Author Topic: 16vDe-Cat/Sports Cat  (Read 1373 times)

Offline jon007

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16vDe-Cat/Sports Cat
« on: 24 May 2005, 12:43 »
Thinking of squeezing some extra horses from my mk 3 16v.

Don't want expensive cam work and don't particuarly want to change to a bigger exhaust as (to me at least) car sounds ideal as it is.

I'm considering a remap but wondered if I could first fit a free-flowing cat first (sooner than de-cat as like to keep the car legal).

Anyone know of availability and prices and is it a Saturday afternoon job or would I need someone to fit it for me?

Offline Splinter

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Re: 16vDe-Cat/Sports Cat
« Reply #1 on: 24 May 2005, 13:29 »
Don't think you can re-map most chips/ecu's. Only the Unichip can have that done. It involves re-programming ecu to react better to the cams, exhausts, etc.

For a new chip you need to take car to a performance garage, to be chipped. (unless they have a specialist) they normally then remove ECU and take it to a fella who solders the new chip in place.  :smiley:

AP Performance near Leek quote a bargain price of £220 for doing this. In theory a good condition 16v ABF engine should then produce close to 180 bhp. Prices can be upto £400 depending where you go. All being well, within two weeks I'll be getting this chip, and I'll let you know how I go on. Just sorting out some minor problems 1st.

The standard cat, I would guess, will reduce bhp by about 5bhp on a 16v, so a de-cat or free flow will make a small difference. Personally I'd keep it standard on a non-turbo car, for reason of mot or cost/hassle, etc. An exhaust place will fit/replace it for a small charge. Its dead easy (if you have a ramp or a pit in your garage!)
« Last Edit: 24 May 2005, 13:33 by Splinter »
" Do it today, Don't wait until tomorrow "

Offline jon007

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Re: 16vDe-Cat/Sports Cat
« Reply #2 on: 24 May 2005, 14:19 »
Cheers mate - Keep me informed on the chip - sounds promising - I'm in the midlands so Leek isn't too bad for me!

My concerns are the added wear and tear on a 95k engine though - although VW engines always get glowing reports!

Offline raylee25

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Re: 16vDe-Cat/Sports Cat
« Reply #3 on: 21 June 2006, 15:37 »
I got a Golf GTI 16V and 2 years ago I had my chip re-mapped by AMD in Banbury. They do a before and after test and let you have a test drive before you pay(£299). Before the re-map, I was getting 167BHP standard and after I got 182BHP. These readings are from the wheels and not from the flywheel. I have recently had a miltek exhaust fitted so I reckon I should be getting around 190BHP. Apart from the re-map and exhaust, everything else is standard.