MK5 Golf GTI
All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: Jons1001 on December 20, 2020, 05:41:23 pm
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Hi everyone, just bought my first GTI after wanting one for some time. The car is a 2008 5 door dsg Japan import in Candy white. It's done 99k miles with almost full service history with loads of paperwork from Japanese VW dealers. The guy who imported it owned it a year and had the following done with invoices;
DSG service
Cambelt and water pump
Cam follower
Stage 1 remap by EST performance (262 bhp)
Ramair JSK101 induction kit
Coded sweeping indicators
Some sort of aftermarket exhaust and sports cat
Alloys (Balo B1 black)
4 Michelin PS4's
Spec wise it has cloth seats (hardly any wear) and Xenon's. Also has an aftermarket pioneer stereo which is selling for £320 at Halfords still. However this needs a wiring harness or so I'm told.
I bought it at £3500 as it has just failed an mot on emissions. It does still have a valid mot though for another 3 weeks.
Good points are service history stacks up, no rust whatsoever and very clean inside and out.
Now bad points is obviously the emissions issue. Any ideas what this could be caused by?
The exhaust is mega loud, and i need to do away with it. Would going back to standard system help get it through the mot? Appears to be driving well and made the 3 hour trip home today with no issues. If anyone has a standard one for sale or can point me in the direction of one that would be great as I'm having trouble.
Also the Black Balo B1 alloys are not for me. Again if anyone is interested in a swap for something original let me know. They are in decent condition but with some kerb rash.
Ramair JSK101 kit is not for me either and will be going.
I am also considering getting the remap deleted as it's just a bit too quick for my liking tbh (I'm coming from a 80bhp 207) and I think the standard 197 would be just right for what I want.
The car has been debadged at the front, does the circular badge holder only come as part of the grill or can you buy seperate (having trouble finding them).
Also want to change the number plates to UK style as they are the squarish jap ones, front is easy but back looks like it would need whole new rear body section (can it be done another way?)
Will also be looking to get rear bumper painted, any idea how much this should cost?
Thanks for any help 👍
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Hi there and welcome, I’m also on PH and saw your post. I have just bought a mk5 two weeks ago too so I am on the same journey. Good luck getting the emissions issue sorted, could just need a good run before mot time. Where are you based?
The front badge holder is part of the grill, they are a cheap bit to get and easy to replace, a torx bit on each side at the top and then it pops out, good vids on YouTube.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-VW-Golf-5-MK5-V-GTI-Front-Main-Centre-Bumper-Grille-2003-2009-/254129990386?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292
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Hi there and welcome, I’m also on PH and saw your post. I have just bought a mk5 two weeks ago too so I am on the same journey. Good luck getting the emissions issue sorted, could just need a good run before mot time. Where are you based?
The front badge holder is part of the grill, they are a cheap bit to get and easy to replace, a torx bit on each side at the top and then it pops out, good vids on YouTube.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-VW-Golf-5-MK5-V-GTI-Front-Main-Centre-Bumper-Grille-2003-2009-/254129990386?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292
Hi mate, thanks for replying and good luck with your mk5. How are you finding it so far?
Thanks for info re grille, I actually realised this and now have the grille you linked sitting here ready to go on (looks like previous owner fitted a modified grille without the badge holder so if anyone is looking for one of these let me know). Problem I have now is finding the correct VW emblem to go in it. Only one I can find on eBay is £40 which seems a bit steep. Does anyone know if I can get one cheaper elsewhere? Same goes for the rear GTI lettering, best I've found is £35 on ebay.
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Hi mate!
How you finding your new car? :happy2:
I've got a set of 17" monza alloys with contact sport tyres on them if you fancied a swap?
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Welcome you are going to love that car.
I got a new rear gti badge from VW for around £26 (I think) so maybe try them as a lot of little bits on ebay are more expensive then going direct.
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welcome to the VW scene - I'm interested in your ramair, Wheels and perhaps exhaust.
Ive got standard bits which you may like. PM me :)
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De catted I expect, worth checking this.
