Slipmatwax

I just purchased a 2000 S4. When I got it, the exhaust was leaking from the cat-back connections so I got a local muffler shop to re-align everything and fix the leaks. He told me that the cats were blown out and handed me them.

I called a local Audi service tech and he quoted me $1300 for EACH for the downpipes and new cats. I thought this was outrageous.

I went on Ebay to have a look and I found XS Power has S4 B5 2.7L V6 200 CELL TURBO DOWNPIPES for less than $700 for both with shipping. Are these any good? Are they legal in BC? Do they fit up OK? Why are they so inexpensive - are Audi original parts that expensive?

mikeh

Is there a reason you want cats back on? Check out VAST Performance V A S T Performance and their exhaust set up.

rodman71

Yeah, one of my cats is blown, but it is not getting replaced. My mechanic said not to bother, that it was a waste of money to replace them. When my exhaust gets done they will be removed forever.

Slipmatwax

I am concerned that the oxygen sensors up-stream and downstream of the cats would screw up my fuel mixture and affect my fuel consumption.

mikeh

I am planning on getting new downpipes without cats. I will have to modify the oxygen sensor with specific spacers so that they will read the flow properly.

This can and has been done to your model by many members.

Slipmatwax

I assume they can also reset the check engine light, as this is also "on"

mikeh

Yes, call Prince at VAST and he will run you through it.

S4ormula4fun

Agreed, Prince will sort you out.

I got the Piggie Pipes from Prince. Kinda tricky to install with the engine in but that goes for anything on the B5 up in there near the turbos.

Piggies are similar to stock downpipes but have the pre cats "hogged out". Where are you located... Do you have Air Care?

Slipmatwax

i'm in Mission, BC - 1=1/2 hrs from town. Yes we have air care. I bought the car through a used car dealer in Vancouver a little over a month ogo. They advertised the car as local with all records,up-to-date maintenance and one owner etc. I have yet to see the maintenance records, although I have repeatedly asked them. I didn't even get a 2nd key or a manual. I guess I should have made them a condition of sale - oh well.

I feel like I am at the mercy of the gods at this point. The car runs and looks fantastic - but I wonder what else is lurking since I don't have any history. The car has been looked after on the outside with after market cat backs and intake. It was chipped but the owner (apparently) took it out prior to selling it (probably the used car dealer). Suspension has also been modified with coil-overs and lowered 1/2". It has been bottomed out which resulted in the exhaust leak at the cat back joints. There's also a bit of an oil drip which needs attention.

I appreciate your feedback

S4ormula4fun

I don't know if you will pass air care with Piggie pipes. I am guessing you'll be fine but I can't say for sure.

Do you know of Biltzkrieg? not the battle strike tactic but the shop in Van??

Blitzkrieg Autowerks |

I have heard good things and they seem to know S4's.

B5 S4's can be expencive little projects but once the bugs are sorted out you have yourself one hell of a car.

The fact you have the Tip Tronic might be a good thing as I just spent big bucks rebuilding my manual at less than 120K

Oh yeah, on that note I believe Piggie pipes are different with the different tran's so be sure to mention yours is a tip.

Blitzkrieg can also re-flash your ECU as well or "chip" it for you. It'll really wake it up!

Good luck and keep us posted.

Cam