14 Reasons Why We Love AWE Tuning
12 FEB 2024 - Jeff Willis
Love is in the air, and this February, we are going to list 14 reasons why we love the brand, AWE Tuning. Established in 1991 near Philadelphia Pennsylvania, AWE was founded by competitive innovators who desired to take performance levels for grassroots enthusiasts to the next step. Their vision is to unlock performance and they do it so well with their quality products. However, AWE doesn’t go over the top, they keep their catalog simple for the average gearhead with a decent set of tools, so that their modifications can be performed on the weekend or as a fun winter project. That being said, their catalog features basic performance upgrades that include but are not limited to intakes, exhaust systems, and intercooler upgrades. Because of these reasons, here are 14 reasons why we at SubiSpeed, love AWE Tuning.
MORE THAN 3 DECADES OF EXPERIENCE
Since 1991 AWE Tuning has been cranking out modifications and upgrades for a variety of vehicles that benefit with upgrades for daily and competition use. 30 years is enough time to figure out failure points, along with areas of improvement. A seasoned company knows what it takes to earn your trust, and their products are utilized on a worldwide scale on daily drivers and world-class race cars. Their successful formula produces components that are durable, long lasting, and produce the results that we desire.
DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED IN-HOUSE AT THEIR USA FACILITY
Like a proper home-cooked meal, AWE designs their exhaust systems and performance products in-house at their headquarters located outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This makes certain that the result of their testing and engineering are backed by the craftsmanship to provide the customer with nothing but satisfaction.
AN EXCELLENT EXHAUST SELECTION FOR OUR FAVORITE SUBARU MODELS
We love all Subaru models, but like many of you, the rally inspired WRX and STI models piqued our interest at some point in time. And the BRZ has proven to be a well-coveted modern sportscar that is very attainable, and a lot of car for the money. AWE chose to add these Subaru models to their exhaust program simply because they react well to the performance, but it’s that distinct boxer rumble that is very signature to the Subaru.
OPERATED BY ENTHUSIASTS
They know what they would want for their vehicles and put their ideas in to production to offer other enthusiasts with the same upgrades that they stand behind. Since AWE’s conception in 1991, they knew what it would take to keep their own vehicles competitive from a performance side of things. Additionally, AWE knows that there is a fine line between performance and reliability. Any reputable brand can build parts to make a car to make substantial amounts of power, but many times having too much power is not sustainable. Simple bolt-on upgrades such as an intake and exhaust provide a nice bump in power to help you cut those lap times during the weekend, while allowing you to enjoy the reliability of Subaru for the daily commute.
SOME OF THE BEST INTAKES IN THE INDUSTRY
Because a quality cold air intake system complements the performance of an exhaust system. A quality performance exhaust system increases performance by eliminating turbulence and restrictions with larger piping with minimal bends. The methos is similar with a quality performance intake system that replaces the factory intake box that is also restrictive. The selection of AWE Tuning intake systems allows the turbocharger or engine to breathe in a larger volume of air to improve the throttle response. When your engine can breathe better while effectively pushing out the exhaust gases, you can get a nice bump in horsepower and torque.
PERFORMANCE
It is common knowledge within the car community that an intake and exhaust are basic upgrades. But the devil is in the details. For example, the AWE Tuning Intake System for the GR Supra is a direct replacement for the factory intake. It allows the turbocharger to inhale in a larger volume of air to allow the turbo to respond quicker to improve the throttle response. AWE worked tirelessly to design their intake and exhaust systems to not trigger check engine lights, while adding more horsepower and torque. If you don’t have the resources, time, and expertise that is earned throughout the years, then many times a haphazard product that will actually make your performance worse. AWE will work relentlessly on the design until they are satisfied to release it into mass production for the performance consumer.
SOUND
What is unique about the Subaru is that flagship boxer rumble produced by the flat-four engine. Now there are variables on what can and cannot produce that “rumble” such as having an unequal-length header. But a good cat-back exhaust system can really amplify that unique noise that the EJ and FA Subaru motors produce. With enlarged piping in the exhaust with minimal bending, the flat-four engine can really sing without being too loud. The result is a deep rumble that purrs during idle, and really opens at full throttle without blasting your ear drums.
