Need To Replace Catalytic Converter

[alecwoj]

I have an '06 A3 3.2L Quattro with 110,000 miles. There are holes in my catalytic converters and I need to replace them. The Audi/VW specialist I took the car too wants $1,200 for the OEM cat system from Audi. I have a relationship with an exhaust distributor and can get CatCo or Eastern Catalytic Converters for $510. Has anyone used either of these? My mechanic claims that aftermarket cat systems will not get rid of the CEL. This is all one piece, not like the Magnaflow system or other HFC systems. Thank you in advance!

Edit: Should add, I need to pass emissions by the end of the month.

[RoadRage]

You can get a full performance exhaust system for $1200.

Google says a universal cat is $100. So your exhaust distributor is raping you too.

[alecwoj]

I do not want a universal cat. It will not turn off the CEL. The 3.2L has a one piece cat system that comes from the two banks from the flanges to the flex joints to the cats to the resonator(s) then combines to one 2.5" pipe. Also those exhaust systems are cat BACK. They start from that 2.5" pipe. I already have a performance cat back exhaust system on.

[RoadRage]

Who's telling you the cel won't turn off? They're lying.

Buy this then LINK

[alecwoj]

Who's telling you the cel won't turn off? They're lying.

Buy this then LINK

I actually looked at that USP system. It does not have a resonator and I already have an issue with my frame resonating. Also found on forums, that USP system will not correct a CEL unless you remap your ECU. That info was given from a USP rep on a VWVortex forum, unless they updated it since its release in '13.

[Baggio]

I actually looked at that USP system. It does not have a resonator and I already have an issue with my frame resonating. Also found on forums, that USP system will not correct a CEL unless you remap your ECU. That info was given from a USP rep on a VWVortex forum, unless they updated it since its release in '13.

Then get a 02 spacer for your rear O2 sensor. They cost like $10-$20 on ebay.

[alecwoj]

Would a spacer for the rear 02 sensor work in any of these aftermarket Catalytic Converter systems?

[Baggio]

Would a spacer for the rear 02 sensor work in any of these aftermarket Catalytic Converter systems?

Yes, it is same threading and size of of your O2 sensor.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

[alecwoj]

Ordering the USP Motorsports system today. The increase in HP is worth the couple extra dollars over an OEM replacement system. Are there any 02 Spacers that work better than others? I have seen some 90* spacers. Are those better for this application or are those for catless systems?

[TCHUN003]

Definitely wouldn't pass in California, but I'm assuming Illinois isn't nearly as strict.

[alecwoj]

I have the USP HFC system installed and put spacers on the two O2s in the back. The CEL came back on after 20 miles.

[alecwoj]

Put in 45* angle spacers in and the car ran for just about 60 miles and then the CEL came back on. There was a rattle whenever I would press the gas pedal. Sounded as if the o2 was hitting against the floor boards. I was less than 2 miles from home and was going to go straight to emissions in the morning and then the CEL came back on.