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Lots to do just a word of caution, when you fail an MOT the remaining time on the old mot is void as the car isn’t road worthy, it’s the same if your stopped by the police for a bad tyre and need a stamp for an mot station when you replace it so be careful driving it as your insurance won’t be valid either
Good luck with your new love , great cars had mine 7 years and still smiling :happy2:
Rob
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Hi all, just joined, I have a similar spec as the OP, the garage I bought it from told me to run to temp before emissions test as it will more than likely fail.
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Hi there and welcome, I’m also on PH and saw your post. I have just bought a mk5 two weeks ago too so I am on the same journey. Good luck getting the emissions issue sorted, could just need a good run before mot time. Where are you based?
The front badge holder is part of the grill, they are a cheap bit to get and easy to replace, a torx bit on each side at the top and then it pops out, good vids on YouTube.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-VW-Golf-5-MK5-V-GTI-Front-Main-Centre-Bumper-Grille-2003-2009-/254129990386?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292
Hi mate, thanks for replying and good luck with your mk5. How are you finding it so far?
Thanks for info re grille, I actually realised this and now have the grille you linked sitting here ready to go on (looks like previous owner fitted a modified grille without the badge holder so if anyone is looking for one of these let me know). Problem I have now is finding the correct VW emblem to go in it. Only one I can find on eBay is £40 which seems a bit steep. Does anyone know if I can get one cheaper elsewhere? Same goes for the rear GTI lettering, best I've found is £35 on ebay.
I couldn’t reply due to my post count, now sorted. To be honest I have only driven it a few miles since it arrived, there is lots of history with the car but I could not find a receipt for cambelt so I have been terrified to drive it until it’s done, this is booked for the 4th. I also managed to pick up a screw in the shoulder of the front tyre in the 30 miles I have driven it. Annoying as although the tyres aren’t my choice of rubber they are only 7 months old. So once the belt is done it will get 4 mps4’s. I have also got a new pcv and cam follower here ready to fit. Also ordered some millers 5w 40 and a filter so this will be done at the same time as the belt, fingers crossed it will then be a sorted car to enjoy for a while. How is yours going so far?
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Lots to do just a word of caution, when you fail an MOT the remaining time on the old mot is void as the car isn’t road worthy, it’s the same if your stopped by the police for a bad tyre and need a stamp for an mot station when you replace it so be careful driving it as your insurance won’t be valid either
Good luck with your new love , great cars had mine 7 years and still smiling :happy2:
Rob
Hi mate sorry for the late reply only just had my account approved. I thought the same as you re mot but it turns out your current mot is only invalid if you get a serious fail. In this case the emissions fail meant my current mot was still valid. Saying that it has now ran out and i still don't know whether it has a sports cat or decat, will find out tomorrow as it is booked in the garage.
Really hope I enjoy the car as I've wanted one for years but first impressions I'm finding the dsg a little boring, hopefully this will change once I get the car sorted and start using the paddles.
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The exhaust is mega loud, and i need to do away with it. Would going back to standard system help get it through the mot? Appears to be driving well and made the 3 hour trip home today with no issues. If anyone has a standard one for sale or can point me in the direction of one that would be great as I'm having trouble.
Almost certainly it will, depending on the cat (or lack thereof) it has. You got the printout of the Lambda readings from the MOT? Can at least rule anything more sinister out but if it's driving ok with no check engine light then I'm sure it's fine.
Your options for exhausts are pretty broad but OEM can be tricky to get hold of now. Mine failed its MOT a few years ago due to the downpipe having rusted through on the original mild steel exhaust. My mechanic and I looked at options and it worked out more expensive to get an OEM replacement than aftermarket, so I ended up getting a full Milltek turbo-back system. It's resonated and it's essentially no louder than stock but sounds much nicer and allows more from a map if that's what you're after. It's also stainless steel so will inevitable last longer than OEM too.
FYI when you do change the exhaust you'll probably need to change or remove the map at the same time depending on what you put on there instead.
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The exhaust is mega loud, and i need to do away with it. Would going back to standard system help get it through the mot? Appears to be driving well and made the 3 hour trip home today with no issues. If anyone has a standard one for sale or can point me in the direction of one that would be great as I'm having trouble.
