4" High Flow Race Downpipe | Mk7 VW Golf R & Audi 8V A3 (Quattro), S3 2.0T EA888.3 MQB AWD | Trackslag

Overview

The Trackslag Downpipe was developed through extensive R&D beginning in 2016, following the success of Trackslag’s TFSI downpipes. After 18 months of testing on customer vehicles, the final design was released in 2018.

Rather than being designed solely for peak power on hybrid turbo applications, the Trackslag Downpipe was engineered to improve exhaust flow, turbocharger response, and power delivery throughout the rev range. Testing has shown earlier turbo spool and earlier power delivery compared with other aftermarket downpipes, including on vehicles equipped with the factory turbocharger.

The oversized design also provides significant advantages in heat management. The large-volume construction helps reduce exhaust gas and under-bonnet temperatures compared with conventional aftermarket downpipes.

Key Benefits

• Earlier turbocharger spool
• Earlier power delivery throughout the rev range
• Lower exhaust gas temperatures
• Reduced under-bonnet temperatures
• Reduced exhaust drone
• OEM-style soft flex section
• Factory downpipe support bracket retained
• European-sourced stainless steel construction
• Designed and manufactured in England

Details

Construction & Support

The Trackslag Downpipe uses an OEM-style soft flex section to minimize stress transferred to the turbocharger. The factory downpipe support bracket on the rear of the engine block is also retained to reduce stress on the turbocharger and V-band connection.

The downpipe is manufactured using European-sourced stainless steel and utilizes an oversized design engineered around flow and heat management rather than simply maximizing pipe diameter.

Exhaust Compatibility

The Trackslag Downpipe is designed to work with the factory exhaust when paired with the appropriate OEM adapter. It is also compatible with most 3-inch aftermarket cat-back exhaust systems when the appropriate adapter is selected.

OEM exhaust systems can vary slightly in their starting position, so additional length is intentionally provided on the downpipe. This allows the installer to trim the downpipe for a precise fit on the individual vehicle. Trimming takes only a few minutes and is considered part of the installation process.

Because aftermarket exhaust systems use different connection designs and dimensions, compatibility with every 3-inch system cannot be guaranteed. The Trackslag 3-inch adapter is designed to work with most major aftermarket exhaust manufacturers.

An Extra Long 3-Inch Extension is also available for applications requiring additional length, including certain AWE exhaust systems. The extension can be trimmed to achieve the proper fit.

Select the appropriate adapter option when placing your order.

Catalyst & De-Cat Options

The Trackslag Downpipe is available in both catalyst and de-cat configurations.

The catalyst version utilizes a high-quality Euro 6 catalyst manufactured in Italy. Its large catalyst core contains substantially more precious-metal material than many smaller aftermarket catalysts, contributing to its higher cost.

The de-cat version provides maximum exhaust flow and produces a sharper exhaust note compared with the catalyst version.

Important: Aftermarket downpipes modify the vehicle's emissions system. Emissions compliance varies by location, and customers are responsible for ensuring that their vehicle complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Tuning Requirements

The Trackslag Downpipe is compatible with the factory turbocharger and can produce earlier boost onset than many factory or off-the-shelf calibrations are designed to accommodate.

Proper tuning is recommended to take advantage of the increased exhaust flow and earlier boost response. If the calibration cannot properly control the earlier boost onset, power delivery may be compromised.

For best results, the vehicle should be properly tuned to match the downpipe and other supporting modifications.

Heat Management

Due to its large-volume design, the Trackslag Downpipe operates at lower temperatures than many conventional aftermarket downpipes. Heat wrapping or ceramic coating is not necessarily required, although additional heat shielding may be appropriate depending on the vehicle and surrounding components.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Trackslag Downpipe work with the factory turbocharger?

Yes. The downpipe is compatible with the factory turbocharger and can improve turbocharger response and power delivery throughout the rev range.

Will the de-cat version spool faster than the catalyst version?

There is no significant difference in spool reported between the two versions. The primary difference is that the catalyst version produces a slightly less sharp exhaust note, as the catalyst provides some sound attenuation.

How much louder is the Trackslag Downpipe than the factory downpipe?

Despite its significantly larger size, the Trackslag Downpipe is not necessarily substantially louder. Customer feedback has indicated that it can actually be quieter than some 3-inch aftermarket downpipes, with reduced exhaust drone also being reported.

Do I need to heat wrap or ceramic coat the downpipe?

Not necessarily. The large-volume design helps keep temperatures lower than many conventional aftermarket downpipes. Additional heat shielding may still be appropriate depending on the installation.

Will it work with my aftermarket cat-back exhaust?

If the cat-back was designed to work with the factory downpipe, it should be compatible with the Trackslag Downpipe when the appropriate adapter is selected. Due to differences between aftermarket exhaust manufacturers, compatibility with every system cannot be guaranteed.

Can the de-cat version be installed without a tune?

Proper tuning is strongly recommended. The vehicle should be calibrated to account for the increased exhaust flow and earlier boost response rather than relying on oxygen sensor spacers or other methods to suppress fault codes.

Manufacturer

Designed, tested, and manufactured in England using European-sourced materials.

Fitment