MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Modifications & Technical Area => Performance Modifications => Topic started by: MK1Campaign on September 21, 2015, 05:54:33 pm

Title: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: MK1Campaign on September 21, 2015, 05:54:33 pm
Has anyone tried the cheaper sportscat/downpipes from the likes of eBay or are they bad news?

Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: Mitch H on September 21, 2015, 05:57:14 pm
Flow wise there spot on and quality looked good to me. Only thing that didn't look amazing quality was the flexi pipe but I've only had mine fitted for about 1000 miles as the car doesn't do much mileage so can't really tell.
If the flexi does go though I'll just buy a good quality flexi pipe and weld it in the old ones place :) i couldn't justify the price of the branded downpipes, other than the flexi there's nothing too em!
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: Mitch H on September 21, 2015, 05:57:46 pm
Must add ok talking of a decat pipe had no experience with eBay sport cats but I imagine that they're pants lol
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: white91 on September 21, 2015, 07:12:00 pm
£500+ for a down pipe is quite expensive in my eyes how much work is in one?


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Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: MK1Campaign on September 21, 2015, 08:15:35 pm
This is what i spotted

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOLKSWAGEN-GOLF-MK5-GTI-2-0-FSI-TURBO-200CPI-3-SPORTS-CAT-EXHAUST-PIPE-/230865921656?fits=Model%3AGolf%7CPlat_Gen%3AMK+V&hash=item35c0ae6678
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: Markyvitch on September 21, 2015, 10:01:35 pm
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300361586764?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Had this one about a month and very impressed with the fit and finish, emissions readings spot on would recommend  :happy2:
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: Deako on September 22, 2015, 10:15:55 am
This is what i spotted

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOLKSWAGEN-GOLF-MK5-GTI-2-0-FSI-TURBO-200CPI-3-SPORTS-CAT-EXHAUST-PIPE-/230865921656?fits=Model%3AGolf%7CPlat_Gen%3AMK+V&hash=item35c0ae6678

Looks like a right bargain that one @MK1Campaign (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=474)
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: Paradox1 on September 22, 2015, 12:48:14 pm
id be very surprised if the sports cat worked on that last link
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: hlcst on September 22, 2015, 12:58:27 pm
This is what i spotted

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOLKSWAGEN-GOLF-MK5-GTI-2-0-FSI-TURBO-200CPI-3-SPORTS-CAT-EXHAUST-PIPE-/230865921656?fits=Model%3AGolf%7CPlat_Gen%3AMK+V&hash=item35c0ae6678

Spot the difference http://www.direnza.co.uk/vw-golf-mk5-sports-cat-exhaust-downpipe.html
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: samiul11 on September 22, 2015, 04:30:32 pm
Im in the same boat and i think im going to hold out for a used downpipe  :signLOL:
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: Mitch H on September 22, 2015, 05:34:41 pm
 a lot of peoples milltek downpipes have cracked on the welds which makes you wonder is it worth spending 4 times as much for one of them
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: Paradox1 on September 23, 2015, 10:26:35 am
Ebay downpipe decat, then get a sports cat welded in. still half the price of a miltek
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: xjay1337 on September 23, 2015, 11:45:23 am
a lot of peoples milltek downpipes have cracked on the welds which makes you wonder is it worth spending 4 times as much for one of them

It's absolutely not.
And to be fair, BCS exhausts are lovely but you are paying a lot of money for the name once again.
I had a pipewerx downpipe and mid section, had no issues whatsoever.

I wouldn't pay  more than about £650-700 for a full decat and £900 for a sports cat system brand new.
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: Deako on September 23, 2015, 01:54:54 pm
Think I'm just going to get a cheapy eBay dp.

Anyone tried the Cobra Sport systems though?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/351514810145
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: Paradox1 on September 23, 2015, 02:19:42 pm
That link is for the full turbo back  exhuast.

I think their catback systems are about 450
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: Mitch H on September 23, 2015, 04:17:05 pm
If your buying silencers or cats then yes you can see why people spend abit more. But when it's just a decat all it is, is some stainless pipe with some welds and if milltek welds crack then what's the point in the extra £££
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: th3_f15t on September 24, 2015, 05:39:54 pm
In defence for Milltek, they sell thousands and thousands of exhausts so the likely hood that failures happen and get publicised is much greater than brands who aren't as numerous.

