I read many reviews of downpipes, expensive and affordable, and the consensus was "a pipe is a pipe, as long as they use good material, it should work fine and last long" and noticed that no one had any reviews on affordable or ebay purchased catted mk7 downpipes. When searching, Depo Racing's offering seemed like a well built product and wouldnt require welding to prevent leaks (has high quality v-band clamp), like I've read some ebay downpipes require. So I sprung the $329.99 for it, as my first modification.
3 month follow up:
No issues at all with the downpipe, I am very happy with my purchase. Still sounds great at start up when cold and no leaks or cracks on metal at all.
Only issue I had was with the factory nut on the top V-band clamp (which attaches to DP inlet to the Turbo). The nut kept vibrating loose. So I put some Loctite Threadlocker "Blue 242" on it and all is well.
3 Year follow up:
All is well, have not had any issues with it, and my CEL is gone now, because I switched to a COBB Accessport with EQT stage 2 tune. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS!
Recommendations:
1. Loctite threadlock the top vband clamp nut with Blue 242
2. After removing the stock DP, attach the inlet of the new DP to the turbo first before trying to attach the hangers down below the car (because it requires a little force to get things to line up).
3. Get a 90 degree o2 spacer and align it facing towards the rear of the car. based on thread https://www.golfmk7.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35051 Most recommend the 42DD http://www.42draftdesigns.com/o2-sensor-spacer/ but some have luck with https://www.amazon.com/Vibrant-11619-J-Style-Restrictor-Adjustable/dp/B00AQ7972O which comes with 3 different sized inserts.
Locations to purchase:
http://www.deporacing.us/product-category/VW/
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2015-2018-...=item1eebb6d9ec:g:lcsAAOSwS~FbsqH6:rk:10:pf:0
PROs:
CONs:
Sound: stock downpipe
https://photos.app.goo.gl/vH4AkUbyEi4MHK3M8
Sound: Depo Racing 100 cell catted downpipe
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ypGScvJ6eK1uefuw6
Unboxing
Stock to Depo Racing side by side comparison
Weld quality
Inside of cat
Weight comparison
Me (187.2 lbs) holding Depo Racing Downpipe
Me (187.2 lbs) holding stock downpipe
Feel free to ask any questions
3 month follow up:
No issues at all with the downpipe, I am very happy with my purchase. Still sounds great at start up when cold and no leaks or cracks on metal at all.
Only issue I had was with the factory nut on the top V-band clamp (which attaches to DP inlet to the Turbo). The nut kept vibrating loose. So I put some Loctite Threadlocker "Blue 242" on it and all is well.
3 Year follow up:
All is well, have not had any issues with it, and my CEL is gone now, because I switched to a COBB Accessport with EQT stage 2 tune. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS!
Recommendations:
1. Loctite threadlock the top vband clamp nut with Blue 242
2. After removing the stock DP, attach the inlet of the new DP to the turbo first before trying to attach the hangers down below the car (because it requires a little force to get things to line up).
3. Get a 90 degree o2 spacer and align it facing towards the rear of the car. based on thread https://www.golfmk7.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35051 Most recommend the 42DD http://www.42draftdesigns.com/o2-sensor-spacer/ but some have luck with https://www.amazon.com/Vibrant-11619-J-Style-Restrictor-Adjustable/dp/B00AQ7972O which comes with 3 different sized inserts.
Locations to purchase:
http://www.deporacing.us/product-category/VW/
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2015-2018-...=item1eebb6d9ec:g:lcsAAOSwS~FbsqH6:rk:10:pf:0
PROs:
- Increased performance (went from 14.59 1/4 mile down to 14.01)
- Affordable! half the price of the average catted downpipe
- Seems to be well built compared to other bargain downpipes
- Perfect fit, No welding required to prevent leaks, or bending of hangers (like other 2 piece ebay DP's)
- Has a catalytic converter to avoid unpleasant exhaust smell
- 100 cell metal substrate cat which is the least restrictive / best flowing option (from what I briefly researched)
- high quality V-band clamp included (12 mm nut to match other bolts on exhaust)
- does not require a o2 sensor extension to reattach sensor
- Great sound all around, no drone at cruising speeds
- 8.2 lb weight savings
- 1.7 Highway MPG increase? (this could also be from my tires being incorrectly at 32 psi instead of 37, which I noticed after the install)
CONs:
- No dyno proven performance from seller
- Will throw a Check Engine Light CEL
- Stronger than factory exhaust smell, when standing behind the car during cold starts. However, while in the car you cannot smell it at all.
- Louder than stock? (This is expected when you remove restrictions from a car's exhaust. I love the sound, I believe it sounds like the GTI should have from the factory)
Sound: stock downpipe
https://photos.app.goo.gl/vH4AkUbyEi4MHK3M8
Sound: Depo Racing 100 cell catted downpipe
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ypGScvJ6eK1uefuw6
Unboxing
Stock to Depo Racing side by side comparison
Weld quality
Inside of cat
Weight comparison
Me (187.2 lbs) holding Depo Racing Downpipe
Me (187.2 lbs) holding stock downpipe
Feel free to ask any questions
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