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Author Topic: Pre Cat - How to tell?  (Read 1341 times)

Offline Cadders96

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Pre Cat - How to tell?
« on: January 13, 2017, 09:20:22 am »
Is there a way of proving the pre cat is removed without taking the downpipe off? If not does anyone know the part numbers for the Gasket and Bolts/Nuts if i do need to take it off I'll replace these parts (also where can i get these parts cheap?) Thanks

VW Golf GTI Mk5 3 door
18" Monzas
Tinted Windows
Powervalve WRC Sports Cat-Back Exhaust with Decat Downpie 3" (Ebay Special)
Climair Wind Deflectors
HID Foglights
GFB DV+
Pre-Cat Delete

Offline pudding

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Re: Pre Cat - How to tell?
« Reply #1 on: January 13, 2017, 09:30:47 am »
The secondary lambda would throw a CEL if it wasn't happy with the fumes.  Other than that, you can hear slightly more turbine whistle and turbulence noise under load.  I doubt a dealer would notice that though!

You can reuse the gasket and nuts mate. I have a few times with no leaks.  But if you want to change them:

Gasket - 1K0 253 115 K
Nuts - N 102 861 08


2007 ED30 | 2009 TDI 140 | 2016 BMW 330D

Offline slix

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Re: Pre Cat - How to tell?
« Reply #2 on: January 13, 2017, 05:35:57 pm »
Best to have a look really as the sound difference will be minute. And as said you can re use the bolts and gasket but best to use a new gasket if it's the original one.
Stage "1.5" ED30 [330BHP] Rtech


Offline nz_gti

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Re: Pre Cat - How to tell?
« Reply #3 on: January 13, 2017, 10:09:11 pm »
How easy is it to do? Just wondering if it was something i could do with minimal tools and experience or would I be better to take it to a garage or muffler specialist?

Offline slix

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Re: Pre Cat - How to tell?
« Reply #4 on: January 13, 2017, 10:19:49 pm »
How easy is it to do? Just wondering if it was something i could do with minimal tools and experience or would I be better to take it to a garage or muffler specialist?

Not too hard if you could maybe get the car on axle stands at the front. Just sockets etc. Might be a bit fiddly but got mine off in about 5 mins.

Pre cat is right next to the opening (turbo) so will be able to tell straight away.
Stage "1.5" ED30 [330BHP] Rtech


Offline The Red Warrior

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Re: Pre Cat - How to tell?
« Reply #5 on: January 13, 2017, 10:21:02 pm »
How easy is it to do? Just wondering if it was something i could do with minimal tools and experience or would I be better to take it to a garage or muffler specialist?

Not what I would call 'easy'.

This video on changing your downpipe is the one I used when putting in my catless downpipe.

Even though you're not doing that it will give you plenty of guidance on what your thinking of doing.

Just make sure you do it when there is somewhere nearby that has the studs and nuts in stock in case one rounds off or breaks and needs replacing.

You've already got a custom catback exhaust haven't you?

Offline nz_gti

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Re: Pre Cat - How to tell?
« Reply #6 on: January 14, 2017, 07:57:48 pm »
Cheers for the info , yep custom exhaust with 4 pipes but the downpipe is stock.  So not really sure if the pre cat is still there or not.