Nigel at BCS explained this one, the cheaper sports catalytic converters don't use as good quality material inside them (mostly the rare earth materials) which mean they wear out after a few years whereas a catalytic converter with better materials will last much longer.

It comes to how long you plan to keep the car for, and also other supporting modifications should be taken into account. Running a lower engine mount upgrade (either insert or full replacement) will put less strain on the exhaust system and thus help preserve life.
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: Vintyd on September 28, 2015, 12:22:04 pm
Tempted to go for the Ebay downpipe/sports cat that looks to be the Direnza, so would fiiting the ECS Dogbone mount and the SP ALK help with it not breaking in a few years?
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: th3_f15t on September 28, 2015, 11:01:32 pm
Tempted to go for the Ebay downpipe/sports cat that looks to be the Direnza, so would fiiting the ECS Dogbone mount and the SP ALK help with it not breaking in a few years?

The short answer is yes, at least in terms of the flexi pipe.
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: Vintyd on September 28, 2015, 11:21:32 pm
Cheers, I'm guessing the sports cat will not be the best due to the price but what I was wondering is will the car fail on emissions if the cat was gutted whenever it does fail?  Would be nice if you could then gut the cat when it fails and visually for mot would pass as there is what looks like a cat still on the car if that makes sense  :happy2:
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: Deako on September 28, 2015, 11:25:19 pm
I'm going for the BCS cat back and probably a cheap down pipe initially. Then upgrade at a later date.
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: th3_f15t on September 29, 2015, 12:41:54 pm
It depends how friendly you are with your MOT station. A cheaper cat will last a few years so if you're not planning on keeping the car forever or swapping the pipe for a better design at some point then it's a quick fix but I'd spend more initially on just a downpipe and sports cat leaving the stock cat back system as you'll see more gains with a downpipe than a cat back.
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: Deako on September 29, 2015, 10:05:01 pm
It depends how friendly you are with your MOT station. A cheaper cat will last a few years so if you're not planning on keeping the car forever or swapping the pipe for a better design at some point then it's a quick fix but I'd spend more initially on just a downpipe and sports cat leaving the stock cat back system as you'll see more gains with a downpipe than a cat back.

I want noise.  :happy2:
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: hlcst on September 30, 2015, 07:09:26 pm
This is why you don't want to buy an eBay/Direnza sport cat

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fy375%2Fliamcanavan1hlcst%2F4E537145-8567-47D9-8666-D9EA60F139CE_zpsdbkdq04a.jpg&hash=3986e71df006526d530f43d0f800634764dae30b)

This is what happened to me this morning, it has only done about 1k miles! Luckily I bought @mvb12 (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=4906) decat last week so as soon as that arrives I will be straight into my mates workshop
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: Mitch H on October 01, 2015, 12:14:00 pm
This is why you don't want to buy an eBay/Direnza sport cat

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fy375%2Fliamcanavan1hlcst%2F4E537145-8567-47D9-8666-D9EA60F139CE_zpsdbkdq04a.jpg&hash=3986e71df006526d530f43d0f800634764dae30b)

This is what happened to me this morning, it has only done about 1k miles! Luckily I bought @mvb12 (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=4906) decat last week so as soon as that arrives I will be straight into my mates workshop
Just weld it back on?
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: hlcst on October 01, 2015, 12:47:38 pm
Not worth welding it back on mate the decat should be here soon. If you look at the image of the sport cat here http://www.direnza.co.uk/vw-golf-mk5-sports-cat-exhaust-downpipe.html you would expect that 1 prong falling off wouldn't be that bad but that image is a lie! There is no nice little bracket they have just directly (and poorly) welded the prongs directly to the pipe in 2 places, I will however get my mate to fix it when its off and make it look more like the image and sell it on
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: gilesthedog on October 06, 2015, 09:32:23 am
Facing the same dilemna about the costs for a branded system I decided to wait and just fit a s/s downpipe with sports cat, http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOLKSWAGEN-GOLF-MK5-GTI-2-0-FSI-TURBO-200CPI-3-SPORTS-CAT-EXHAUST-PIPE-/230865921656?hash=item35c0ae6678

