Exhaust Replacement options?

[V_Arse6]

Hmm.  I would like at some point in the not-too-distant future to replace my 'zorst.  Perhaps in time for Xmas, but not sure (certainly too broke at the moment)

Am I right in thinking that just getting a new back box would improve the looks, but not actually add
anything performance-wise?  I'm more concerned with improving power than looks really (although of course looks are nice too ).  I guess I'd need a full system to get any real difference.  Are there any options for perhaps getting a back box then later replacing all the other gubbins, to spread the cost a bit?

As I understand it, my Golf has some 3 cat/silencer type things in the system, and removing them (i.e. replacing that exhaust section) helps, but of course you still need a cat or it's an MOT failure, and there are noise regulations etc too, which I've not really looked into.  Although I do wonder what a VR6 would sound like with just a bit of pipe...

Sorry if I sound like a bit of a newbie, but I'm trying to learn...   If anyone's got a link to a good site explaining the pros/cons of various options that would be good..

Is it impopossible/Difficult to fit an exhaust without proper ramps/a lift?  I only have axle stands, and I generally like to have a go at stuff myself (I have plenty of common sense, and have done minor bits of servicing on various motors but nothing as major as this would be). 

Ta for reading..

[Judderi]

Yeah you can do it without a ramp and just 4 axle stands. Sure its more difficult and you usually end up with a stiff neck but hey its cheaper and you get the feeling of satisfaction when you do it yourself.

As for your exhaust questions your on the right path really. You will only get gains with a full system, even better get a full system and a 4 - 2 - 1 manifold! Yes you could also replace just the back box then get the middle secion later, you may need to keep with the same brand though. As for the cat, yes you can get a de cat pipe or even a sports cat (which aint cheap) either way you need a cat for the mot so keep hold of it if de-cating. De cating will give the best results! Oh your car only has 1 cat, the other 2 boxes are silencers.

[V_Arse6]

Ah great thanks for the reply.  Just out of curiousity, why would a 4-2-1 manifold (Would that be a 6-3-1 or something for a VR6?) Be better than whatever the OEM version is?  Surely it does the same job really - or is simply another case of the stock one being a bit too restrictive?

Very tempted to go Decat and just swap it out for the MOT each year..  How easy/quick is it to do that, if it's going to be a regular thing...?  How much would the full system + decat cost?

Any brand recommendations? I've seen Milltek popping up around here a lot 

[Judderi]

Yeah miltek get good recomendations. Your other option is to take the motor to a custom exhaust fabricators like powerflow. As for the manifold yes the origional is often too restrictive. Im not sure what the vr6's are like though, maybe there is no need with a vr6. Full systems usually cost around £300

[spankyVR6]

You got a VR6 I take it. I'm going to get a new exhaust soon and I'm without a doubt going to get a full cat back Miltek system. Got a few mates with them on their VR's and the sound awsome when your foot is down, but are nice and subtle when driving normally!! Just what I'm after. Heres a link to the cheapest place I can find for one. http://www.icjperformance.co.uk/product-view.asp?id=175 This is just the cat back system so you would have to price up a cat by pass if you wanted one, but they are around £80 I think, and then the manifold on top of that!!! I think you can get manifolds for around £250 of ebay etc.

Hope this helps

[V_Arse6]

Thanks for the input!  I've got a mate with a highline VR6 with a full cat-back system (I think).  Scorpion I think is the make.  His makes a bit of a drone at 20-40mph, but sounds pretty good when you plant it .  I'd like the loudness but without all that droning ideally, but I can live with it... 

He doesn't really know the details though - he's a "I just want a better exhaust" person, whereas I'm much more interested in the actual details of stuff (and happier to get my hands proper dirty and learn).  Hence me posting here.  Especially considering I'll most likely either fit it myself, or be heavily involved in fitting.

[Len]

Changed my exhaust cat back to a Magnex system and I always thought it wouldnt make any difference (did it for cosmetic reasons)
So I was quite surprised! Not really any more power but it has made the car more driveable at lower speeds. Like go round roundabouts in 4th instead of changing down to 3rd etc.
And the power comes in a bit lower and more progressive.