my exhaust options?

my GTI went for MOT on saturday, its failed on manifold leaking exhaust gases.. to be honest i didn't even check the manifold when I bought it as i assumed it was standard, anyway its a 4-1 manifold which has seen better days.. so as i'd planned on getting shut of the supersprint centre section and back box anyway i'm now in a bit of a predicament..

do I..

A:  replace the whole system with standard and if i do how much would i be looking at?  :dontknow:

or

B: go for a full ss system and manifold and if i do what are the best manifolds to go for  :dontknow:

i'm not planning on doing any engine performance mods, i'm gonna run it standard.

i'm a bit stuck as what to do.. so any help appreciated.  :?

This is an opinion I would use a standard system in mild steel if you were using it everyday and a Stainless one if it's for ocasional use.

Reason is stainless does not rust, but work hardens quicker and tends to crack over time, so after daily use you may find it lasts no longer but costs more.

As far as the manifold and down pipe goes I'd stick with a standard set up. Unless the motor is seriously tuned there's very little advantage in a 4 branch manifold and they cause endless problems with cracking. Which is partially down to the heating and cooling cycles hardening the tubing - its worse on stainless but mild steel suffers as well - all made worse by the movement of the engine. If you stick with a tubular manifold fit HD engine mounts. As far as a system goes I'm totally with Robb.
Cheers
Barkstar

Stick with standard…

Centre and rear sections should cost no more than about ?50 from the likes of GSF.
Don't think they do the manifold though …

thanks guys.. engine isn't going to be tuned so all standard it is..

what about the manifold then guys are these available new still or am I going to have to give the Crazyquiff a shout!?

although have just come across this which would solve my problem, i'd just need a downpipe, centre section and back box then..

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/vw-Golf-Mk1-GTI-inlet-exhaust-manifold-JBS-port-p_W0QQitemZ4590118725QQcategoryZ9889QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

sell me your supersprint middle section when you do, does it have a center box? :mrgreen:

Another vote for going down the standard route here - get a quality replacement from the likes of GSF or EuroCP and you won't go far wrong.

I may be wrong, but having read up on this a while ago I seem to remember that quite a few people mentioned problems with non standard aftermarket systems due to the large amount of engine movement in the Mk1 when in use - might be wrong, but sure I read that somewhere.

The OE quality GSF systems are not pricey, and I though they even still did the downpipes too? The only other bit you might need is the manifold, but although these go rusty they seem to be tough as old boots on a standard system. I am sure you could get one from a scrapper or the likes of Rich (crazyquiff) and just clean it up.

Cheers,

Chris

What about this one mate, shouldnt be to far away from you

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4591771615&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

P.S. I am after the front panel :wink:

cheers guys.. i'm sorted, got a manifold, down pipe and back box from Mr Websnowbo [cheers fella ], so just need to get a centre section from GSF and i'm away