New Cat Convertor on A3 3.2...options?

Youstolemyname · 15 Sep 2012 at 13:27

Just took my A3 3.2 in to the local indy for some diagnosis on an annoying rattle. Exhaust gives out a metallic rattle sound at certain low revs and on idle.

He reckons its the cat that needs replacing as it's starting to come loose inside. Says can't get an aftermarket part and it's gonna be circa £1200 for a replacement including labour from :eek:

Could really do without shelling that out at the moment as we are in the middle of moving house. Indy reckons its not a problem though as emissions are fine. Are there any other alternatives or sites I can get an aftermarket cat from?

Ta for any advice

[TW]Fox · 15 Sep 2012 at 13:30

Interestingly Eurocarparts don't list a Cat for the 3.2 which would support the theory that there isn't an aftermarket one..

Youstolemyname · 15 Sep 2012 at 13:32

I've googled about and drawn the same blank as you Fox, very annoying timing of it. Got the local audi specialist on the case though now, calling back Monday.

Suppose I could de-cat and fit something else perhaps? Is that even an option...

[TW]Fox · 15 Sep 2012 at 13:33

It'll fail it's MOT with no cat.

Youstolemyname · 15 Sep 2012 at 13:36

And none on the miltek exhausts include a cat....

Grr, just going to have to never open windows as it can't be heard in the cabin.

Syla5 · 15 Sep 2012 at 14:02

Look for a second hand exhaust/cat from a breakers?

Zack101 · 15 Sep 2012 at 14:22

Another option - take it off and empty out the loose bits.

s0ck · 15 Sep 2012 at 15:40

Check to see what the other VW lumps are using?
R32 / A4 3.2 and maybe R36?

Matt82 · 15 Sep 2012 at 15:43

How certain are you its a cat? They are metal honeycomb inside, you'd need something catastrophic to happen to break it apart.

What codes is it getting?

Youstolemyname · 15 Sep 2012 at 15:44

not getting any error codes or warning lights on the dash and am just taking the word of the garage that it's the cat...

Simon · 15 Sep 2012 at 15:45

Decat and fit ratty one for MOT

jon.bda · 15 Sep 2012 at 16:04

Knock all the insides out and find somewhere sympathetic for the mot...

Will · 15 Sep 2012 at 16:14

Is be tempted to speak to a few exhaust specialists who male custom systems and see what they can do, someone like hayward & scott could surely knock something suitable up with a cat included for less than £1200, if you must have one, but a custom decat pipe should be cheaply made up as well.

Simon · 15 Sep 2012 at 16:35

Looking around it would seem the TT cat is the same

Part 1J1 131 701 JX

Youstolemyname · 15 Sep 2012 at 16:44

looking circa £700 plus labour then. Meh.

Anyone want to buy an A3 with a custom exhaust noise?

OpenToSuggestions · 15 Sep 2012 at 17:23

Simon said:
Decat and fit ratty one for MOT

My thoughts exactly, provided the current one still does the job OK.

A price £700 for a cat is just taking the ****.

g60dubster · 15 Sep 2012 at 17:24

My R32 has milltek downpipes & sports cats but they only connect to a milltek system as they're 2.5" diameter pipes. They cost about £800 for the pair so £1200 is taking the pee for standard items.

Someone like PipeWerx could fit a new cat or make whatever you need for a lot less than the milly's or genuine audi parts

Also check which cat it is that's the problem as there's one for each bank....

233 · 15 Sep 2012 at 17:36

Old man has an a3 3.2 and had the same problem albeit burst flexis was the issue ended up that dj sport offer an replacement manifold and cats option for circa £600 email in trust if you want more info on it. Alternatively try somewhere like edition38 for a secondhand OEM part

Gixer · 15 Sep 2012 at 17:52

Simon said:
Decat and fit ratty one for MOT

This! it is what I'd do

Westyfield2 · 15 Sep 2012 at 18:47

Unless it's got a post-Cat Lambda that would throw up an error light, I'd just decat it and go to a friendly garage for the MOT.

Is there not a Milltek sports Cat for the Golf R32 that would fit?