Milltek Sport Large-Bore Downpipes are perfect when looking to improve both performance and sound. These downpipes are fabricated with a larger diameter than standard OEM parts, meaning that there is significantly more space for more gas to exit the engine and pass through, increasing efficiency. Combined with our Hi-Flow Sports Cat, you can expect a significant increase in performance and a noticeable difference in sound aesthetic.KATAPULT: Katapult does not allow us to issue refunds. Purchases made through Katapult that require a refund may be paid back to the customer via Zelle, PayPal, gift card, or other form that is agreed upon.
How much HP does a Mk8 GTI have?
241 hp Golf GTI. The Golf GTI is a high-performance petrol (gasoline) model. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine (TSI) producing 245 PS (180 kW; 241 hp) and 370 N⋅m (273 lbf⋅ft).
“Direct Ship” refers to items which are not in stock at our main facility and instead ship from either one of our three major hub warehouses in the US or the manufacturer directly and may be subject to the manufacturer’s processing and shipping times (this also includes manufacturer delays and backorders).
The Golf GTE is a high-performance plug-in hybrid model. Producing 245 PS (180 kW; 241 hp), it has an all-electric range of about 60 kilometres (37 miles) in EV mode, with a 13 kWh lithium ion battery supplementing the 1.4 litre TSI direct-injection petrol engine. The GTE, GTD, and GTI have different styling to distinguish them from less powerful Golf models. The front has a large honeycomb grille with a blue accent and an LED light strip positioned below, a black lower bumper trim, and an integrated background exterior light. The rear has a diffuser-style rear bumper. The roof spoiler is also different, with wider side sill panels, larger wheels, and red brake calipers. Inside, there are many minor differences, including sports seats with different interior fabrics and other minor changes.
TDI TDI models utilise a new twin dosing system featuring dual AdBlue selective catalytic reduction, which lowers nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx) by up to 80% compared to the Mk7. A 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel unit is used, producing 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) or 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp).All internal combustion engines are turbocharged three- or four-cylinder units; engine options include petrol, mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, diesel and natural gas powertrains. The previous e-Golf model is no longer available, as it was replaced by the ID.3.The Golf R is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine (TSI) producing 320 PS (235 kW; 315 hp) and 420 N⋅m (310 lbf⋅ft) which is an increase of 20 PS (15 kW; 20 hp) and 40 N⋅m (30 lbf⋅ft) when compared to the Mk7. It is offered with either the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic globally or the six-speed manual (US and Canadian markets only) in both the hatch and estate body styles. The R is 20 mm (0.8 in) lower than the standard Golf, and has a stiffer suspension incorporating an aluminium front subframe. The all-wheel-drive system has been updated and benefits from a torque-vectoring rear differential. Dynamic Chassis Control has also been updated to work with the Vehicle Dynamics Manager, allowing for a Drift Mode function. The exterior features quad exhaust tips and 19-inch wheels, while the interior is similar to the GTI, and has Nappa leather bucket seats as well as several R badges and an R-specific driver’s display.
The Mk8 features several technological advancements, including standard LED headlights on all models and optional matrix LEDs, an advanced head-up display, a shift by wire system on models with the dual-clutch gearbox, Alexa integration, and an NFC mobile key with compatible Samsung smartphones via eSIM. The interior receives a major overhaul, replacing the traditional analog instrument panel with an entirely digital 10.25″ driver’s display and either an 8.25″ or 10″ centre touchscreen for multimedia. Instead of physical buttons, a touch-sensitive panel houses controls for various functions, including the headlights and air conditioning/ventilation. The vehicle can also be upgraded with new functions after purchasing it, such as adaptive cruise control, WiFi hotspot, online-based voice control, Light Assist, navigation and Wireless App-Connect. The reliance on touchscreen controls in place of conventional physical buttons, knobs, or dials was criticised as being frustrating and unintuitive to use. Which? noted that “too much attention must be diverted from the road to operate simple functions such as the climate control” and called the layout “a step backwards.”