Almost certainly it will, depending on the cat (or lack thereof) it has. You got the printout of the Lambda readings from the MOT? Can at least rule anything more sinister out but if it's driving ok with no check engine light then I'm sure it's fine.
Your options for exhausts are pretty broad but OEM can be tricky to get hold of now. Mine failed its MOT a few years ago due to the downpipe having rusted through on the original mild steel exhaust. My mechanic and I looked at options and it worked out more expensive to get an OEM replacement than aftermarket, so I ended up getting a full Milltek turbo-back system. It's resonated and it's essentially no louder than stock but sounds much nicer and allows more from a map if that's what you're after. It's also stainless steel so will inevitable last longer than OEM too.
FYI when you do change the exhaust you'll probably need to change or remove the map at the same time depending on what you put on there instead.
Hi mate, thanks for the reply, I've still not got anywhere with this.
Cars been parked up since the mot lapsed on Tuesday so hoping to get it sorted this weekend. So many scenarios though and the fact it's been remapped also throws a spanner in the works.
1. Car has decat, I go back to stock which means finding stock downpipe/cat which is very hard to find as you say. Been quoted (by company that did the map) £250 to put back to stock and £180 (3 hrs labour) to remove decat Downpipe and fit stock downpipe.
2. Car has decat, I change to a sports cat (£350 minimum?) The same company is quoting £150 to map to a sports cat and again £180 to fit.
3. Car has decat, I find a friendly mot tester to pass, or somehow fit a cat to pass then put decat back on. This solves mot issue but then I can't live with the sound of the exhaust as it is. Possible to quieten a decat without affecting map?
4. Car has sports cat and manage to get it hot enough and passes. Great but see above re too loud
5. Car has sports cat and won't pass,back to square one.
Seems like whichever way it's going to be a hassle and major cost. Can anyone say whether going from decat to sports cat will affect the map? Obviously the company who put it on reckon so but I've been told by other tuners that it will be ok. Really becoming a headache lol so if anyone has any advice it would be greatly appreciated.
Edit to say would love something like you have but again it's cost, looking online a milltek turbo back is about £1500, plus fitting plus remap would be knocking on 2 grand, a lot to put into a car I bought for £3500 and to be honest money I don't have. Got myself into a bit of pickle here I think.
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The exhaust is mega loud, and i need to do away with it. Would going back to standard system help get it through the mot? Appears to be driving well and made the 3 hour trip home today with no issues. If anyone has a standard one for sale or can point me in the direction of one that would be great as I'm having trouble.
Almost certainly it will, depending on the cat (or lack thereof) it has. You got the printout of the Lambda readings from the MOT? Can at least rule anything more sinister out but if it's driving ok with no check engine light then I'm sure it's fine.
Your options for exhausts are pretty broad but OEM can be tricky to get hold of now. Mine failed its MOT a few years ago due to the downpipe having rusted through on the original mild steel exhaust. My mechanic and I looked at options and it worked out more expensive to get an OEM replacement than aftermarket, so I ended up getting a full Milltek turbo-back system. It's resonated and it's essentially no louder than stock but sounds much nicer and allows more from a map if that's what you're after. It's also stainless steel so will inevitable last longer than OEM too.
FYI when you do change the exhaust you'll probably need to change or remove the map at the same time depending on what you put on there instead.
Hi mate, thanks for the reply, I've still not got anywhere with this.
Cars been parked up since the mot lapsed on Tuesday so hoping to get it sorted this weekend. So many scenarios though and the fact it's been remapped also throws a spanner in the works.
1. Car has decat, I go back to stock which means finding stock downpipe/cat which is very hard to find as you say. Been quoted (by company that did the map) £250 to put back to stock and £180 (3 hrs labour) to remove decat Downpipe and fit stock downpipe.
2. Car has decat, I change to a sports cat (£350 minimum?) The same company is quoting £150 to map to a sports cat and again £180 to fit.
3. Car has decat, I find a friendly mot tester to pass, or somehow fit a cat to pass then put decat back on. This solves mot issue but then I can't live with the sound of the exhaust as it is. Possible to quieten a decat without affecting map?
