Polo GTI Downpipe Market research ?

[Guy_H]

We have had many a requests for the Polo GTI downpipe, so we have done the numbers on making a direct bolt on downpipe that can be used with the stock catback, or any other brand cat back out there.

Same quality, fit & finish as our full APR system. Double braided flex joint used.

The system will be 2.5" (we get low down losses from 3", so 2.5" is our preffered size).

We have the choices:

1: Eurospec 4 high flow ceramic cat - will not cause a catalyst efficency light & will work with any software, including stock VW software.

Flows ~ 20% higher than stock cat.

$1299

2: High Flow Metal substrate Core - MAY cause a catalyst efficency light to appear on stock software - no problem with APR software.

Flows ~ 30% greater than the stock cat.

$1099

3: High Flow Ceramic Core Cat - MAY cause a catalyst efficency light to appear on stock software - no problem with APR software.

Flows ~ 20% greater than the stock cat.

$999

It would bolt straight up, no cutting, no welding & 100% reversible (so can be taken off directly & resold)

Let me know what you fellows think?

[RhysQ]

good idea Guy, i think you will get a lot of interest (it sounds like you already have) in an APR downpipe. i personally think that the high flow metal cat would be the way to go. i feel that if people are going to consider a downpipe to their list of mods, they will more than likely have their car already chipped (for that sort of money). for the price of the high flow metal cat, and the superior flow rate, i think you may be on a winner there.

Cheers,

Rhys

[Guy_H]

You are correct Rhys, the cost of the big Euro 4 cat is a killer, its hundreds more than the high flow version - but we need to package it so if some one has a stock car or brand X software in it, it may throw the warm up efficiency code!

We decided to use the Euro cat in our full system to make sure we didnt get into this situation (we export this system to Europe).

[Timbo]

NOW you do the market research!

Perhaps as a point of comparison it might be worth posting the RRP of the original equipment VW part

[GT3]

Num 2 seems to be the best value/performance option, but Num 1 appeals more to those who don't want to throw any codes (ever), particularly when servicing their cars at VW service depts.

[VW GTI]

I'd say #2. You should offer some sort of package with the chip at the same time so anyone without a chipped car could get it done at the same time for a bit cheaper to encourage them/make more sales.

[GT3]

also -num 1 would mean anyone could buy it, irrespective of their software and/or set up, as well as the option of selling it in os markets. maybe a compromise is to order/develop both 1 and 2, if that's at all feasible.

[mitch_gti]

Guy, your a bastard


I wanted to buy it all from you, but it wasnt available. I also rung Derek and he said APR have nothing available just as DP & cat.

Im sure this will be a popular upgrade.

[Guy_H]

Thanks Fella's - We will investigate options 1 & 2 & see if its feasible to have both on the shelf!

[VW GTI]

How much of a difference does this make to the sound of the exhaust? I don't want it to change too much, I like the stock sound and would prefer it to sound stock.

Used to have a straight through pipe on a Lancer GSR, sounded real nice but I'm over having a loud exhaust for a daily driver.

[Timbo]

Nothing noticeable, IME

[Bubu]

Could the customer just have the choice of 3 different cat's when he/she purchases the downpipe?

[MACCAA]

Timbo and I are both running stock cats.The standard one is pretty good,and is easily modified to take a larger downpipe.
Saves a far bit of $$$$.
Cheers
Len

[Guy_H]

As a production part - no - we have a lead time of 3-4 weeks for manufacture & we do 6 units at a time, so its too hard to keep all three options.

For a production item, you can't use the stock cat, and for maximum flow - we use a "high flow cat".

Cheers!

[Guy_H]

Noise -

Not a great deal louder than stock (from the systems I have heard!)