The Golf GTD is a high-performance turbodiesel model. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection diesel engine (TDI) producing 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) and 400 N⋅m (295 lbf⋅ft). The engine uses two selective catalytic reduction filters with dual AdBlue injection. The manual transmission is not offered, with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic being the only option. The suspension is shared with the GTI, having MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link system at the rear. 18-inch and 19-inch wheels are available. Plaid upholstery is standard like on the GTI, but grey highlights are used rather than red; the steering wheel also has touch-sensitive multi-function controls. An electronic shift lever is used in place of the patterned shift knob found on the GTI.The exterior of the Mk8 has evolutionary design changes, with a new two-dimensional Volkswagen logo and more angular styling. At the rear there are new L-shaped taillights similar to those of the T-Roc. A more prominent downward arch at the nose contributes to a reduced drag coefficient; the Mk8’s is Cd=0.275 compared to the Mk7’s Cd=0.29, giving a drag area of 0.61 m. The dimensions are roughly the same as the Mk7, 29 mm longer, and 10 mm narrower with a similar wheelbase. The three-door hatchback has been discontinued, leaving the five-door hatchback as the only model available at launch. The Golf Estate (Variant) was revealed in September 2020, alongside a rugged “Alltrack” version with slightly raised suspension, body cladding, and all-wheel-drive.
How much HP does a downpipe add GTI?
You can expect an aftermarket downpipe to net you between 15-20 max horsepower and torque (without a tune), in addition to the increased responsiveness of the turbo. Aftermarket downpipes can also aid in reducing the temperature of your engine compartment, allowing cooler and thus denser air to enter the engine.
TSI models sold in Euro 5 Compliant Countries, such as Australia, will at launch feature one option, a 1.4 litre turbocharged petrol engine (TSI) with 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp). Unlike previous Golf’s which featured a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG), this engine will be paired with a traditional 8-speed torque converter automatic. The transmission choice is due in part to the specific engine calibration (and automatic transmission combination) developed to meet Australia’s outdated Euro 5 emissions regulations introduced in 2009, which are about a decade behind European standards.eHybrid eHybrid models use a 1.4 litre turbocharged plug-in hybrid engine supplanted by a 13 kWh lithium ion battery, with a 6-speed DSG. The all-electric range is rated at about 60 kilometres (37 miles) in EV mode. The engine produces 204 PS (150 kW; 201 hp) or 245 PS (180 kW; 241 hp).
Does downpipe damage turbo?
In other words, a restrictive exhaust/downpipe will require the turbo to work harder to achieve its requested load, therefore reducing performance or at the very least, more wear and tear due to heat.
The Mk8 includes a semi-autonomous driving system known as Travel Assist that can work at speeds of up to 210 km/h (130 mph) by using the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist systems. Sensors in the steering wheel detect when the driver is touching it; if no input is detected for more than 15 seconds, the system will warn the driver before the emergency braking system automatically activates. It is also the first Volkswagen vehicle to use Car2X, where information can be exchanged with other cars and the traffic infrastructure within a radius of up to 800 m (2,625 ft).TSI models sold in Euro 6d Compliant Countries consist of a 1.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine (TSI) with 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) or 110 PS (81 kW; 109 hp), and a 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine with 130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp) or 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp). All engines with an output up to 130 PS feature the efficient TSI Miller combustion process and a variable-geometry turbocharger, and the 1.5-litre engines have temporary Active Cylinder Management. A compressed natural gas (CNG) version of the 1.5-litre engine is also available as a TGI model.
The Volkswagen Golf (Mk8) (also known as the Golf VIII) is a compact car, the eighth generation of the Volkswagen Golf and the successor to the Volkswagen Golf Mk7. It was launched in Wolfsburg on 24 October 2019, and arrived in German showrooms in December 2019.
The Golf GTI is a high-performance petrol (gasoline) model. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine (TSI) producing 245 PS (180 kW; 241 hp) and 370 N⋅m (273 lbf⋅ft). The bodywork is nearly identical to the GTE, however the GTI is equipped with different wheels, badges, and red grille accents. The rear bumper has dual exit exhausts. Vehicle Dynamics Manager allows for more adjustability of the adaptive suspension dampers, while an Individual setting joins the other driving modes. The suspension is lowered by 15 mm (0.6 in). Inside, plaid upholstery is standard, with additional red accents on the seats and steering wheel. 17-inch wheels are standard in Europe, with optional 18-inch and 19-inch wheels.
eTSI eTSI models use the same engines as the TSI models with the addition of a mild-hybrid system and a powerful brake energy recuperation function, paired exclusively with the 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG). The energy stored in the 48 V lithium-ion battery supplies the 12 V vehicle electrical system and drives the 48 V belt starter generator. The engines produce 110 PS (81 kW; 109 hp), 130 PS (96 kW; 130 hp) or 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp).
All these benefits translate into increased power, torque and a better engine sound, lower and sportier. It is an essential component for stage 2, stage 3 or stage 4 optimization.Our downpipe is made of SS304 stainless steel and hand welded with TIG methodology. Our downpipe makes the shelf life of your engine last longer, the exhaust temperature is significantly reduced and the exhaust gas evacuation runs faster and more effectively. Optionally, we offer a high-performance HJS thermal insulation for a better result and for a more efficient protection of its surrounding components.In addition to all these benefits, we have new and improved diameters for our downpipes. With 3″ (76mm) turbo outlet diameters that adapts to the 2.75″ OEM catback (70mm) for proper installation. These diameters are larger than the standard ones, thus reducing the pressure drop at the turbo outlet. Our products are specific for each model and come with adapters for proper installation. The product incorporates sensor bungs for a correct assembling, if it is needed. ‘Made in Sheffield’ is one of the world’s great brands, made famous internationally as a mark of origin and quality on the city’s manufactured products.EML lights may activate after removing the standard O/E catalyst. An ECU Re-map is recommended to correct this problem and stabilise all power increases.
Can you run downpipe without tune GTI?
It will be fine, however my only suggestion would be to get the tune now as the deal that is going on. Even if you don’t have the DP yet I would suggest getting the tune as you can run the stock file until you install the DP. (this is what I did; still waiting on the TBE to come in the mail.)
Exhausts UK Ltd t/a Cobra Sport has received funding from The Sheffield City Region European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), part of the European Structural Investment Fund (ESIF) portfolio 2015 to 2020.Cobra Sport accepts no responsibility for the use of parts which remove emissions devices on the public highway. It is the customers responsibility to ensure that all local laws are adhered to within their home state/country. That’s why you might want to remove the original downpipe that came with your Mercedes and replace it with an aftermarket version larger in diameter. You also might remove the catalytic converter, or another way to go is to install a high-flowing converter. Aftermarket downpipes usually feature wider capacities, and they are less restrictive than the stock option. This increase in diameter allows for greater space for a faster turbo spin.
The increased spin makes a huge difference. It decreases turbo lag and generates more spool. When you make this switch, you’re reducing intake charge and engine temperature. This will bring the increase in engine power you were craving.If you know anything about car exhaust system parts, then you might be familiar with downpipes. However, plenty of car owners have never considered this part of a vehicle. Let’s examine what a downpipe does, and why it’s such a vital aspect of your exhaust system, particularly if you own a high-end sports car.
Keep in mind that the standard downpipe for sports cars is typically of excellent quality. It’s entirely your prerogative whether you’re satisfied with your exhaust materials or want to modify them further to get that extra boost.The average downpipe has at least one restrictive catalytic converter. These do an excellent job of cleaning exhaust gases as they are produced. The only issue is their restrictive aspect. They cause you to lose power, and likely part of the reason you’re buying a high-end car like a Mercedes is the power that comes with it.
A downpipe is put in place because it allows the turbo aspect of the engine to be more effective. The downpipe steers gases away from the turbine, creating more uninterrupted power. When you get out on a straightaway and open up your Mercedes, or a similar vehicle, you’ll feel the difference.If you aspire to race your sports car, that is one of the more common reasons for replacing the downpipe. You might choose to do so simply because you are trying to get as much horsepower as possible out of your vehicle. Adding a new downpipe to older model sports cars can dramatically improve your HP.
Let’s say you get yourself a high-end, supercharged vehicle, like a Mercedes. You’re probably serious about testing its limits when you drive it. If that’s true, you might look into purchasing an aftermarket downpipe replacement.
A downpipe directs the exhaust gases from your vehicle’s turbine housing into your exhaust system. The downpipe bolts right to the turbine housing. It is instrumental in moving the exhaust gases through the system as efficiently as possible.
Another aspect of the typical sports car exhaust system that you’ll likely notice is mandrel bending. This is where a steel rod is inserted into bent tubing, so there is no wrinkling or breaking at the bend point.Catalytic converters clean exhaust gases as they pass through a catalyst. This deals with the smell from the raw exhaust fumes. If you get a catless version, then the vehicle will emit a noticeable odor. That’s because the exhaust gases aren’t being cleaned before the vehicle emits them.
Does a downpipe damage engine?
Downpipe does not cause any damage to the engine. All it does is be less restrictive and allow exhaust gases to flow much more easily. You can even say downpipe is good for the engine since it reduces backpressure and ensures the majority of injected fuel is utilized during combustion.
Mercedes exhausts that are standard-issue are already considered to be high-performance quality. However, you probably didn’t buy the Mercedes to be timid.There is another potential reason. You might have modified your turbo so that it runs at a higher boost pressure. If you have increased the amount of boost from a stock turbo system, then the increased exhaust output might demand a smooth, larger downpipe.If you want to get yourself an aftermarket downpipe, you’re going to run into two kinds: cat and catless. Catted means that it comes with a high-flow catalytic converter. Catless downpipes come without one.
We highly value our passion for cars and therefore also understand your wishes when you shop for Automotive Parts. With our services, we will always listen to what you want and anticipate on it to create be best match possible.
Our team ensures that the products we sell are up to the highest standards. We combine our professions in the Automotive industry with our passion for cars so that we exactly know what we have to deliver to create the perfect product experience.Frequency Intelligent Exhaust aka Fi EXHAUST is the world’s first-rate aftermarket automotive exhaust brand which specializes in exhausts for supercars, sports cars and high-performance vehicles for marques such as Lamborghini, Ferrari, McLaren, Porsche, Mercedes-AMG, BMW M, Audi, Nissan, and others.
Does the mk8 GTI have exhaust valves?
The Fi EXHAUST system is designed with a valvetronic technology to control airflow, sound volume and enhance the overall performance and torque.
From the outset, Fi R&D team has consistently engineered high-quality exhaust systems for car enthusiasts, who pursue a superior sound and performance and require an exhaust system that will perform in all conditions. That’s why Fi EXHAUST products are made to produce maximum optimized performance. Fi produces a beautiful tone from deep bass to an exotic high-pitched Formula One racing sound depending on a car model’s requirements. And to achieve this optimized state every exhaust system is carefully sound tuned and undergoes rigorous testing to a specific frequency with our intelligent control system.Here at EuroFlow, we took our time to get our pipes right. We didnt just develop and stop, we put them to the test. We dyno tested the pipes, we tracked the cars, we pushed them in different scenarios.
Available with or without high flowing catalytic converters, and with or without heatshielding these configurable downpipes have everything a premium european beast deserves.Euroflow has spent extensive time on research and development to provide pipework which exceeds OEM quality. Putting our experience where its best suited!Perfect welding takes time, it takes great skill and it is worth it everytime. Here at EuroFlow we take pride in each and every piece, and it shows in our finishes.All our welds are TIG welded. External welds are thick, layered progressively, ensuring strength and functionality. Backpurging is employed whilst completing these welds to ensure a perfect finish, contaminent free finish.
Trüpower Golf GTI MK8 Catless Downpipes allow your EA888.4 turbo charged engine to breathe the way it was meant to breathe. Stock downpipes are equipped with catalytic converters which restrict airflow and reduce the output of the turbo charger. Trüpower Motorsports downpipes ensure a massive increase in airflow with the restrictive catalytic converter removed. This will also will ensure an aggressive lower tone engine sound. Most factory downpipes are narrow which also restricts airflow and reduce potential horsepower. Trüpower Golf GTI MK8 downpipes use larger diameter stainless steel piping to ensure increased air flow. Smooth, unrestricted air flow will improve engine performance, improve engine and fuel efficiency, increase throttle response for faster acceleration and maximize power output of your Golf GTI MK8 EA888.4 turbo engine.Your personal data will be used to support your experience throughout this website, to manage access to your account, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy.
Is downpipe good for turbo?
Why You Need a Downpipe. A downpipe is put in place because it allows the turbo aspect of the engine to be more effective. The downpipe steers gases away from the turbine, creating more uninterrupted power.
We are proud to release the new CTS Turbo 3.5″ Stainless Steel race downpipe for the EVO4 FWD (front wheel drive) platform, fitment for MK8 VW GTI/8Y Audi A3. Unfortunately, the factory downpipe that comes as standard equipment in your car was designed for anything but performance. The factory downpipe severely restricts exhaust flow and therefor has adverse effects on horsepower, especially once your car is tuned. The CTS Turbo downpipe will allow for your exhaust gases to flow smoothly, freeing up the additional ponies that you want, all while look amazing. Highlights of our downpipe include a 3.5″ cast downpipe flange, mandrel bent 3″ stainless steel tubing and factory mounting locations. Most 2022+ vehicles come with an updated “tamper-proof” downpipe hangers that make it hard to remove the rubber downpipe hanger. You may purchase an old-style hanger from your favourite OEM parts retailer: 1K0253144AE Precision fabrication, unparalleled quality and a great price point all make the CTS Turbo MK8 FWD downpipe a must-have for any driver that wants maximum performance and sound!
Reminder: Make sure to verify that your new downpipe will conform with your local emissions standards/requirements. Some downpipes like the Unitronic MK7 GTI replace the stock catalytic converters with a higher flowing unit, helping you keep your car in compliance. As mentioned earlier, replacing your downpipe may or may not trigger a CEL from your vehicle, this can be removed via a tune or an oxygen sensor spacer.
To fully take advantage of a downpipe on your MK7 GTI, an ECU upgrade is required. These software tweaks will enable your engine to take full advantage of the huge restriction you just removed between your turbo and cat-back exhaust. Tuning will also help remove any associated CEL (Check Engine Light) caused by an alteration of emissions components (catalytic converters) when replacing your stock downpipe. Generally downpipes will not alter the sound of your stock exhaust dramatically. You will get a slightly deeper exhaust note upon idle and acceleration, an increase in sound output is to be expected, but it is not as drastic as adding a cat-back exhaust (the portion of the exhaust that follows after your downpipe). Most downpipes are designed to mate up to your existing stock cat-back and thus do not require replacing your entire exhaust system or any further modifications.Outside of an ECU upgrade, a downpipe is probably the single best performance upgrade you can do on your MK7 GTI. Aftermarket downpipes accomplish this via two changes; Aftermarket downpipes are almost always wider in diameter than stock, in addition aftermarket downpipes will utilize a more efficient catalytic converter, if any at all. This allows exhaust gases to flow out from the turbo at a greater speed. The ability to move more exhaust gases, and do so faster allows the turbo to spin more quickly, decreasing turbo lag (the time it takes the turbo to spool up). You can expect an aftermarket downpipe to net you between 15-20 max horsepower and torque (without a tune), in addition to the increased responsiveness of the turbo. Aftermarket downpipes can also aid in reducing the temperature of your engine compartment, allowing cooler and thus denser air to enter the engine. Cooler air going into the engine equates to better combustion.* The design is smooth and offers a nice grip, and the aluminum alloy ring can be customized in 14 different colors or switched to forged carbon with a unique marble like texture.
Made out of a high-grade carbon fiber that can withstand high temperatures. The inserts come standard in silver. However, the inserts can be customized in other colors like gold and black. Fi EXHAUST logo engraving is available in many color variations like red and black, gold or black to match with the insert color.
Do downpipes add horsepower?
Conclusion. Upgraded downpipes provide great increases in horsepower and torque on turbocharged vehicles by allowing exhaust gasses to flow easier as they leave the turbo. Paired with the appropriate software, a downpipe can provide significant gains and make a vehicle more fun and engaging to drive.
* Each remote control button can be assigned with 1 function to open/close the valves or activate Auto Mode delivering more precision in the hands of the driver.
After electroplating and double polishing process a shiny and glossy color surface is achieved on diamond black tips. Each tip is engraved with Fi EXHAUST logo.
All part numbers, SKUs, product titles, descriptions, vehicle fitment, images, guides, installation instructions, symbols or videos are used by USP Motorsports for identification purposes only. USP Motorsports is not affiliated, partnered or associated with any of the vehicle manufacturers listed or displayed on this site.This is a Race-only product. An electronically signed Race-only Product Acknowledgement Agreement is required prior to shipping out. The use or installation of this product outside of the intended closed circuit racing purpose may be illegal under the Federal Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. § 7522(A)(3)). Instructions for the waiver will follow after checkout.Subscribe to the free HG-Motorsport newsletter and ensure that you will no longer miss any of our news. Would you like to unsubscribe? Then enter your e-mail address in the field again:
The biggest potential issue with upgrading any part of your vehicle’s exhaust system is failing emissions tests. This issue is particularly pertinent to upgraded downpipes, as they change or eliminate the catalytic converters. When upgrading to a performance downpipe, you take the risk of your vehicle failing emissions testing.
