Down pipe question

[Paazuzu]

I'm getting my down pipe installed this week (before happy laps - woohoo!) and after discussing upgrade plans with Gav (i.e., no plan to change turbo for a year or two) I've settled for a 2.5 inch downpipe. After talking with Steve from Valley Mufflers this morning, he's recommended I consider upgrading the cat as well - or else I'll be going from a 2.5 inch downpipe, into a 2 inch cat, and then onto the 2.25 inch cat back exhaust (so the cat would be restrictive).

I know the cat back is already efficient, but what do you guys think? I'm considering doing the down pipe and cat.

[seangti]

I'd do the cat while you're at it, at least than you know it's as good as its going to get. Do it once, do it right approach. And even with a turbo upgrade in the future, running 2.5" the whole way would still be sufficient so might be a good middle ground approach.

[Paazuzu]

I'd do the cat while you're at it, at least than you know it's as good as its going to get. Do it once, do it right approach. And even with a turbo upgrade in the future, running 2.5" the whole way would still be sufficient so might be a good middle ground approach.

I agree Sean. Thanks for the quick response and advice.

Car is booked in for tomorrow. Just need to get the intercooler in and it's off to see Gav for the CC tune. Shame I couldn't get it all sorted before happy laps to test it out, but the next one should be fun!

[rgvlee]

Do the cat.

For the stage 2 I did the lot, 3 inch turbo back with 200 cell cat.

[Paazuzu]

Do the cat.

For the stage 2 I did the lot, 3 inch turbo back with 200 cell cat.

Consider it done! Keen to see the result tomorrow arvo when it's ready.

[noone]

Thats about where I am (still have Cat), the torque is strong but putters out at higher revs. Lots of good supporting mods to do if you get the urge, I found the gearbox bushes made the shift much sharper (could be considered heavy).

[Paazuzu]

Thats about where I am (still have Cat), the torque is strong but putters out at higher revs. Lots of good supporting mods to do if you get the urge, I found the gearbox bushes made the shift much sharper (could be considered heavy).

Definitely have the urge but don't think the wallet can keep up! Although bushes surely couldn't be that expensive.

[Paazuzu]

Down pipe and cat installed yesterday - went with an X-Force cat in the end.

Pretty happy with the results - good response and boost through the rev range. And not much louder than stock.

[rgvlee]

Good to know

I went 3 inch on (performance) recommendations and the thing is ****ing loud when giving it a boot full - sometimes a good thing, sometimes not. Cruising is fine.

I'm considering taking down part of the rear section down to 2.5 inch to reel the noise in a bit.

[Paazuzu]

This one has a nice grunty sound when you give it the boot but nothing too "street racer"

[Stuwey]

Do you guys have just a rear muffler, or a resonator further forward too?

[Paazuzu]

Mine is just the stock muffler.

Was very happy with the car's performance at happy laps today...seem to hold boost a bit better. I got the check engine light after the laps so I'm guessing it's related to the down pipe (exhaust sensor?).

[seangti]

Mine is just the stock muffler.

Was very happy with the car's performance at happy laps today...seem to hold boost a bit better. I got the check engine light after the laps so I'm guessing it's related to the down pipe (exhaust sensor?).

I had the computer and vag com cable with me, could have scanned and cleared it for you. I'm on the south side if you wanted it cleared over the weekend.

[h100vw]

Mine is just the stock muffler.

Was very happy with the car's performance at happy laps today...seem to hold boost a bit better. I got the check engine light after the laps so I'm guessing it's related to the down pipe (exhaust sensor?).

Most likely the cat efficiency code, would be smart to confirm that but I'll be back next weekend.

[rgvlee]

Do you guys have just a rear muffler, or a resonator further forward too?

I'm running a resonator and a rear muffler.