Within a few days the exhaust system warning light came on, even after reset it came back so waited for re-map before taking action. Even after the remap the second lambda was showing a problem with the gas level not being in the correct range so the mapper disabled that sensor and reset the light, it's never returned. 3 months later the MoT came around, no problem at all with emission levels and a straightforward pass. I get the quality/materials difference and would like to get a full pukka system at some point, just a case of having a grand to throw at it.
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: Owencash on October 17, 2015, 04:23:06 pm
I've had no issues with my cheap eBay sports cat, been on the car for 6000 miles,  I fitted mine in conjunction with a dog bone bush and the car is transformed ! Nice and quiet until you put your foot down and it sounds a lot better,
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: MK1Campaign on October 17, 2015, 04:55:59 pm
I've had no issues with my cheap eBay sports cat, been on the car for 6000 miles,  I fitted mine in conjunction with a dog bone bush and the car is transformed ! Nice and quiet until you put your foot down and it sounds a lot better,

Which one did you buy.
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: Deako on November 05, 2015, 05:12:00 pm
Well. My cheap eBay decat is now fitted and sounds great.  :happy2:
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: PhilNUK on November 05, 2015, 06:28:29 pm
Which did you get?  Any errors?  Is it a nice deep sound or it too loud?
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: Deako on November 05, 2015, 08:25:00 pm
Nice sound. More in line with what I wanted. It's the same as the Direnza one, £138 inc p&p. No CEL, but might have already been mapped out for all I know. Not sure.
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: PhilNUK on November 05, 2015, 09:34:33 pm
Cheers mate. When you say mapped out you mean it's possible to have the errors cancelled via vagcom?

Am tempted to go for it as even second hand millteks go for £350
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: Deako on November 05, 2015, 11:08:58 pm
Yes. Or have the 2nd lambda mapped out.
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: Vintyd on November 06, 2015, 12:19:44 pm
Any videos of the exhaust after fitting the decat?
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: Deako on November 09, 2015, 04:12:29 am
Had my first CEL today. Roll on Stage2+ mapping session.
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: patpong_pete on November 09, 2015, 01:29:58 pm
Had my first CEL today. Roll on Stage2+ mapping session.
cell light on the dash
i think vag com will re set this but what if it comes back then remap it out
if the cell light is on will it do any damage to car engine or not ?
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: Deako on November 09, 2015, 06:19:55 pm
Nah. It's fine. I haven't even bothered to turn it off in VCDS today.   :grin:
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: Mitch H on November 09, 2015, 06:55:26 pm
I had my car on ramp today fitting my touareg 4 pots quick check around the car and eBay downpipe is holding up fine. Brackets perfect and flexi looks fine :)
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: Deako on November 09, 2015, 08:04:23 pm
Good stuff. Not expecting mine to have any issues with the revo torque arm and 034motorsports bushes. Just all down to the welds I think. But it looked very well made.
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: Mitch H on November 09, 2015, 10:01:49 pm
Yeh I need to get a torque bush insert ordered!
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: PhilNUK on November 10, 2015, 05:52:55 pm
I have decided to just go for the pre cat delete for now to go with the milltek cat back...  Will give me a bit of more power and bit of extra noise and I can save up for a sports cat for next year maybe.
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: Paavo on January 27, 2016, 10:04:03 am
Bringing up a somewhat old thread here since I'm looking to buy one of these cheap unbranded eBay downpipes with a sports cat. From what I can understand all of the sports cats in this budget price range have a very limited life span but otherwise the downpipes themselves are not that much worse than the ones being sold for quite a bit more money? Since there are quite a few options in the cheap price range, are there any specific details that make a difference between a better and worse product? I know that the flexipipes can be problematic if they are of low quality and begin to leak. What about metal cat vs. ceramic cat?

I've kind of narrowed my options down to three choices on German eBay but just wanted to ask whether you guys know if one of them could be considered to be better than the rest:

http://www.ebay.de/itm/131420803247 (http://www.ebay.de/itm/131420803247) TA Technix could possibly be considered as something of a brand.
http://www.ebay.de/itm/331418080089 (http://www.ebay.de/itm/331418080089) Maybe the cheapest out there and if I've understood correctly one that a few people here have as well.
http://www.ebay.de/itm/262024727441 (http://www.ebay.de/itm/262024727441) Made in Germany and has a 300 cel ceramic cat compared to 200 cel metal cats on other choices.

So, if any of you have any opinions on the different choices don't hesitate to comment. And naturally if anyone can think of an option in similar price range that is better than any of those that I listed, I'd be more than happy to hear about it.
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: MK1Campaign on January 27, 2016, 10:37:33 am
Bringing up a somewhat old thread here since I'm looking to buy one of these cheap unbranded eBay downpipes with a sports cat. From what I can understand all of the sports cats in this budget price range have a very limited life span but otherwise the downpipes themselves are not that much worse than the ones being sold for quite a bit more money? Since there are quite a few options in the cheap price range, are there any specific details that make a difference between a better and worse product? I know that the flexipipes can be problematic if they are of low quality and begin to leak. What about metal cat vs. ceramic cat?