The best and most effective solution is with proper tuning. A software upgrade will change the parameters the ECU is looking for at the post-cat oxygen sensor, preventing a check engine light from coming on.
The most obvious disadvantage is the environmental impact of unrestricted exhaust flow. With a cat-less downpipe, it is highly unlikely that a car will pass emissions testing even in states with lenient rules.
A catted downpipe provides a significantly higher rate of flow over stock hardware, but retains catalytic converters, better protecting the environment and increasing the chances of passing yearly emissions tests.
Downpipes are sections of tubing that connect the exhaust side of a turbocharger with the start of the vehicle’s exhaust system, allowing spent exhaust gas to exit the engine. Downpipes also contain catalytic converters, reducing the emission of harmful gasses during operation. With its position immediately after the turbo, the efficiency of a downpipe directly impacts turbo spool and performance.This package is viewed as “stage 2” on the upgrade paths of many Volkswagen/Audi vehicles. While BMW, Mercedes, and other brands follow different upgrade paths, a downpipe and accompanying software provides significant power increases for all turbocharged vehicles.
Upgraded downpipes come in two forms: High-flow catted and cat-less. The only difference between them is the inclusion or exclusion of a catalytic converter.
Larger diameter piping and less restrictive catalytic converters not only allow more air to flow, but it also allows more sound to flow as well. While not nearly as loud as an exhaust system, a performance downpipe will provide more engine noise while driving, adding to the overall experience.Alex’s Autohaus offers all customers the Bosch and Tech-Net Peace of Mind Nationwide Warranty. The 36 month/36,000 mile warranty is honored at over 10,000 service centers across the country. Our 36,000 mile warranty is the best in the business!
On most applications, the stock downpipe flows efficiently enough to handle a Stage 1 software upgrade and basic bolt-on hardware like an intake system. Anything beyond this, the key to unlocking significantly more power begins with uncorking the exhaust system, starting with replacing the restrictive stock downpipe with a higher flowing aftermarket one.
Typically, the first step in improving a vehicle’s performance is an ECU tune. This software upgraded provides significant gains in horsepower and torque on an otherwise completely stock car. After this, the most bang for the buck upgrade on turbocharged vehicles is a high-flow downpipe paired with a stage 2 software reflash. This is highly dependent on the vehicle and positioning of the downpipe, but in some instances, the area where the downpipe meets the turbo can be seen when the hood is up. Depending on the brand of the downpipe, the polished metal will stand out, adding to the overall appearance of your engine bay. A higher flowing downpipe will need upgraded software to take full advantage of the higher flow rates. Without a tune, an upgraded downpipe provides modest gains that are not worth the price. With software, up to 100 horsepower and torque over stock can be seen on smaller engines like the 2.0T EA888. Larger engines like the 4.0T EA824 can see up to 150 horsepower and over 230 pounds of torque over stock. These numbers depend on fuel grade and other modifications/variables.
Why do downpipes provide such significant gains? What makes them such a potent upgrade when compared to other hardware components like cat-back exhausts and intake systems? Read on to find out!
The biggest advantage of a cat-less downpipe is unrestricted exhaust flow. With no cat, the downpipe is a straight tube allowing exhaust gasses to exit the turbo at the highest possible rate.
Will a down pipe damage my GTI?
Downpipe does not damage engine.
A vehicle’s ECU is looking for very specific emissions numbers at the post-catalytic converter oxygen sensor. An upgraded downpipe, regardless of whether it has cats or not, will skew these numbers. This can cause the vehicle to throw a check engine light for catalytic converter efficiency. The check engine light can be combatted in several ways.
Upgraded downpipes provide great increases in horsepower and torque on turbocharged vehicles by allowing exhaust gasses to flow easier as they leave the turbo. Paired with the appropriate software, a downpipe can provide significant gains and make a vehicle more fun and engaging to drive. Keeping the potential downsides in mind, upgrading to a higher flowing downpipe is a great option for those who want more out of their car without moving into Stage 3/upgraded turbo territory.
