mk5 r32 cat & Exhaust

[vw888]

Hi Guys,

I own a mk5 r32, my cat is blocked so im considering to replacing it. Problem is i have 2 cats so im wondering if anyone know if i will need to replace both of them or delete the secondary cat is a good solution?

On top of replacing the cat, i also want to buy a xforce catback system. Has anyone installed one their car and does it drone driving on highways etc? I drive a lot on motorways and droning wont be fun haha

Thanks guys

[Lucas_R]

Keep saving for a bit longer and get a Milltek. The Milltek is the go-to exhaust for the R32 that is not stupidly priced.

Milltek Sport | Cat-Back (Res) (VW Golf MK5 R32) - ModsDirect

Xforce are garbage honestly (I have owned several over the years), and the system they have for the R32 will be very loud as it only has 1x smallish muffler.

The damaged cats is pretty common on the R32 (and other V6/VR6 engines). Cheapest option would be to have them replaced by an exhaust shop with some good quality high flow cats (about $200-250 each + labour). You should be able to cut out the secondary cats.

Here is another option to fit the issue with the cats USP High Flow Catalytic Converters Downpipe For MK5 R32 and A3 3.2L - USP-32L-CAT1 - 75002889 - USP Motorsport

[vw888]

Hi Lucas. Thank you for your reply. Yeah I might opt for the cheaper option aye lol. I looked at some cats, what are your thoughts on the metallic cats?

I've read about other people has issues with the CEL after replacing to a high flow cat, will probably needs an ECU flash too

[Lucas_R]

The cheaper option will be ceramic cats, as they are the cheaper option in the ceramic vs metallic cats debate. Metallic are more durable and flow better and warm up more quickly, but this is likely to be overkill for an R32. Metallic cats are better able to cope with serious heat and abuse (eg a very powerful car / a car that is tuned for those ridiculous pops and bangs etc). Ceramic cats will melt in those types of situations. All normal road cars come fitted with ceramic cats from the factory.

If you fit high flow cats then you will probably get a check engine light, because they will flow more gas than the stock cats, the car will think something is wrong. You have 2x options:

1) Dont fit high flow performance cats, and instead fit a like-for-like cat which will have a very similar level of restriction as your factory cats.
2) Fit decent quality 02 sensor spacers which *should* mean that you do not get a check engine light.


Xforce BNG-08 O2 Sensor Extension with Mini Cat

90-Degree O2 Sensor Spacer – VW/Audi MQB | AutoInstruct