I've kind of narrowed my options down to three choices on German eBay but just wanted to ask whether you guys know if one of them could be considered to be better than the rest:

http://www.ebay.de/itm/131420803247 (http://www.ebay.de/itm/131420803247) TA Technix could possibly be considered as something of a brand.
http://www.ebay.de/itm/331418080089 (http://www.ebay.de/itm/331418080089) Maybe the cheapest out there and if I've understood correctly one that a few people here have as well.
http://www.ebay.de/itm/262024727441 (http://www.ebay.de/itm/262024727441) Made in Germany and has a 300 cel ceramic cat compared to 200 cel metal cats on other choices.

So, if any of you have any opinions on the different choices don't hesitate to comment. And naturally if anyone can think of an option in similar price range that is better than any of those that I listed, I'd be more than happy to hear about it.

The third German made option looks decent quality. I'm tempted.
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: PhilNUK on January 27, 2016, 12:13:56 pm
Yeah tempted with that third one too
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: percy on January 27, 2016, 12:30:36 pm
Yes, liking the third option too, possible group buy if anyone can speak German  :laugh:
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: percy on January 27, 2016, 02:15:29 pm
Just realised that there on ebay for £216 which I think ain't bad so could be tempted  :happy2:
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: Paavo on January 27, 2016, 02:53:16 pm
I just wish there was some way of knowing whether the 300 cel ceramic cat would also result in lower emissions instead of only being more restrictive than the 200 cel metal cat. And then again, is there really even any noticeable difference in the restrictiveness of the two.
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: NickG60 on January 29, 2016, 07:39:01 pm
Translation from ebay.de page:
ZLB - Die günstige Einsteiger - Pipe hergestellt in Deutschland. ::  ZLB - The entry level exhaust made in Germany

Edelstahl Downpipe in 76mm für alle 2.0 TFSI Frontantrieb / quer verbaut. ::  Stainless Steel Downpipe in 76mm for all 2.0TFSI front wheel drive / transverse mounted

- Hergestellt in Deutschland, kein China - Import!  :: Made in Germany, not imported from China!
- 90mm Eingang :: 90 mm entry
- 76mm Rohrführung mit Reduzierung auf 60mm am Ende  :: 76mm pipe with reduction to 60mm at the end
- Edelstahl 1.4301 : Stainless 1.4301 (304 Stainless)
- Interlock Flexrohr :: Interlock flexible (Presumably the type of reinforcement web on the flexible joint)
- 300 Zellen Keramik Kat mit Euro 5 Bedampfung  :: 300 cel ceramic cat that meets Euro 5 control
- Nur der Kat hat ein E-Prüfzeichen, nicht die Downpipe! : only the cat is E-marked, not the downpipe
- 2x Lambdasonden Anschluss :: 2 lambda sensor sockets
- Verstellbare Halter : adjustable support
- Rohrverbinde  :: pipe connection (presumably they mean its included)

Although i do speak German, if you don't, it is easy to write a short email then get google translate to change it to German. It gets it fairly close.
Hope that helps
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: Lewo on February 21, 2016, 12:39:06 pm
Has anyone gone for the 3rd on that list, the German made one with the 300 cat?
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: Paavo on February 21, 2016, 03:27:53 pm
Has anyone gone for the 3rd on that list, the German made one with the 300 cat?
I bought one but am still waiting for the snow to melt before installing it with the other parts that I've got waiting. Don't know if this is of any help to anyone, but here's a photo of it in the box (https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=F597433F409F670C!68030&authkey=!AB5u1z8mJv8S4g8&v=3&ithint=photo%2cjpg).
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: Paavo on February 21, 2016, 03:32:02 pm
And if someone is interested in the same dp with a 200 cel metal cat, they have it on their web site for 260 € (http://www.fahrzeugtechnik-zinram.de/epages/61798191.sf/de_DE/?ObjectPath=/Shops/61798191/Products/ZLB-DP20TFSI200) (around £200).
Title: Re: Experiences of eBay downpipe/sports cat?
Post by: Lewo on February 27, 2016, 08:33:51 pm
Cheers Paavo, keep us posted!