My Stebro Install/Feedback

[Dan Sinclair]

It's been in for quite a while, so here's my wrap up:

I ordered a Stebro cat-back system from Dan at Stebro for my 1990 Coupe Quattro.  I had the catalytic converter changed by the muffler shop at the same time.

Fitment - the shop seemed to think it was well constructed unit and fitment was good.  No major bending or adjustment necessary.

Sound - I had some issues here...  The full cat-back system was definitely NOT what I was hoping for.  The exhaust note was rather brappy at anything but idle, and had a trumpet blast at high-revs.  I wanted a performance sound, but this sounded much more like a brapping import.  I was ready to remove the entire system, but the muffler shop owner went above and beyond the call to keep me a happy customer (despite not getting a dime on the actual parts).  He removed the Stebro Center (which he suspected was under-baffled) and reinstalled my OEM center muffler and left the Stebro rear muffler.  He did this free of charge.  If you're in Portland Oregon, I can't recommend them enough: Performance Discount Muffler And Brake, 3204 NE Broadway (503) 284-8080 - ask for Rob.

With the Stebro Rear Muffler ONLY, the resulting sound was terrific!  Deeper than stock, louder, but not at all brapping.  Tuned out the popping and trumpeting, and brought out the 20 valve's best asset - the 4000-6000 RPM growl.  It's a great muffler for the money.

Performance - I really didn't notice a difference either way.  With the full cat-back system, or the rear-only, it feels about like it did before, but the sound alone is worth it.  Throw in that it's stainless steel, and looks great too, and it's a winner.

Stebro experience - Dan at Stebro allowed me to return the center muffler with no arguments.  He credited back all but $15 of the purchase price, which is a fair restocking fee I guess.

Overall, very pleased with the end result.  I'll get sound bites of the two exhaust notes for comparison here in the next few weeks if listers are interested.

Dan Sinclair
1990 Coupe Quattro