: a reciprocating saw or a non-slip exhaust cutter are the best tools to use for safely making cuts to your exhaust pipe.

Downsides

As with anything, there’s almost always a downside to anything you do when you modify your car. And we feel it’s only fair to point out what could potentially go wrong so you can prepare for things you may have overlooked:

• Louder cold starts (potentially upsetting the neighbours).
• May pay more than other people from a garage depending where you are in the world.
• Poor install from an exhaust shop such as wrong pipe size and/or off-centre exhaust tips (it can happen).
• You accidently mess up the DIY and make the wrong cut, leaking exhaust and/or off-centre tips.
• Or the scariest, an angry wife! Ideally, get her approval first (good luck).

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Average Cost

Between £200-350

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Conclusion

All-in-all, whichever resonator delete you decide to do first, you will definitely have fun adding that extra bit of character to your car. It’s a quick and easy modification to do to your exhaust before committing to a full system, and it’s friendly on your bank account – win win!
As you can tell, we would highly recommend it, especially the double res delete. Before jumping straight in to a full exhaust system you may realise that you don’t actually need or want it. And for roughly a 30 minute job, it’s certainly something that will turn a few more heads when you open it up to the speed limit.

Single resonator delete sound:

Double resonator delete sound: