Originally Posted by rs4-380

there is enough contortion involved to just reach the bolts let alone take a picture while doing it.

As stated the top bolt can be reached from the top of the engine, if it is the driver side move the coolant tank out of the way for more room, if the passenger side move the air intake tubing. The other two bolts can be removed through the wheel well after removing the wheel on the appropriate side.

I know you want pictures but there is not any specific way to do this. There are 3 bolts, you should be able to see them from underneath the car, through the wheel well and underneath the car, however you can contort yourself to get them off is the 'correct' way to do it.

It is NOT easy to get the downpipe out. Yes it is only 3 bolts but it takes a certain amount of tolerance and ingenuity to maneuver everything to get it out (and back in). This is nowhere near as complicated as a timing belt change but if you aren't comfortable doing that you may want to find someone else to either do this job for you or give you a hand.

Originally Posted by flyboymd

Anybody have advice on the best replacement direct fit cats? Multiple manufacturers on the web from Davico, Bosal, Eastern, Magnaflow, etc. WOuld like to keep price down ($200 or so apiece), but also want to avoid problems with persistent VAG codes and difficulty installing. Please rate your experience with any brands you have tried, and I will post my experiences once I move ahead with this replacement.

Originally Posted by GTA_Driver

Unless you buy the entire downpipe, you have to cut and weld.