D Spin

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/80151/exhaust2.jpg"></center><p>Hi there, last night I was driving home and heard a loud bang. When I pulled over to see what happened I found that the exhaust pipe/cat had completely separated from the turbo flange. I drive a 97 A41.8tQ. I'm trying to decide what I should do now. I checked with the dealer and was told I'd be looking at $1500.00 to replace the catalytic converter. I also talked with concept1, they can't get just the cat for my car so I'd be looking at a whole new turbo back APR exhaust which would be about $1300.00 installed. I went to my local muffler shop and they weren't sure that there was anyhting they could do for me.
Anyone have any other ideas? Anyone know where I can get an aftermarket Cat in Calgary? Also can anyone reccomend a good custom exhaust shop?
Thanks, I'd really appreciate any help!

Hugh B

I assume you need a new Cat or get it fixed and want a new exhaust system? Right?
Is it possible to go to a wreckers and get a used cat?
I see you've asked on the B5 forum for ideas.
No idea on a custom exhaust shop nor welder.


Hugh

D Spin

checking the wreckers is a good idea, I'll have to see if I can track down a used one. I actually found a high flow cat online for around $500.00 usd, so I may go that route. Everyone on the forum seems to be big on the test pipe but I've been told by a few different mechanics that it's not a good idea, it's definately the cheapest option though.

Hugh B

A test pipe from ecode tuning @ $249 US
Just a thought.

Hugh<ul><li><a href="http://www.ecodetuning.com/shop/cart.php?m=product_detail&amp;p=370&amp;c=18">http ://www.ecodetuning.com/shop/cart.php?m=product_detail&amp;p=370&amp;c=18</a</li></ul>

D Spin

Thanks Hugh, I'll have too look into that, I'm thinking that a test pipe will be the way to go.

Hugh B

no idea how good they are but they have an Ad in the Spring ACNA magazine.
Maybe worth checking with them.
Hugh<ul><li><a href="http://www.4usedaudiparts.com/">http://www.4usedaudiparts.com/</a</li></ul>

D Spin

I spent a few hours removing the cat and down pipe today. I was able to get the cat/down pipe unbolted but couldn't figure out how to get it completely off of the car. I was however able to get enough space to hammer the flange back onto the cat. My original plan was to take the cat completely off and then take it to a machine shop and have them re weld it inside and out. Instead I just bolted everything back together and took it down to Muffler Medic and had them weld the small section that could be reached on the top. It ended up being about a 1" weld, so hopefully it will be enough to hold it together until I find a replacement cat. I had them check for leaks and they only found one small pinhole leak, it took a lot of pounding to get the flange back on so it seems like it should hold.

Hugh B

Good. Haven't seen you around. Back in RD or Canmore?

D Spin

Just got back to Canmore a few days ago, was soaking up some sun in Florida!