Aftermarket Catalytic Converters

[robonjoi]

Hello everyone, I am the proud owner of a 2001 A4 1.8T Quattro with 1730000 km on it, purchased just 10 days ago. My first Audi. It is in fantastic shape and was meticulously maintained with the dealer stamps to prove it. Before finalizing the purchase, I brought the car to a trusted mechanic with lots of Audi experience. The car passed inspection with flying colors other than replacing the coils (getting my money back from Audi though!) and spark plugs. 2 days later (having purchased the car) I am on the highway and the CEL comes on. My mechanic reads the code for the Cat converter. He reset it for me but the light came back on a couple of days later. He called Audi for a price on an OEM Cat and was quoted $910(!), plus I know it's wise to replace the rear O2 sensor and the Air Mass Flow Sensor at the same time so I'm looking at probably close to a $1300 job. My long-winded question is: what are your thoughts on aftermarket Cats? Not the Universal ones but Cats made to fit my model. I've found brands like Bosal, Eastern, Magnaflow and DEC make them and prices range between $200 and $500. Are they reliable? Do they do the job i.e. control emissions and keep the CEL off? I would put OEM sensors in with the A.M. Cat, would they play well together? I know the OEM's have platinum in them which makes them expensive, is that the issue? Does it NEED the platinum? I'll pay the $1300 if i have to because I don't want trouble down the road but if I can pay substantially less with the same result, well... I would appreciate ANY insight you might have! Rob I love my Audi, I just have trouble with the dealers...

[GeneKam]

dont go oem, look at 96 audi parting out thread, its under audi parts for sale, he is selling cat for 150 a peace brand new! you will need two, and do it that way! Im getting parts oh him as well

[robonjoi]

Thanks for info!
However, I have 1.8T engine. Don't I only need one Cat?

Rob

[GeneKam]

That im not sure about, the cats he has are universal so they will fit 1.8T,so google it and see if you need two, in my ride i only saw one when i got it lifted, do check just in case.

[robonjoi]

I don't want a Universal fit cat. I hear their quality is iffy.
I also know that the 1.8T cat is different from the 2.8 Cats.
I really want to avoid a lot of welding and customizing.
Thanks for your help though!

Rob

[robonjoi]

Anyone else have any insight on this?

[A4A4A4]

First of all, your 1.8T only has one cat. Secondly, as far as aftermarket cats go, I'd recommend the 034 High Flow Cat. You won't have to modify it in any way as it is a direct bolt on made specifically for the 1.8T. You'll add about 30 hp and 25 lb-ft torque. Emissions is still very controlled with it so you shouldn't run into any problems there. The only downside is that it will probably throw a CEL when installed. Now, there's two ways to get rid of that. One, upgrade to a stage two tune, or two, get an oxygen sensor spacer, both are very easy an pretty inexpensive.

Here's the link for the 034 HFC (remember to also purchase the gaskets and hardware):

Never mind, apparently I can't post links. Just go to 034motorsport.com, click 1.8T, and scroll down until you see the 034 High Flow Catalytic Converter.

If you want any more reassurance on the 034 HFC, there's quite a few threads on audizine.com were people are generally very satisfied with them.

Hope this helps.

[kbonarek]

034 Makes some pretty sweet stuff. I wouldn't be worried about the quality.

On a side note, I'm running 2 aftermarket hi-flow magnaflow cats on my S4 with relocated O2 sensors. Havn't had a problem with them as far as CEL's go.

[robonjoi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kbonarek

034 Makes some pretty sweet stuff. I wouldn't be worried about the quality.

On a side note, I'm running 2 aftermarket hi-flow magnaflow cats on my S4 with relocated O2 sensors. Havn't had a problem with them as far as CEL's go.

Thanks guys!
By the way Kbonarek, I'm from Montreal as well. Where did you have your cat installed?
I'm looking for a good garage that knows how to deal with Audi's and after market parts.

Thanks!

[kbonarek]

Actually I welded it up myself. But I know of Strasse, VAG tuning and you shuold check out MontrealRacing.com. There's plenty of vendors and shops on there.