So before you roll your eyes about yet another Downpipe thread I want to preface this with the fact that I have read through previous posts here and other forums ad nauseum. I’ve also thoroughly looked over the manufacturers websites to get information. Some of you reading this (you know who you are) I have read literally hundreds of your posts, and they have been extremely helpful in guiding me (if GTI Jake would just make a Mk7 R DP there would be no need for this thread but here we are).
Right now I have a Borla Catback installed on my 2017 Mk7 R. I plan on purchasing and installing a DP in the next few months and I have narrowed it down to a handful of options.
Those options are IE, Trackslag, Cobb, HPA and MAP. All of these options are within a couple hundred bucks so cost is not a super important variable right now.
My biggest concerns are limiting exhaust smell, passing VA emissions and not being insanely loud.
First the noise. The COBB appears to come resonated and with the MAP there is the option to select one. I would assume the included resonator would reduce total exhaust noise. That said I have read lots of posts about people reporting the Trackslag and IE were quitter than expected. Would I be accurate in believing the resonated COBB and MAP would be the quietist followed by the IE and Trackslag and then the HPA? I still have the stock catback so if it’s unbearable I can look into putting that back on but I would prefer to find the sweet spot with DP and Catback. I should also mention my tolerance for noise is higher than most, but I still don’t want it to be obnoxious.
One difference is the location of the CAT. The IE is closest to the turbo which they state reduces exhaust smell. The MAP, COBB and HPA it seems to be a little lower and the Trackslag looks like it’s the furthest which I believe encourages faster spool. Is exhaust smell going to be noticeably more with something where the cat is further even if it is catted? Are there other significant differences based on CAT location?
I am aware the CEL light is different for different cars and different set ups and I’m ok with playing with spacers if need be. I will be stage 2 after the DP install. The Cobb and the MAP show it is a GESI Cat (I think both 200 Cell), the Trackslag Says it is an EU6 Oversized 200 Cell Catalyst, the IE states High flow 200 cell (GESI not listed specifically) HPA says 300 Cell High flow Cat. Is there any reason to believe the difference in CAT’s would have any significant change in smell or emissions?
So these are my questions. Again, I apologize for bringing something up that has been addressed but I really have spent hours reading through old posts and I am looking for advice from those more experienced than I.
I know there are some other factors as well like the Trackslag has a 4” diameter and the others are 3”. Also, I know the 02 sensors are in different locations.
if you made it all the way though this post thank you for your time and consideration.
If anyone cares here are the links to the DP’s I mentioned.
IE https://performancebyie.com/collections/exhaust-systems/products/ie-downpipe-20t-tsi-mk7-awd
Cobb https://www.cobbtuning.com/products...3-downpipe-mk7-mk7-5-golf-r-8v-s3-a3-quattro/
HPA https://www.hpamotorsports.com/coll.../mqb-awd-2-0t-downpipe?variant=36338829066394
Map https://www.maperformance.com/produ...le-fitments-vwmk7r-dpc?variant=39406500511814
Trackslag https://www.trackslag.com/index.php...ons-connection_to_most_3_aftermarket_exhausts
Right now I have a Borla Catback installed on my 2017 Mk7 R. I plan on purchasing and installing a DP in the next few months and I have narrowed it down to a handful of options.
Those options are IE, Trackslag, Cobb, HPA and MAP. All of these options are within a couple hundred bucks so cost is not a super important variable right now.
My biggest concerns are limiting exhaust smell, passing VA emissions and not being insanely loud.
First the noise. The COBB appears to come resonated and with the MAP there is the option to select one. I would assume the included resonator would reduce total exhaust noise. That said I have read lots of posts about people reporting the Trackslag and IE were quitter than expected. Would I be accurate in believing the resonated COBB and MAP would be the quietist followed by the IE and Trackslag and then the HPA? I still have the stock catback so if it’s unbearable I can look into putting that back on but I would prefer to find the sweet spot with DP and Catback. I should also mention my tolerance for noise is higher than most, but I still don’t want it to be obnoxious.
One difference is the location of the CAT. The IE is closest to the turbo which they state reduces exhaust smell. The MAP, COBB and HPA it seems to be a little lower and the Trackslag looks like it’s the furthest which I believe encourages faster spool. Is exhaust smell going to be noticeably more with something where the cat is further even if it is catted? Are there other significant differences based on CAT location?
I am aware the CEL light is different for different cars and different set ups and I’m ok with playing with spacers if need be. I will be stage 2 after the DP install. The Cobb and the MAP show it is a GESI Cat (I think both 200 Cell), the Trackslag Says it is an EU6 Oversized 200 Cell Catalyst, the IE states High flow 200 cell (GESI not listed specifically) HPA says 300 Cell High flow Cat. Is there any reason to believe the difference in CAT’s would have any significant change in smell or emissions?
So these are my questions. Again, I apologize for bringing something up that has been addressed but I really have spent hours reading through old posts and I am looking for advice from those more experienced than I.
I know there are some other factors as well like the Trackslag has a 4” diameter and the others are 3”. Also, I know the 02 sensors are in different locations.
if you made it all the way though this post thank you for your time and consideration.
If anyone cares here are the links to the DP’s I mentioned.
IE https://performancebyie.com/collections/exhaust-systems/products/ie-downpipe-20t-tsi-mk7-awd
Cobb https://www.cobbtuning.com/products...3-downpipe-mk7-mk7-5-golf-r-8v-s3-a3-quattro/
HPA https://www.hpamotorsports.com/coll.../mqb-awd-2-0t-downpipe?variant=36338829066394
Map https://www.maperformance.com/produ...le-fitments-vwmk7r-dpc?variant=39406500511814
Trackslag https://www.trackslag.com/index.php...ons-connection_to_most_3_aftermarket_exhausts