Super helpful video and also I know what to expect when mine comes in for my mk6 Jetta SEL 1.8t. I’ve already cut off my muffler and resonator so it should be stupid loud.
@HardawayLearning I just got mine in the mail! Did you reuse the gasket where the downpipe meets the turbo? Or will i need to be purchasing a new one? Thanks! install video is very helpful
Great video. Not sure if you are still checking comments. But I am wondering why adding this down pipe will set off my check engine light. And if there is a way to add this without setting off the down pipe. Thanks again for getting back to me. I am looking to install this exact down pipe with the high flow cat.
The Cat isn't in the OEM location, so you need to use an O2 spacer to avoid a secondary O2 CEL. Check out our Golf Sportwagen Unitronic downpipe install for some more details!
Honestly, I've had the tune for so long I don't remember. With the tune and downpipe, there's a really nice pop when you shift above 5500rpm 👌 *insert chef's kiss here*
new gti here looking to do this, question is how many catalytics does the oem has ? seems the oxygen sensor position on the new part skips the first one does the check engine light comes on ?
Yes, I had already flashed mine with a United Motorsport Stage 2 Tune prior to install. You might be able to get away with a j-spacer on the downstream o2 sensor, but it will throw a check engine light if you do not have a tune or J-spacer.
@@HardwayLearning I have a mk7 1.8 IS20 APR91 Octane tune with turbo inlet mod. I'm just wondering how much additional power gains I would see from an improved gas flow... I'm thinking it would be at least 20hp.
will my check engine light go away once I get a tune? I was planning to do the downpipe myself and then tune my car within those following days with Unitronic
No, but my car was flashed with UM ECU/TCU tune beforehand. To avoid a CEL I recommend getting an O2 J-spacer. My friend has a Unitronic downpipe running a J spacer and has not had a CEL for the secondary O2 pop up
What company? I didn't need one because I had UM stage 2. If your tune doesn't ignore downstream O2 then you will need a spacer with this because the downstream O2 ends up in front of the new catalytic converter.
@@HardwayLearning nice, I’ve heard a lot of bad things about them in the earlier years of the company but now im hearing they’ve stepped up quality of there builds, and at the price its pretty dang good, plus there one sale right now
@@HardwayLearning so if I didn’t want to get that, I’d essentially need to tune it? Sorry for all the questions, this would be the first mod I’d install myself. Just want to make sure I’m doing everything right 🙏
@@Ironrain29 yeah a tune will code out the O2 sensor so it doesn't throw a code. The O2 spacers can work well, my buddy is running one and it doesn't throw the check engine light.
Had a friend recommend them and they are cheaper than most. I've heard complaints about CTS quality, but the welds looked solid on mine. Cross my fingers it holds up. I have their throttle inlet pipe and had their intake, both appeared fine quality wise as well!
@@eddiemk7418 thanks, I really dig the sound too, although there is some drone around 3000 rpm under light load. Might experiment by swapping in a vibrant resonator, I've heard good things about them
@@HardwayLearning through a cobb? And is it a super aggressive tune? I’m about to buy a down pipe and possibly go stg 2.and I have a stg 1+ cobb ots tune and
It's a direct flash to the ECU. You have to go to a United Motorsport dealer/distributor. They are more conservative, but have a really dialed TCU tune.
@@kentbeitel9966 @Kent Beitel it depends on if your tune supports a catless setup. Natively the CTS downpipe with High flow cat will throw a CEL because the cat is downstream of the secondary O2. I did not have a CEL because I had United Motorsport Stage 2 tune. You could try running a spacers, others have had good luck with that, but a true stage 2 tune that supports disabling downstream o2 checks would guarantee no CEL.
So my mechanic has brought it to my attention that removing the factory downpipe is illegal. I'm confused because every enthusiast and their mother who owns a turbo car usually wants a bigger downpipe and its a very common mod. I'm confused because if its so illegal and such a big no no, then why does everyone do it? I want my bull x downpipe on already!
It depends on the state (and sometimes even the county), in Minnesota we have no emissions testing so you can run whatever you want. Some more strict States people will swap between the stock downpipe and aftermarket one when they get their car tested for emissions
Check out CTS downpipe guide, if I missed anything in the video they should have you covered. From what I remember it's just the mount that's visible on the bottom: www.dropbox.com/sh/rytm0gb1ty9qr49/AABUd-Z9ikpe3U8Qr_y4myEOa?dl=0&lst=&preview=CTS+Installation+Guide+-+CTS-EXH-DP-0014.pdf
Is this on stock clutch? Or Just wondering as Ive been wanting to get a DP but ive heard that the GTi stock clutches are terrible after adding more HP.
My car has a DSG so it has a UM TCU tune for meeting the higher torque. Some companies make "low"torque files for people with 6spd and stock clutch from my understanding. My guess is they ramp in to boost a literally easier and or throw less timing at the car in the lower RPMs 👍
According to CTS's install guide there are two holding it to the block: www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=www.vividracing.com/productdocs/CTS%2520MK7%2520GTI%2520Downpipe%2520Install%2520Instructions.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwikrpb93vzrAhXNLs0KHZjNAH4QFjACegQIARAB&usg=AOvVaw2dH21h5CmuuuAnNMJqJGHE
Great vid dude! By any chance, did you have to move the driveshaft out of the way to get to that bolt on the bracket that secures the oem dp onto the block? A lot of people are saying to do so but it seems like you made due without it. Thanks in advance dude!
For AWD vehicles you have to remove the driveshaft running to the rear diff. On this I don't think we did anything with the front axles if I recall correctly
Hardway Learning Hey man I just got this yesterday and I it appears that my clamps that came with are not having a tight fit I dont know whats wrong could you help me out
I wish the previous owner on mine never straight piped the car they welded to the factory cat now I gotta get my buddy weld a vband up so I can connect it
You could always do a slip joint, v-bands are great though. I like the sound of the aftermarket downpipe/stock catback, it's good amount of loud without any drone
really stuck on choosing catless over catted. we have no emission tests where i live but im just concerned about the drone and smell from catless. never had an aftermarket DP before.
If you go catless it will most likely sound more raspy/tinny. Cat's aren't as big of a restriction as they used to be, I prefer the sound of a catted exhaust on a small 4-cylinder engine, plus you ain't harmin' the ol' ozone!
@@holdtheline045 CTS catless! Amazing and you get use to the smell after a couple days no biggie plus I just put the window down a bit anyways when I drive so I could hear the car! On stage 2. Love it
Is it a different size? Mine bolted right up, not sure I remember it needing to reduce. I didn't need to buy anything additionally to install it is what I'm getting at
I’m getting mine but isn’t gonna tune it for awhile. Will the engine light do anything to the car? I’m getting a apr stage 2 tune on will that take the code off. Could I still drive it with the engine code without any problems?
Yes it will eventually throw a CEL, but it is safe to drive. The only concern is you won't immediately be aware of any faults unless you regularly scan the car. I'd double check that APR still offers stage 2, last I heard they couldn't anymore because of emissions.
Did you have a leak on one of the exhaust clamps or came with , one didn’t want to get tighten so I have a leak now lol , you know what I can buy one ?
The stock CAT is in the downpipe right next to the turbo outlet so you can not. The midpipe of the CTS downpipe includes their cat or a straight pipe depending on which version you select. Without it, you would not have a long enough section to connect to your resonator/muffler.
Hello i have a gti performance with stock catalyst and ppf( particle filter) im thinking of buying a cobra catted downpipe, but i dont want to have more power doing stage 1 i just want more sound... Will i need to do a stage 1 with a catted downpipe? or i can just leave it like that? Thanks
If you just want more sound I would change out the muffler portion downstream of the downpipe. You could try running an aftermarket downpipe and an O2 spacer to prevent CEL, but I think that can be a little touch and go.
@@HardwayLearning thanks for the quick response, what is the meaning of downstream of the downpipe? sorry for my english, do you mean to delete the particle filter? or you recommend not touching that? Thanks
Any dealership could jerk you around for anything, it's hard to say. I can't see how a downpipe could damage anything, but it's probably the safest bet to switch back to stock for any warranty work. I threw my warranty away the second I got my car tuned though so I haven't had to deal with the process ever.
@@braydenroyal1 I would say it throws anything drivetrain related out the window, but if you had interior/body/suspension/brake problems those things should still be covered. Edit: I can not speak for how shifty a dealership can be though
Hi mate very nice video Just wondering if I can install downpipe sport cat on my Audi s3 without tune for now.I’m thinking to get intercooler after and then stage 2 But not all processes in one time is it safe for engine to run with sport downpipe? Thank you
@@HardwayLearning Thanks for quick response man appreciate If I’ll get check light I can still use car or has to be tune ? I won’t loose any power And one more thing mate can I go stage 2 with downpipe and keep stock itntercolr ?
You could lose power if the car ends up over boosting and going into limp mode, but that seems unlikely. It's more likely it will get a check engine light for secondary O2 cat efficiency which is more of a nusance than anything. I ran stage 2 with a downpipe and no intercooler for a while. You'll just heat soak your intake sooner (less power).
No, my car was tuned with United Motorsport ECU TCU tune prior to the install. My friend has had success with his car running stock flash and Unitronic stock location Catted downpipe on his 4mo Sportwagen by using a J spacer on his O2 though and he does not get a CEL
@@jaydengonzalez6744 my buddy has success running a J spacer on the downstream O2 (not the O2 pre-turbo) without running a tune and does not get a check engine light.
@@HardwayLearningI just deactivated the soundaktor and I’m missing some noise, my car is stock but I really like the sound that the downpipe provides! It shouldn’t be an issue if I install it without being tuned, right? I am planning on tuning the car at some point though.
Great video! I have a question though. I have 1.8 TSI model and I was thinking putting this down pipe on but I don’t want any tune. Am I gonna get engine light if I use o2 spacer? Thank you:)
According to the golfmk7 forums, they highly recommend the 42 Draft Design 02 spacer (it's in the stickied posts, so you know they mean business) for running a downpipe without a tune. That should prevent you from getting a check engine light.
Any idea why the O2 bung is upstream of the cat on the CTS? All other aftermarket downpipes I've seen have the O2 sensor in the correct downstream location.
There are two o2's, the one reading before the cat is telling the car what the fuel mixture is and the one downstream is reading whether or not your cat is working properly for emissions. On a tuned car, the second one is typically shut off and ignored.
@@HardwayLearning Hey, where is the second O2 sensor located. The one that is "downstream". Only seeing one O2 sensor port in most install videos for the CTS downpipe for the MK7 GTI.
@@jordanspence117 the first one is on top of the turbo, the second one is on the downpipe. Stock cat is immediately after the v-band clamp so the second O2 is basically right on the downpipe. In the case of the CTS turbo downpipe, the high flow cat is actually downstream of the second O2.
No because the car already had United Motorsport ECU/TCU tune. If you want to run a downpipe without a tune I recommend getting this: store.ngpracing.com/42-draft-designs-o2-oxygen-sensor-spacer.html
@@patricmaziarka8727 if you don't have a tune, your car will throw an o2 CEL for the secondary o2 because aftermarket downpipes have less effective catalytic converters or sometimes none.
I'm not sure as of late. There's been more crackdowns on tunes that disable secondary O2 checks. Would want to double check with the tuner you use. If they aren't disabling secondary O2 this downpipe will cause CEL
The commentary is definitely my favorite part! 🤣
Bless your channel seriously. Can't wait to get under my gti this season for the first time.
I appreciate the kind words, good luck with modding!
Just two guys laying pipe in the back of a Volkswagen Golf
Actually more towards the front, but definitely underneath
Super helpful I did this with tools camping I knew what I needed based on this video what a difference the downpipe makes , thanks for the laughs
Glad it was helpful and entertaining!!
Super helpful video and also I know what to expect when mine comes in for my mk6 Jetta SEL 1.8t. I’ve already cut off my muffler and resonator so it should be stupid loud.
Thanks for the comment! I can't imagine these without a muffler or resonator lol
Thank you ! You’re video was very helpful for my install
Thanks for watching and glad it was useful!
@HardawayLearning I just got mine in the mail! Did you reuse the gasket where the downpipe meets the turbo? Or will i need to be purchasing a new one? Thanks! install video is very helpful
I did not order a new gasket, so it either came with one or I re-used (sorry I don't remember 🙃). Good luck with the install!
I have a catless arm dp for mine. Hopefully I’ll be able to install it this weekend
Nice! Should be basically the same process 🤙
Great video. Not sure if you are still checking comments. But I am wondering why adding this down pipe will set off my check engine light. And if there is a way to add this without setting off the down pipe. Thanks again for getting back to me. I am looking to install this exact down pipe with the high flow cat.
The Cat isn't in the OEM location, so you need to use an O2 spacer to avoid a secondary O2 CEL. Check out our Golf Sportwagen Unitronic downpipe install for some more details!
Awesome. Thanks. I will look for the video. Is there a link your able to share showing what 02 spacer I need to get.
@@zacharylee3092 hit up Chi11z on Instagram, he should know what spacer he bought. Or DM me and I'll bug him about it tomorrow 🤘
@@HardwayLearning great thanks. Also can’t find the golf sport wagon video. U able to share that. Also what does DM mean.
@@zacharylee3092 DM means direct message, let me know if this link works: th-cam.com/video/rhmOsH4gLIU/w-d-xo.html
Hey man, loving the vid. I was just wondering how does the dsg farts compare to stock?
Honestly, I've had the tune for so long I don't remember. With the tune and downpipe, there's a really nice pop when you shift above 5500rpm 👌 *insert chef's kiss here*
How much louder is it with the catted down pipe?
It's a noticeable difference, but not obnoxious or drony. Maybe 20-30% louder?
Besides the catted downpipe obviously, is there anything else done to the exhaust?
It is a CTS downpipe/high flow cat with stock catback briefcase mufffler
Hardway Learning ok thank, i have an xforce catback exhaust and just bought that downpipe like 10 minutes ago i cant wait to install it👍
@@michaellaroche5462 downpipe makes a huge sound difference! You'll love it!
new gti here looking to do this, question is how many catalytics does the oem has ? seems the oxygen sensor position on the new part skips the first one does the check engine light comes on ?
My car is running a tune that disables the secondary o2. You would need to run an o2 spacer to prevent any CEL from activating on a stock car.
@@HardwayLearning ok thank you is that spacer to move the O2 behind the cat ?
@@erodz1892 it's to move the o2 further out of the exhaust flow to trick the sensor into thinking there's a cat
@@HardwayLearning many thanks !!!
What other mods do you have on this GTI?
At that point it was Stage 2 ECU/TCU tune from United Motorsports, IE intake and maybe an Intercooler?
Did you have to get it tuned?
Yeah, I had United Motorsport Stage 2 ECU/TCU tune
I heard catted down pipes don’t really need a tune? Or does it I just want to upgrade my chit?
You can get away with a catted downpipe and an o2 spacer. Watch our Unitronic downpipe install with Dan's Sportwagen for more info 🤘
Is the car tuned in the clip?
United Motorsport ECU/TCU for stock IS20
Hardway Learning how much more hp/tq r u getting fronm that tune?
@@michaellaroche5462 should be around 280 hp/ 350 ft-lbs 🚀
Do you need a tune for this?
Yes, I had already flashed mine with a United Motorsport Stage 2 Tune prior to install. You might be able to get away with a j-spacer on the downstream o2 sensor, but it will throw a check engine light if you do not have a tune or J-spacer.
Any idea what power gains you got from this mod?
It's more so that it let's you run a Stage 2 tune which nets you about 60hp and 95ft-lbs over stock.
@@HardwayLearning I have a mk7 1.8 IS20 APR91 Octane tune with turbo inlet mod. I'm just wondering how much additional power gains I would see from an improved gas flow... I'm thinking it would be at least 20hp.
will my check engine light go away once I get a tune? I was planning to do the downpipe myself and then tune my car within those following days with Unitronic
Yes, Unitronic tunes will take care of your o2 related CEL. I tuned mine with UM before the downpipe install and never saw a CEL 👍
@@HardwayLearning literally fastest reply ever damn. Lol but thank you sounds good
I'm always on my phone 😂
I’m doing the installation and the tuning today with COBB. Do I gonna get the CEL light ? Awesome video btw
You shouldn't as long as COBB supports downpipes/codes out secondary O2.
Did it show check engine light after install of CTS dp? Thanks!
No, but my car was flashed with UM ECU/TCU tune beforehand. To avoid a CEL I recommend getting an O2 J-spacer. My friend has a Unitronic downpipe running a J spacer and has not had a CEL for the secondary O2 pop up
Is your car tuned?
Yes, it has United Motorsport Stage 2 tube when we installed this
Soooo will this need a vibrant j spacer to pass emission? Recently went stage 2+ on my beetle and it’s still throwing a CEL
What company? I didn't need one because I had UM stage 2. If your tune doesn't ignore downstream O2 then you will need a spacer with this because the downstream O2 ends up in front of the new catalytic converter.
@@HardwayLearning Unitronic
Thinking about pulling the trigger on one, 2 years later would you still say its a good buy?
Absolutely, adds the right amount of noise and it's held up perfectly fine. People crap on CTS, but I've had no issues with this one 🤷♂️
@@HardwayLearning nice, I’ve heard a lot of bad things about them in the earlier years of the company but now im hearing they’ve stepped up quality of there builds, and at the price its pretty dang good, plus there one sale right now
@@mnmvideos4352 win win!
Will you get a check engine light if you do a downpipe without a tune?
There is a good chance you will get a check engine light for the O2 sensor without a tune. This can be mitigated by a spacer, but not guaranteed.
Any drone at all?
Not all that much (noticed it initially), still have the OEM resonator and cat back. Passengers sitting in the back seat will notice it more
I'm thinking about installing this on my Mk7 GLI, would this process be identical?
Exactly the same yes!
@@HardwayLearning awesome! Also thank you for the reply! In regards to the CEL, could I used my OBD11 to clear the code? Or would it keep showing up?
@@Ironrain29 it will come back almost immediately. You can use an O2 spacer which works to prevent it though
@@HardwayLearning so if I didn’t want to get that, I’d essentially need to tune it? Sorry for all the questions, this would be the first mod I’d install myself. Just want to make sure I’m doing everything right 🙏
@@Ironrain29 yeah a tune will code out the O2 sensor so it doesn't throw a code. The O2 spacers can work well, my buddy is running one and it doesn't throw the check engine light.
Why did you choose CTS over the other brands?
Had a friend recommend them and they are cheaper than most. I've heard complaints about CTS quality, but the welds looked solid on mine. Cross my fingers it holds up. I have their throttle inlet pipe and had their intake, both appeared fine quality wise as well!
@@HardwayLearning for what it's worth, it sounds good!
@@eddiemk7418 thanks, I really dig the sound too, although there is some drone around 3000 rpm under light load. Might experiment by swapping in a vibrant resonator, I've heard good things about them
@@HardwayLearning Please make a review if you do change over for a Vibe Resonator
Are you running any tune?
Yes, United Motorsport Stage 2 at the time. Now running their IS38 tune which rips
@@HardwayLearning through a cobb? And is it a super aggressive tune? I’m about to buy a down pipe and possibly go stg 2.and I have a stg 1+ cobb ots tune and
It's a direct flash to the ECU. You have to go to a United Motorsport dealer/distributor. They are more conservative, but have a really dialed TCU tune.
@@HardwayLearning I just got a cts high flow. I have a cobb ap, will I get a CEL? and could I just reflash the car? Or do I need a o2 spacer?
@@kentbeitel9966 @Kent Beitel it depends on if your tune supports a catless setup. Natively the CTS downpipe with High flow cat will throw a CEL because the cat is downstream of the secondary O2. I did not have a CEL because I had United Motorsport Stage 2 tune. You could try running a spacers, others have had good luck with that, but a true stage 2 tune that supports disabling downstream o2 checks would guarantee no CEL.
Ooo. Video is in segments? Automatic like & subscribe.
Thank you!
My cts smells like shit even though it’s catted like yours. Any ideas as to why? Also, it rattles in low revs sometimes.... thx
Hmm, I would make sure all of your mating joints are tight and connected properly. I don't get any rattling or smell
So my mechanic has brought it to my attention that removing the factory downpipe is illegal. I'm confused because every enthusiast and their mother who owns a turbo car usually wants a bigger downpipe and its a very common mod. I'm confused because if its so illegal and such a big no no, then why does everyone do it? I want my bull x downpipe on already!
It depends on the state (and sometimes even the county), in Minnesota we have no emissions testing so you can run whatever you want. Some more strict States people will swap between the stock downpipe and aftermarket one when they get their car tested for emissions
Sound clips start at 7:42, you have to like the video for it to work though 🤣!
Is any light in when you install the down pipes?
@@樊思凝 if you don't have an O2 spacer or tune there will be a check engine light
So I’m struggling is there a second mounting bracket ? And how did you get to it?
Check out CTS downpipe guide, if I missed anything in the video they should have you covered. From what I remember it's just the mount that's visible on the bottom: www.dropbox.com/sh/rytm0gb1ty9qr49/AABUd-Z9ikpe3U8Qr_y4myEOa?dl=0&lst=&preview=CTS+Installation+Guide+-+CTS-EXH-DP-0014.pdf
Is this on stock clutch? Or Just wondering as Ive been wanting to get a DP but ive heard that the GTi stock clutches are terrible after adding more HP.
My car has a DSG so it has a UM TCU tune for meeting the higher torque. Some companies make "low"torque files for people with 6spd and stock clutch from my understanding. My guess is they ramp in to boost a literally easier and or throw less timing at the car in the lower RPMs 👍
Was there one or two bolts holding the downpipe behind the engine? I was able to remove the one bolt you removed in the video but the DP won't budge.
According to CTS's install guide there are two holding it to the block: www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=www.vividracing.com/productdocs/CTS%2520MK7%2520GTI%2520Downpipe%2520Install%2520Instructions.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwikrpb93vzrAhXNLs0KHZjNAH4QFjACegQIARAB&usg=AOvVaw2dH21h5CmuuuAnNMJqJGHE
Great vid dude! By any chance, did you have to move the driveshaft out of the way to get to that bolt on the bracket that secures the oem dp onto the block? A lot of people are saying to do so but it seems like you made due without it. Thanks in advance dude!
For AWD vehicles you have to remove the driveshaft running to the rear diff. On this I don't think we did anything with the front axles if I recall correctly
@@HardwayLearning Thanks for the quick reply! Just got a CTS dp for my A3 Quattro.. looks like I’m in for a fun install lol
I have faith in you, good luck and have fun! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. I'm easy to reach on instagram @hardwaylearning
Hardway Learning Hey man I just got this yesterday and I it appears that my clamps that came with are not having a tight fit I dont know whats wrong could you help me out
Did u get 3 or 3.5 inch?
It appears it is 3.5"
I wish the previous owner on mine never straight piped the car they welded to the factory cat now I gotta get my buddy weld a vband up so I can connect it
You could always do a slip joint, v-bands are great though. I like the sound of the aftermarket downpipe/stock catback, it's good amount of loud without any drone
@@HardwayLearning nah I need to have the exhaust cut and re welded either way with how it is unfortunately
Ahhh bummer, happy motoring!
@@HardwayLearning yeah otherwise definitely would’ve had it done by now lol just my luck though
really stuck on choosing catless over catted. we have no emission tests where i live but im just concerned about the drone and smell from catless. never had an aftermarket DP before.
If you go catless it will most likely sound more raspy/tinny. Cat's aren't as big of a restriction as they used to be, I prefer the sound of a catted exhaust on a small 4-cylinder engine, plus you ain't harmin' the ol' ozone!
@@HardwayLearning thank you for your thoughts. will keep in mind.
Which one did you go with?
@@holdtheline045 CTS catless! Amazing and you get use to the smell after a couple days no biggie plus I just put the window down a bit anyways when I drive so I could hear the car! On stage 2. Love it
@@holdtheline045 crackle tune loves it lol
Did you downpipe come with that reducer? I just got mine and there is no reducer in the box just downpipe and cat
Is it a different size? Mine bolted right up, not sure I remember it needing to reduce. I didn't need to buy anything additionally to install it is what I'm getting at
@@HardwayLearning there is no reducer in my box that goes from the new cat to to rest of the exhaust
@@mjmottayaw I would reach out to who you bought it from and tell them. Is the CAT the same diameter on each side? Maybe they changed the design?