4. Car has sports cat and manage to get it hot enough and passes. Great but see above re too loud
5. Car has sports cat and won't pass,back to square one.
Seems like whichever way it's going to be a hassle and major cost. Can anyone say whether going from decat to sports cat will affect the map? Obviously the company who put it on reckon so but I've been told by other tuners that it will be ok. Really becoming a headache lol so if anyone has any advice it would be greatly appreciated.
Edit to say would love something like you have but again it's cost, looking online a milltek turbo back is about £1500, plus fitting plus remap would be knocking on 2 grand, a lot to put into a car I bought for £3500 and to be honest money I don't have. Got myself into a bit of pickle here I think.
It's a sh*tty situation, hopefully you can get it sorted. Sounds like you need to do some fact finding first! When did the car last pass its MOT and had it had the aftermarket exhaust fitted? This is the easiest place to start.
Failing that, can you get underneath the car to get a look at the exhaust and see what it has/doesn't have? I don't know your knowledge level so forgive me if I'm telling you how to suck eggs :-) assuming you can get underneath and you don't know what to look for, post up the pictures here and we'll be able to help.
While the cat will have a big influence on the noise levels, the resonator will also have an effect. If it's a super loud exhaust then it almost definitely doesn't have a resonator. Assuming it has a cat and you can get it through its MOT, getting a resonator welded in will cost far less than a whole new system. Any decent exhaust place will be able to do this for you - it's obviously a risk though as it's money down the drain if it doesn't get it to the volume level you'd prefer.
Unfortunately the best long term solution is a new exhaust which is lots of monies like you say. Short term just try and get it through the MOT I guess. RE sports cat vs decat and the map, it would probably run ok with the map on there but in a perfect world you'd have the map changed to account for it. Completely depends on the flow rate/level of restriction in the sports cat, which can be quite variable I imagine.
Good luck, let us know how you get on.
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I know it passed its MOT a year ago fine but that was with the owner before the guy I bought it from. All I know is that it's been remapped and I suspect the guy I bought it from to have put a decat downpipe on when he had this done, however he told me it has a sports cat. I wouldn't be able to tell by looking myself so hoping to get a garage to look this weekend. How easy is it to tell if it has a decat, can it be done by visual inspection or will it need to be taken off to check if the cat has been knocked out?
Thanks for advice re resonator etc but as you say I need to investigate further first and I will keep the thread updated. I researched everything about maintenance etc. But overlooked the exhaust, I allowed about £500 max to sort it but I'm now a bit shocked to find out it could be more like £1500 plus! Suppose other option if it does have a decat is to try and source an OEM cat second hand and just swap for mot. Hopefully have some answers this weekend.
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Maybe someone would swap their full ome system for your straight through system? If not on here there is a few Facebook gti groups full of nutty modders?
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Maybe someone would swap their full ome system for your straight through system? If not on here there is a few Facebook gti groups full of nutty modders?
Yes that's a possibility but it will still cost me £250 to revert map to stock,plus £180 to fit and I will have lost 60bhp. Suppose it will sort the loudness out though, and thinking about it this is probably one of the cheaper options! Looking at the backbox though it looks original so maybe it is original from cat back then either has decat/sports cat downpipe. Do you know if a mechanic will be able to tell me if the cat has been knocked out just by looking or will they needed to take it off? Will hopefully be able to get the garage to take some photos and I will post up here exactly what's under there.
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I know it passed its MOT a year ago fine but that was with the owner before the guy I bought it from. All I know is that it's been remapped and I suspect the guy I bought it from to have put a decat downpipe on when he had this done, however he told me it has a sports cat. I wouldn't be able to tell by looking myself so hoping to get a garage to look this weekend. How easy is it to tell if it has a decat, can it be done by visual inspection or will it need to be taken off to check if the cat has been knocked out?
Thanks for advice re resonator etc but as you say I need to investigate further first and I will keep the thread updated. I researched everything about maintenance etc. But overlooked the exhaust, I allowed about £500 max to sort it but I'm now a bit shocked to find out it could be more like £1500 plus! Suppose other option if it does have a decat is to try and source an OEM cat second hand and just swap for mot. Hopefully have some answers this weekend.
