16v downpipe replacement options (mk3, corrado etc)

[Mew]

I'm trying to find a bolt on solution that doesn't require any modification to replace my 16v downpipe (other than a standard 16v downpipe) and i think i may be on to something.


I have made the following from info found on the Bosal website:



As long as i'm not being a complete cretin, the above shows that (in theory) a mk3 2e downpipe and cat (therefore a decat pipe too?) should bolt straight up to a mk2 manifold and front silencer?


If anyone has used the above or a similar setup, please let me know if it did bolt straight up.

 

[rubjonny]

any MK2/MK3/Corrado 1.8/2.0 8v/16v 6 bolt downpipe will bolt up, just a question of getting it to fit to the rest of your system.

Corrado KR uses identical downpipe to yours, 9a & G60 uses a cat, as do 2.0 8v/16v MK3.  Downpipes on the above are all pretty similar in shape, just get a cat bypass to suit and you should be good to go. I know early Rado G60 downpipe + cat bypass will work as they use same exhaust as MK2 G60 which is also same bore as 16v MK2.  MK3 ABF dp+cat bypass also works.  Not sure bout later rado g60 and 9a,  different part numbers for the zaust system on those to MK2. I imagine it would work however.
Not 100% sure about MK3 2.0 8v either but I'm pretty sure it will also go on, just use an ABF cat bypass as the 2e one I believe is smaller bore at the other end.  Could be the same and its the front silencer thats a smaller bore tho

[Mew]

I think i've cracked it!

The early mk3 8v gti (up to late 93) has a different exhaust setup to the later mk3s when it comes to the cat and front pipe, and it appears that from late 93 the 8v, 16v and vr6 all used the same cat, which from what i can tell is 20mm longer than the early 8v mk3 (and therefore the mk2 16v cat).

So based on the above, i need an early 2e downpipe together with an early 8v decat. Unfortunately, the decat costs more than the downpipe, and it's going to come in at around £130-140, plus gaskets and nuts.

Don't know what to do

[dubvrs]

Use a Corrado 2.0 16v 9a downpipe and de cat pipe. 9a is the same small block as the KR.

http://www.onlineautomotive.co.uk/Products.aspx?ProductID=302380&VehicleID=180821

[DOA]

Any particular reason for this method? Doesnt make much sense to me as a pattern downpipe is surely cheaper than buying a mk3 downpipe and decat. Also http://www.ashleyexhausts.co.uk/p1411382.htm is not that much more expensive.

[Mew]

Hassle of fitting, potential for megasquirt in the future and everything I've read about ashley suggests that the fit is absolutely sh!t 

[DOA]

Fair play on the fit issues of Ashley kit but why are you after the downpipe and de-cat from another car that will not give any more power and cost more than the stock downpipe? Except from the cat the downpipes mentioned so far have the same pipe diameters as the stock part (Im working for what used to be Arvin exhausts ATM and can confirm the main pipe diameters are the same for all of your options) so there should be no performance benefit and fitting is no easier with a 2 part downpipe since you still have to get the subframe off to remove the downpipe. Just sounds like your trying to add expense and complication for no good reason.

[Chris-White]

fitting is no easier with a 2 part downpipe since you still have to get the subframe off to remove the downpipe. Just sounds like your trying to add expense and complication for no good reason.

If you were replacing it you would just cut through it though with gary the grinder. Saves dropping the subframe.

The mk3 downpipe might (theoretically) drop in from the top and slot through the subframe.

and there would be potential for a slight peformance advantage as you would be cutting out one of the boxes from the system.

[rubjonny]

got my miltek decat for £50 off ebay, often see downpipes going for cheap too if you're lucky. MK3 16v stuff still fits

mk3 style bits will easily fit from above with engine in, its getting the old one out thats a struggle! in he end I dropped the subframe and loosened the steering rack, dropped it out from underneath.