BringerOdeath
Ready to race!
I swapped the ECS downpipe on last night. Since this is my second time putting a downpipe on and I now have access to a lift it took me less than 30 minutes to get the downpipe off the car :thumbup: (also, ratcheting wrenches are suuuuuuuch a luxury).
I swapped the OEM catback in for the Magnaflow so I can take some time and restore it. the 409 stainless is pretty rusty so I'll wire wheel it all down and give it a nice coat of hi-temp paint. The car sure is whisper-quiet without an aftermarket catback on. I actually kind of like it.
First, some pics of the old and new downpipes. The build quality of the ECS downpipe really impressed me and I like that it's 304 stainless so I should never have the issue of downpipe rusting apart again:
Took the Magnaflow catback off and had a hell of a time separating the pieces. Required a torch, lots of PB blaster, and a couple hammers/mallets.
My garage walls are looking quite bare...I need to find some VW/Euro performance brand banners and art to put up.
Had a local exhaust shop that specializes in custom VW exhaust cut the 2.5" reducer off the catback and weld on a section of 3" stainless. Check em out, they're called S&R Customs and do some crazy looking pie cut exhausts. I'll cut the 3" extension to length once I'm done refurbing and test fit the catback to the downpipe.
The beginning of the refurb...before and after wire wheel. All parts will also get a light sand blast before paint.
Man! All this work you have been doing, outside of the cracked wheel, is awesome! Nice to see you picked up some of those passat control arms. You will have to use passat ball joint on those I believe, I don't remember if the gti ones were too close to the control arm. I have a TT/passat subframe sitiint around I am thinking of swapping in since it's a one piece subframe vs the 3 piece one that is stock on our cars. I will have to use the non offset TT subframe bushing bracket to do so.
Also, if you are still wanting that reverse dip, I can sell you just the door module and mirror motor with the cable.