Yeah they're clearly visible looking at the downpipe, they're generally welded units so you'd have to cut the converter out of the housing and weld it back together which would be wholly impractical if you had to replace it each year to get it through an MOT.
Here's a picture of a downpipe with sports cat for reference:
(https://i.ibb.co/7265hCD/sportscat.jpg)
Get under the car if you can and post some pictures from front to back of the system. Also have you got the printout of the last MOT that has lambda readings etc?
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Thanks, will hopefully have some photos this afternoon. Is it not the case though that sometimes decat can just look exactly the same as a cat from the outside but with the innards knocked out? I'm having trouble posting images so here is the info from mot in Jan 2020.
LIMIT READING
CO Max 0.20% 0.00%
HC Max 200 ppm 2 ppm
LAMBDA 0.97-1.03 1.01
and on the natural idle test
C0 0.00%
I also have the remap graphs etc. not sure if that will give again clues but again i can't post the image for some reason, do you need to use a web hosting site thing? cheers
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You could I guess but I can't see the point as the MOT has the emissions test which would confirm the lack of a cat regardless of whether you can visually see one or not. Best way to "cheat the system" would be to have a removable cat that you could install for an MOT once a year, why on earth people do this with road cars is beyond me but that's another topic I guess.
Lamda looks great so nothing to worry about there, don't worry about remap graphs etc. Have a look and see if you can see the cat. If so then fingers crossed it's just a case of getting it up to temperature so that it runs at a high enough efficiency to pass the emissions test. After that you've got some time to sort out a longer-term solution for your exhaust.
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You could I guess but I can't see the point as the MOT has the emissions test which would confirm the lack of a cat regardless of whether you can visually see one or not. Best way to "cheat the system" would be to have a removable cat that you could install for an MOT once a year, why on earth people do this with road cars is beyond me but that's another topic I guess.
Lamda looks great so nothing to worry about there, don't worry about remap graphs etc. Have a look and see if you can see the cat. If so then fingers crossed it's just a case of getting it up to temperature so that it runs at a high enough efficiency to pass the emissions test. After that you've got some time to sort out a longer-term solution for your exhaust.
Yes agreed but I was meaning more along the lines that I could check and see a cat but then not know it has the innards taken out so is in fact a decat?
Yes the lamba is good but don't forget this was the owner before the guy I bought it from. The guy I bought it from was the one who had it remapped and I'm guessing messed with the downpipe.
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You could I guess but I can't see the point as the MOT has the emissions test which would confirm the lack of a cat regardless of whether you can visually see one or not. Best way to "cheat the system" would be to have a removable cat that you could install for an MOT once a year, why on earth people do this with road cars is beyond me but that's another topic I guess.
Lamda looks great so nothing to worry about there, don't worry about remap graphs etc. Have a look and see if you can see the cat. If so then fingers crossed it's just a case of getting it up to temperature so that it runs at a high enough efficiency to pass the emissions test. After that you've got some time to sort out a longer-term solution for your exhaust.
Just been under and it's got a decat downpipe :-(. Then a straight pipe all the way to the rear back box (should there be a centre silencer aswell?) I have pics but not sure how to post. Guess my cheapest option now is to get a sports cat, with downpipe or weld it in? And hope it passes. Any recommendations anyone? Then there is the remapping etc. to suit sports cat, I don't mind if it loses a bit of power but obviously don't want it to damage the engine in anyway. What a headache lol
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You could I guess but I can't see the point as the MOT has the emissions test which would confirm the lack of a cat regardless of whether you can visually see one or not. Best way to "cheat the system" would be to have a removable cat that you could install for an MOT once a year, why on earth people do this with road cars is beyond me but that's another topic I guess.
Lamda looks great so nothing to worry about there, don't worry about remap graphs etc. Have a look and see if you can see the cat. If so then fingers crossed it's just a case of getting it up to temperature so that it runs at a high enough efficiency to pass the emissions test. After that you've got some time to sort out a longer-term solution for your exhaust.