@@HardwayLearning no the cat is definitely a different diameter than the stock exhaust?
@@mjmottayaw they must have forgot the reducer then. I re-watched my video and they definitely sent it with one
Don’t know if you check these comments anymore but I’m trying to figure out if I want a cat or no cat on my 1.8 golf. Any suggestions?
I preferred catted, less raspy/drone from them typically.
I’m getting mine but isn’t gonna tune it for awhile. Will the engine light do anything to the car? I’m getting a apr stage 2 tune on will that take the code off. Could I still drive it with the engine code without any problems?
Yes it will eventually throw a CEL, but it is safe to drive. The only concern is you won't immediately be aware of any faults unless you regularly scan the car. I'd double check that APR still offers stage 2, last I heard they couldn't anymore because of emissions.
Did you have a leak on one of the exhaust clamps or came with , one didn’t want to get tighten so I have a leak now lol , you know what I can buy one ?
No I didn't, any auto parts store should have exhaust clamps or buy them from FCP euro or ECS or something
Does the catalytic converter has its make and model written on it?
I believe it was blank if I recall correctly
Can you use the stock midpipe and cat along with a catted downpipe?
The stock CAT is in the downpipe right next to the turbo outlet so you can not. The midpipe of the CTS downpipe includes their cat or a straight pipe depending on which version you select. Without it, you would not have a long enough section to connect to your resonator/muffler.
Hi, recently purchased a 2017 vw gti with the performance package. Can I put a down pipe on without doing a tune? Or is that bad for the car?
You can, but you might get a check engine light if you don't run an O2 spacer on the secondary O2.
@@HardwayLearning thank you for the info!
Hello i have a gti performance with stock catalyst and ppf( particle filter) im thinking of buying a cobra catted downpipe, but i dont want to have more power doing stage 1 i just want more sound... Will i need to do a stage 1 with a catted downpipe? or i can just leave it like that? Thanks
If you just want more sound I would change out the muffler portion downstream of the downpipe. You could try running an aftermarket downpipe and an O2 spacer to prevent CEL, but I think that can be a little touch and go.
@@HardwayLearning thanks for the quick response, what is the meaning of downstream of the downpipe? sorry for my english, do you mean to delete the particle filter? or you recommend not touching that? Thanks
@@JavierAlvarez-sv6qo anything after the OEM downpipe (keeping filter and catalytic converter). So installing a cat back from someone.
@@HardwayLearning right, i have a cat back exhaust from someone but i just feel that the particle filter limits the car soooo much...
Did u need new clamps? If so what size? I'm doin the same job soon
The CTS downpipe came with all the clamps needed to properly mount it to the stock exhaust!
how does this do with warranty? If anything fails what could they blame the downpipe for? Im just seeing if its worth risking it.
Any dealership could jerk you around for anything, it's hard to say. I can't see how a downpipe could damage anything, but it's probably the safest bet to switch back to stock for any warranty work. I threw my warranty away the second I got my car tuned though so I haven't had to deal with the process ever.
@@HardwayLearning Thanks! Does a tune void all warranty?
@@braydenroyal1 I would say it throws anything drivetrain related out the window, but if you had interior/body/suspension/brake problems those things should still be covered.
Edit: I can not speak for how shifty a dealership can be though
Hi mate very nice video
Just wondering if I can install downpipe sport cat on my Audi s3 without tune for now.I’m thinking to get intercooler after and then stage 2
But not all processes in one time is it safe for engine to run with sport downpipe?
Thank you
You're fine to run the upgraded downpipe before a tune, but you may or may not get a check engine light.
@@HardwayLearning
Thanks for quick response man appreciate
If I’ll get check light I can still use car or has to be tune ?
I won’t loose any power
And one more thing mate can I go stage 2 with downpipe and keep stock itntercolr ?
You could lose power if the car ends up over boosting and going into limp mode, but that seems unlikely. It's more likely it will get a check engine light for secondary O2 cat efficiency which is more of a nusance than anything. I ran stage 2 with a downpipe and no intercooler for a while. You'll just heat soak your intake sooner (less power).
