Anyone running a 3" downpipe with a stock cat back?

[Pullstarter]

Hey Guys,
Just got a full turbo back APR exhaust installed on the GTI including the 3" DP and will be getting stage 2 tune done next week . Problem is the missus aint too happy with the noise levels and I was wondering if anyone was running a 3" DP with stock cat back? Is this advisable with a stage 2 tune? Will it compromise the performance much?

I'm hoping she'll get used to it but just in case I'd like to know

Cheers
Simon

[Ryan_R]

If you do switch it would be good to hear a noise comparison... Record some video footage for us perhaps?

[Pullstarter]

I will if I do it, hopefully she'll get used to it

[walbjj]

Most people should know that a catback offers little to no gains, it's basically sound. All the power gains come from the dp. The intake offers a little bit as well.
Stg 2 is essentially intake and dp, the catback is just an encore, but not necessary.
I run the carbonio with the apr dp. And the stg 2 tune. I didn't go with the catback because I no longer enjoy drone and loudness that comes with most aftermarket exhausts. Unless its a v8, that's the only time I can make an exception.

Anyway, I agree with ur wife, too loud. Just go with the intake, tune and dp. Flog off the catback

[buzuki]

Yeah, iwouldnt be too worried bout the catback being standard. Like walbjj said, 95% of the power gained would be from the DP alone.

[csf6701]

Hi Pullstarter,

I just got the APR Stage 1 ECU flash done this week and the full turbo back exhaust was my next goal. When you got the turbo back exhaust, did you keep your original exhaust? That is what I am thinking of doing, either to be able to revert back to the original when selling if buyers don't want the noise or as a back-up exhaust if I get pulled over for too much noise.

[Pullstarter]

Cheers for the info guys, good to know if I do have to change back there won't be a major power loss. csf, yes I have kept the original exhaust so I'll see how it goes. I actually don't mind the sound but depends on 'er indoors

Thanks guys appreciate the help.

[nat225]

i think the apr rsc catback is quite civilised, quiet at low rpm.

solution: get your missus another car!

eg: hybrid engined car, can't hear anything!! it is turned off when not moving.

[Guy_H]

Downpipe to stock catback will be fine - no software change required!

[Pullstarter]

Thanks Guy, I've had Michael order the reducer so I can retain the 3" DP. Stage 2 tune booked in at Belconnen next week Guess I'll have to sell a barely used cat-back now

[csf6701]

Thanks Guy, I've had Michael order the reducer so I can retain the 3" DP. Stage 2 tune booked in at Belconnen next week Guess I'll have to sell a barely used cat-back now

That is a shame Pullstarter having to get rid of the cat-back so quickly Is that the final verdict from the Missus?

Can I ask why you are doing the Stage 2 tune a week or so after the turbo-back exhaust was installed? I thought you would have got it done the same time or is it optional and you can actually get away with the Stage 1 tune with the turbo-back exhaust?

[Pullstarter]

Tis a shame but in the interest of a peaceful existence it has to happen

I had the exhaust installed at my local vw specialist but he doesn't do the ECU programming unfortunately so I have to go to another shop for that, no biggy

Anyone want a near new cat back? lol

[walbjj]

doesnt the tuner do exhaust installs? that would have been the common sense approach. doesnt the guy that sells apr software also sell apr hardware and thus installs?

[Pullstarter]

It would be common sense if the tuner had TIME to do the install as well as the tune but he's booked solid, THUS I had my local guy do the install.

[Romp]

I had apr dp and apr stage2 file stock catback.

Sound crap when cold but good when warm. Louder than stock still but quieter than with the apr catback