Just been under and it's got a decat downpipe :-(. Then a straight pipe all the way to the rear back box (should there be a centre silencer aswell?) I have pics but not sure how to post. Guess my cheapest option now is to get a sports cat, with downpipe or weld it in? And hope it passes. Any recommendations anyone? Then there is the remapping etc. to suit sports cat, I don't mind if it loses a bit of power but obviously don't want it to damage the engine in anyway. What a headache lol
Damn. What a pain in the hoop. This bloke you bought it off sounds like a trustworthy individual.
There should be a resonator too like you said, although lots of people get rid of them. That'll be another reason it's too loud for you.
It probably is the cheapest option but by the time you've added a new downpipe, resonator plus welding time you won't be far off a whole system I imagine. But worth getting a quote for maybe? Either that or scour the classifieds for a downpipe with a cat.
Don't worry about the map too much, it'll still run and won't damage the engine or anything, it just won't run as well as with a new map.
Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
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You could I guess but I can't see the point as the MOT has the emissions test which would confirm the lack of a cat regardless of whether you can visually see one or not. Best way to "cheat the system" would be to have a removable cat that you could install for an MOT once a year, why on earth people do this with road cars is beyond me but that's another topic I guess.
Lamda looks great so nothing to worry about there, don't worry about remap graphs etc. Have a look and see if you can see the cat. If so then fingers crossed it's just a case of getting it up to temperature so that it runs at a high enough efficiency to pass the emissions test. After that you've got some time to sort out a longer-term solution for your exhaust.
Just been under and it's got a decat downpipe :-(. Then a straight pipe all the way to the rear back box (should there be a centre silencer aswell?) I have pics but not sure how to post. Guess my cheapest option now is to get a sports cat, with downpipe or weld it in? And hope it passes. Any recommendations anyone? Then there is the remapping etc. to suit sports cat, I don't mind if it loses a bit of power but obviously don't want it to damage the engine in anyway. What a headache lol
Damn. What a pain in the hoop. This bloke you bought it off sounds like a trustworthy individual.
There should be a resonator too like you said, although lots of people get rid of them. That'll be another reason it's too loud for you.
It probably is the cheapest option but by the time you've added a new downpipe, resonator plus welding time you won't be far off a whole system I imagine. But worth getting a quote for maybe? Either that or scour the classifieds for a downpipe with a cat.
Don't worry about the map too much, it'll still run and won't damage the engine or anything, it just won't run as well as with a new map.
Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
Tell me about it, seemed such a decent lad aswell. Really should have had a look under when i bought it but you live and learn, and I did knock him £500 for the fact it had failed on emissions. Good things are the car body and interior wise are in excellent nick, with a load of recent receipts for cambelt, dsg service, cam follower, diverter etc. and underneath the car is immaculate also with no rust whatsoever and also looks to have been recently undersealed.
Now to fix this headache, are there any good value full system packages about? If not is there any value in buying second hand, thinking longevity. Do I need a full system or just the downpipe w/cat? The milltek systems etc that people have do these have sports cat also? Any issues getting them to pass mot? So many questions! If anyone has any suggestions for the best value solution to this (that doesn't involve a loud exhaust!) then I'd love to hear them. Thanks 👍
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Was there not someone who replied earlier who would be interested in swapping your exhaust for their standard one? Did you reach out to that person to see if that could work?
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Was there not someone who replied earlier who would be interested in swapping your exhaust for their standard one? Did you reach out to that person to see if that could work?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Hi, I haven't messaged them yet as still considering my options. One of my concerns is how long should a standard downpipe w/cat last, is it the life of the vehicle? Don't really want to be replacing again soon after. Also I have the original rear backbox but straight pipe in the middle.section, would orignal downpipe ---- straight pipe ---- original backbox be overly loud?
Brian you mention running with sports cat/original cat won't do damage with map but won't run as good, does this just mean less power or could cause other issues running lean/rich etc. because if so I think for peace of mind I'd want to get the map redone. There is quite a few breaking aswell so considering this option (buying original downpipe/centre section) but just depends what condition they are in and how long I can expect the cat to last. Cheers
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Just putting this out there but a lot of sports cats will only last a mot or two if your lucky, some won’t even pass the first mot so choose wisely and do your research.