@@HardwayLearning
I’m running R600 intake and milltek cat back no valve plus res delete just need downpipe
Nice! Should be a ripper, stage 2 tune will be fun!
Did u have a check engine light ?
No, my car was tuned with United Motorsport ECU TCU tune prior to the install. My friend has had success with his car running stock flash and Unitronic stock location Catted downpipe on his 4mo Sportwagen by using a J spacer on his O2 though and he does not get a CEL
Whats an o2 censor you know works for my mk7? Should I get it angled ? Or will normal one fit
Are you looking for a replacement? Or are you looking for a way to run an aftermarket downpipe without a tune to avoid a CEL?
@@HardwayLearning yup looking to run one with my aftermarket downpipe
@@jaydengonzalez6744 my buddy has success running a J spacer on the downstream O2 (not the O2 pre-turbo) without running a tune and does not get a check engine light.
@@HardwayLearning was lookin at those j spacers from Amazon and eBay people have purchased, they’re not available no more on there
Any CEL even with that catted DP?
Car has United Motorsport tune so no CEL
do you need to get a tune if you get a downpipe?
You don't need to, but you will have a CEL if you don't run an o2 spacer. I've read most people have luck with the 42draftdesigns o2 spacer
Catted downpipe?
Yes, high flow cat 😺
@@HardwayLearningsounds great!!!
@@DanielAlvarez- cats help keep the tone a little more tame
@@HardwayLearningI just deactivated the soundaktor and I’m missing some noise, my car is stock but I really like the sound that the downpipe provides! It shouldn’t be an issue if I install it without being tuned, right? I am planning on tuning the car at some point though.
@@DanielAlvarez- yes, you'll most likely get a check engine light for "cat efficiency" but won't hurt the car at all
Great video! I have a question though. I have 1.8 TSI model and I was thinking putting this down pipe on but I don’t want any tune.
Am I gonna get engine light if I use o2 spacer? Thank you:)
According to the golfmk7 forums, they highly recommend the 42 Draft Design 02 spacer (it's in the stickied posts, so you know they mean business) for running a downpipe without a tune. That should prevent you from getting a check engine light.
I know this is a late but did it work with out a tune?
@@holdtheline045 yup. Spacer works
Did you have to use an angled one ? Or does a normal one work
What spacer did you guys use?
Any idea why the O2 bung is upstream of the cat on the CTS? All other aftermarket downpipes I've seen have the O2 sensor in the correct downstream location.
There are two o2's, the one reading before the cat is telling the car what the fuel mixture is and the one downstream is reading whether or not your cat is working properly for emissions. On a tuned car, the second one is typically shut off and ignored.
@@HardwayLearning Hey, where is the second O2 sensor located. The one that is "downstream". Only seeing one O2 sensor port in most install videos for the CTS downpipe for the MK7 GTI.
@@jordanspence117 the first one is on top of the turbo, the second one is on the downpipe. Stock cat is immediately after the v-band clamp so the second O2 is basically right on the downpipe. In the case of the CTS turbo downpipe, the high flow cat is actually downstream of the second O2.
@@HardwayLearning thanks for the quick reply man. Appreciate it!
No problem
Hey bro nice vid. Did you get a check engine light after install?
No because the car already had United Motorsport ECU/TCU tune. If you want to run a downpipe without a tune I recommend getting this: store.ngpracing.com/42-draft-designs-o2-oxygen-sensor-spacer.html
@@HardwayLearning Why does the check engine even pop up
@@patricmaziarka8727 if you don't have a tune, your car will throw an o2 CEL for the secondary o2 because aftermarket downpipes have less effective catalytic converters or sometimes none.
@@HardwayLearningDoes it matter which tune I install or no? I assume not but just curious.
I'm not sure as of late. There's been more crackdowns on tunes that disable secondary O2 checks. Would want to double check with the tuner you use. If they aren't disabling secondary O2 this downpipe will cause CEL
Do a muffler delete
Shit, it's already pretty obnoxious under light throttle. 🤣
Fuck rip to me adding my downpipe and highflow cat next week and I have a muffler delete on my Cc 😂
@@KwGcrazyshocker Yeah, that's going to be pretty loud lol.
I actually can’t hear a difference
It's less noticeable at idle, but definitely noticeable under load!