mini chifa <frustratedmaster.TakeThisOut@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Hi all,
> I have a 91 golf gl 8v. The exhuast has at least one leak, a shot
> muffler, and annoying rattle that has finally gotten the better of me;
> so i'm replacing it this summer. I'm going to start ordering parts
> soon and I'd like to know if you guys had any tips or things I will
> find out I need half way through.
> I plan on replacing everything except the cat, manifold and on.
>
> I've been reading and it sounds like manifold cracking is a fairly
> common symptom for older cars (I just passed 170k).
> From what I've read, I should be on the lookout for an 8v dual pipe
> manifold? What year range will fit? Can I get this new/order from
> somewhere or do I need to spend some time in a junkyard?
The single outlet/toilet bowl manifold has a tendency to crack, the dual
manifold is pretty solid. All 8V A2 (85-92) dual outlet manifolds are
the same. The Corrado G60 (all years) is slightly different but is
completely interchangable. Gaskets are the same on all models.
The dual downpipe is the same on all the cars that have the dual manifold as
well as all 16V A2 (87-92) cars (not sure about the 16V Passats or
Sciroccos). The dual downpipe however features the flex coupler which tends
to have its own issues. If you go with the dual manifold you have to use
the dual downpipe.
The Corrado G60 downpipe is very similar to the naturally aspirated dual
downpipe, but the flange to the cat is different. I believe you should be
able to make it work, but you will need to make sure you get the gasket
for the Corrado G60. The Corrado flange is like a big slab of metal thats
welded in place. The gasket is similar to a standard exhaust manifold
gasket, whereas the NA version is like a floating coupler which uses a
metal doughnut. I suspect the Corrado version is a better design but
its a little harder to work with.
One other thing to be aware of. I'm not sure where the O2 sensor on your
car is located, but the dual downpipe/manifold do not have O2 sensor bungs.
The O2 sensor bung is located in the cat. If yours is in the manifold this
will present an issue for you. If yours is a 91, I'd suspect its in the cat,
but then I'd also suspect you already have the dual exhaust setup.
A rattling exhaust is usually just a sign that its misaligned. You can often
just go under the car and tweak a few things, replace the hangers, etc, and
the noise will be gone.
Speaking of hangers... There are two types, the regular ones, and the chain
style. The chain style are better (its a rubber coated chain), but they are
more expensive, harder to find, and significantly harder to install. But they
also don't break and have your exhaust fall off on you. Its something you
may want to think about before replacing the exhaust.
Another thing to think about is if you just want to buy a catback system like
a Techtonics or Eurosport, or something similar. Its cheap, decent quality,
and all the pipes and muffler are all set up for you, it just slips together.
>> Stay informed about: 91 Golf 8v exhaust replacement