If it was me and funds wasn’t a issue I’d speak to the chaps at powervalve as they seem to have the best sports cats / exhaust systems with 3 different sound profiles , they are active on here as well from time to time.
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Just putting this out there but a lot of sports cats will only last a mot or two if your lucky, some won’t even pass the first mot so choose wisely and do your research.
If it was me and funds wasn’t a issue I’d speak to the chaps at powervalve as they seem to have the best sports cats / exhaust systems with 3 different sound profiles , they are active on here as well from time to time.
Hi mate, appreciate the comment and that is definitely my concern that the cat might not pass. However funds are an issue to an extent that's why I'm thinking of getting the sports car welded in, means i don't have to buy and fit a new downpipe (do have to pay for the weld though) and also should work better with the map as opposed to going back to stock?
Been recommended two high flow sports cats one by magnaflow at £120 and one by darkside developments at £200. Add prob £40 to weld. New downpipe with sports cat start at about £350 plus however much to fit. Also advised to weld in close to the turbo. Any views on if this is the right way to go or recommendations please let me know.
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(https://ibb.co/f943xxV)
(https://ibb.co/tDC8FzZ)
(https://ibb.co/8xqVBCp)
https://ibb.co/f943xxV
https://ibb.co/tDC8FzZ
https://ibb.co/8xqVBCp
Here are some pics, can anyone tell from these what size the downpipe is? Looks like it reduces at the standard rear section. Also where would be best place to weld a sports cat and will it need to be removed to do this? Thanks
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Been recommended two high flow sports cats one by magnaflow at £120 and one by darkside developments at £200. Add prob £40 to weld. New downpipe with sports cat start at about £350 plus however much to fit. Also advised to weld in close to the turbo. Any views on if this is the right way to go or recommendations please let me know.
I personally always find Darkside stuff to be very pricey - wouldn't be surprised if their one is the magnaflow re-badged with darkside premium tax added.
Cats need heat to work, if they are too far away from the engine they will take longer to heat up, so close to the bend is best.
Milltek sport cats are available on ebay from a good seller here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Golf-VR6-GTi-G60-MILLTEK-Sport-Hi-Flow-Sports-Cat-Weld-In-2-50-63-50mm/162084814001?hash=item25bd01fcb1:g:MHkAAOSwagdXR6-v (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Golf-VR6-GTi-G60-MILLTEK-Sport-Hi-Flow-Sports-Cat-Weld-In-2-50-63-50mm/162084814001?hash=item25bd01fcb1:g:MHkAAOSwagdXR6-v) that's a 2.5" - need to match the size of your decat pipe price is £150 to £170, I would be confident of brand and seller.
If the welder is to do a proper job they will need to take the downpipe off to weld everything up + turbo studs like to snap too - there may well be more expense here.
At some point in the future I plan to upgrade my standard downpipe to a sport cat, my plan is to go for a Pipworx one, they have a good reputation on here and quality looks great https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/golf-mk5-gti-3-Exhaust-Down-Pipe-High-Flow-Sports-Cat/300361586764?hash=item45eef2184c:g:BVcAAOxybi9RcZgj (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/golf-mk5-gti-3-Exhaust-Down-Pipe-High-Flow-Sports-Cat/300361586764?hash=item45eef2184c:g:BVcAAOxybi9RcZgj) anything cheaper looks like a real step down in quality. If you can stretch the money it should be a more predictable result + you can sell your de-cat pipe un-damaged to get some of the money back.
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Been recommended two high flow sports cats one by magnaflow at £120 and one by darkside developments at £200. Add prob £40 to weld. New downpipe with sports cat start at about £350 plus however much to fit. Also advised to weld in close to the turbo. Any views on if this is the right way to go or recommendations please let me know.
I personally always find Darkside stuff to be very pricey - wouldn't be surprised if their one is the magnaflow re-badged with darkside premium tax added.
Cats need heat to work, if they are too far away from the engine they will take longer to heat up, so close to the bend is best.