AWESOME FOR STREET OR RACE USE
From daily drivers, dedicated race cars, or show cars, AWE products are versatile to survive arduous race conditions, but strong enough for the daily driver that experiences all seasons throughout the year. The intake systems will allow your engine to breathe freely at full throttle while allowing those exhaust gases to escape equally as quick. The exhaust systems produce a satisfying boxer growl that makes the commute to work on Monday morning worth every mile. A great combination to have for the Subaru owner who likes to enjoy the occasional weekend autocross event.
VERSATILITY
For Subaru models, you can choose from Track Edition, or Touring Edition exhaust examples. The Touring Edition features AWE’s 180° Technology that eliminates drone throughout all driving conditions, while the Track Edition is loud, and all business. You also have the option with AWE’s conversion kits to convert your Touring Edition into the Track Edition for those who desire more sound, or vice versa if you don’t want to awake neighbors at 6am. This is a great option that set’s AWE’s example apart from the rest to provide the performance consumer with options that will satisfy their sound preferences.
QUALITY
By engineering, designing, and producing their products from their USA headquarters, they can keep a close eye on quality control. The materials used in the exhaust designs are US-sourced 304 stainless steel, with a 0.65” thickness – all handcrafted to make sure that there is a direct fitment. Additionally, they can thoroughly inspect each product from their intakes, exhausts, and aero components to make sure all pass a proper inspection and protocols before they enter packaging.
FINISH
Each exhaust system features a high polished finish on the mufflers, and especially on the trips. The hand-crafted welds are precision and heavy-duty to endure the heat generated at full throttle. Their intakes feature carbon fiber boxes, piping, or ducts to really improve the engine bay aesthetics. And their exterior upgrades feature a quality and finish that resembles OEM quality to blend in well. All of which are race-inspired and have been designed to sustain race use but will be recognized by those who have a well-trained eye at your local car meets.
NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GUARANTEE ON MANY PRODUCTS
If you design a cold air intake with an improper MAF flange, or if the piping is too large, this can trigger a check engine light. This can also happen if your MAF does not recognize the incoming air value that is outside of your ECU’s parameters, and that is why many times, tunes are required. Exhaust systems can also trigger a check engine light because the unrestricted flow path associated with aftermarket exhaust systems on turbocharged vehicles can increase the boost outside of your OEM boost solenoid’s capability. AWE bridges that fine line by producing their products to increase the performance, but in the right way without upsetting your ECU. Their cat-back systems are a fine medium for Subaru models that allow for increased flow but will keep the ECU happy.
PRICEPOINT
AWE Tuning is known to be on the higher end of the spectrum when it comes to performance products because of their wide catalog. They do have performance upgrades for modern day exotics but will invest the same time and energy on other makes and models. They want to keep their products highly competitive in pricing but want to keep an edge on the competition in terms of quality and performance delivery. The feedback from customers from all of AWE’s consumers has always been a positive experience due to the ease of installation with straight-forward fitment.
AWE TUNING SUBARU EXHAUST EXAMPLES – CLICK ON ANY LINK
- AWE TRACK EDITION EXHAUST QUAD SILVER CHROME TIPS - 2015-2021 SUBARU WRX/STI
- AWE TOURING EDITION EXHAUST CHROME SILVER QUAD TIPS – 2022-2024 SUBARU WRX
- AWE TUNING TRACK EDITION EXHAUST DIAMOND BLACK TIPS – 2013-2016 SCION FR-S / 2013-2024 SUBARU BRZ / TOYOTA 86
- AWE TUNING TOURING TO TRACK EDITION AXLE BACK EXHAUST – 2011-2021 SUBAUR WRX/STI SEDAN
- AWE TUNING TRACK TO TOURING EDITION CONVERSION EXHAUST – 2022-2024 SUBAUR WRX / 2011-2021 SUBARU STI SEDAN