Milltek sport cats are available on ebay from a good seller here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Golf-VR6-GTi-G60-MILLTEK-Sport-Hi-Flow-Sports-Cat-Weld-In-2-50-63-50mm/162084814001?hash=item25bd01fcb1:g:MHkAAOSwagdXR6-v (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Golf-VR6-GTi-G60-MILLTEK-Sport-Hi-Flow-Sports-Cat-Weld-In-2-50-63-50mm/162084814001?hash=item25bd01fcb1:g:MHkAAOSwagdXR6-v) that's a 2.5" - need to match the size of your decat pipe price is £150 to £170, I would be confident of brand and seller.
If the welder is to do a proper job they will need to take the downpipe off to weld everything up + turbo studs like to snap too - there may well be more expense here.
At some point in the future I plan to upgrade my standard downpipe to a sport cat, my plan is to go for a Pipworx one, they have a good reputation on here and quality looks great https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/golf-mk5-gti-3-Exhaust-Down-Pipe-High-Flow-Sports-Cat/300361586764?hash=item45eef2184c:g:BVcAAOxybi9RcZgj (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/golf-mk5-gti-3-Exhaust-Down-Pipe-High-Flow-Sports-Cat/300361586764?hash=item45eef2184c:g:BVcAAOxybi9RcZgj) anything cheaper looks like a real step down in quality. If you can stretch the money it should be a more predictable result + you can sell your de-cat pipe un-damaged to get some of the money back.
Hey thanks for replying. Bit the bullet about half an hour ago on a magnaflow 59959 after a recommendation from someone on the Facebook owners page, cost was £102 from topgear.co.uk If not I'd have been tempted by the Milltek from your link, 3 inch is £158 with same seller. I know it's a bit of a gamble rather than say the pipewerx but it's probably about half the price so it's one I'm willing to take in the hope it will get me through at least one mot. Thanks for info. on turbo studs if anyone has part number please let me know.
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STUDS = N0445203
NUTS = N10286108
4 OFF OF EACH
GASKET = 1K0253115AB
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STUDS = N0445203
NUTS = N10286108
4 OFF OF EACH
GASKET = 1K0253115AB
Cheers Octo
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STUDS = N0445203
NUTS = N10286108
4 OFF OF EACH
GASKET = 1K0253115AB
Cheers Octo
Anyone know where I can buy these all in one place? At the moment can only find them by ordering from 3 different websites which means pretty expensive delivery costs and different wait times. Thanks
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Hi, sorry for delayed reply.
Glad you sourced a cat. Those parts all look like VW part numbers so you should either be able to get them from your local VW dealer or TPS - just give them a call and ask. TPS are sometimes cheaper but I've personally found the dealer cheaper for bolts etc. than anywhere else online.
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AKS TUNING
https://www.akstuning.co.uk/shop/home/1106-genuine-turbo-to-downpipe-stud-tfsi-platform.html
https://www.akstuning.co.uk/shop/home/1126-genuine-turbo-to-downpipe-nut-tfsi-platforms.html
https://www.akstuning.co.uk/shop/home/1003-genuine-tfsi-turbo-to-downpipe-gasket.html
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Thanks both. Just got them from the dealer £27 all in so not too bad.
Also, yet more questions!
- If the welder I use wants the downpipe off first is it possible to remove downpipe without a ramp. Reason I ask is the guy I usually use is a mobile mechanic and he is good and cheap. Or would this be asking for trouble?
- Where on the downpipe should it actually go, i take it should be on the 'across' bit rather than the 'down' bit lol. So just before it bends upwards?
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These pictures should give you some idea.
https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,112639.0.html?vm=r
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These pictures should give you some idea.
https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,112639.0.html?vm=r
Cheers, really appreciate your help. Just hope i can get it sorted and it passes mot after all this!
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- If the welder I use wants the downpipe off first is it possible to remove downpipe without a ramp. Reason I ask is the guy I usually use is a mobile mechanic and he is good and cheap. Or would this be asking for trouble?
If everything is rust free and it all goes smoothly, easliy doable with a trolley jack/axle stands. If something snaps/strips though, the turbo would probably have to come off which would be much easier with a lift. Personally I'd pay extra and get it done at an indy with a lift.