The popularity of 42's prototype 3" turbo-back exhaust systems certainly took them by surprise. After giving the prototype systems some time to prove themselves they went back to the drawing board. By far the most popular request they had was more options! Customers and current prototype owners wanted the option to swap out the high flow cat on race day. Others wanted the option to buy a quality 3" downpipe with the same modular design suited to their current cat-back exhaust. All suggestions were noted and they went to work. The first step in the re-release of their 3" turbo-backs is their 3" downpipe. Replacing the factory downpipe and catalytic converter is an important step when upgrading a 1.8T. The factory downpipe and cat is incredibly restrictive. Reducing backpressure at the turbo exit increases turbo response, horsepower and torque. It has been proven that downpipe upgrades provide healthy power increases on all 1.8T motors. 42 Draft Designs chose 3" for maximum gains. 2.5" downpipes are popular and often less expensive, but why not go all out?  42 Draft Designs 3" downpipe begins at the turbo with a CNC machined turbo flange and a smooth transition to 3" CNC mandrel bent piping. Their downpipe is bent in one piece to add strength and eliminate unnecessary welds. A stainless steel flex section is used to absorb engine movement. After the flex section a CNC machined flange allows a 3" high-flow cat or 3" test pipe to be installed. 42 uses Magnaflow catalytic converters for all of their downpipes. After the cat, a custom adaptor allows perfect bolt-on fitment to any aftermarket cat-back. They offer adaptors for stock sized exhausts, 2.5" and 3". The whole downpipe bolts together to ensure zero leaks and zero problems. They use triple layer graphite gaskets and grade 5 hardware for the best fit. The modular nature of their downpipe allows the user to change configurations at any time. For example, let's profile a typical customer. The vehicle is a 2005 GTI with stock exhaust. The customer purchases 42's street series downpipe with the stock adaptor. The next summer he discovers the local drag strip and purchases the test pipe to gain some speed on the track. Later, he decides to install a 2.5" cat-back. By purchasing the 2.5" adaptor the customer can install the exhaust without additional adaptors, completely avoiding any unnecessary restrictions. At any time he can reinstall the cat or stock exhaust by simply swapping out hardware.  42 Draft Designs 3" downpipe is available in 6 configurations. Street series downpipes include a Magnaflow high-flow cat. Race series downpipes include a 3" test pipe. Each downpipe includes a cat-back adaptor. The adaptors are available in stock size (2.15"), 2.5" and 3". Each downpipe is shipped complete with everything needed for installation. Additional adaptors, test pipe, or cat can be purchased separately at any time. Construction - CNC mandrel bent 14 gauge aluminized steel tubing - CNC machined 3/8" steel flanges - 100% TIG welded construction - Stainless steel braided flex section - Magnaflow high flow catalytic converter (street series only) - Modular construction allows simple alteration of pipe size and cat configuration Fitment Details - Fits 1999-2005 VW MK 4 Golf, Jetta, GTI 1.8T - Fits 2000-2006 Audi TT 180 FWD - Available in street or race configuration - 2 triple layer gaskets included - 5/16" corrosion resistant hardware included - Choice of 3 pipe size adaptors allow unrestricted fitment to any cat-back ehxaust - This downpipe will NOT fit any 1.8T New Beetle, Passat, or Audi A4

 

Applications: Audi TT (MK1) 2000 - 2006 Volkswagen Golf/GTI IV 1999 - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta IV 1999 - 2005

 

On May 17, 2009, ANTHONY C. said: Rating: BAD: The installation was a pain. The welds were too close to the bolt holes and the washers ended up bending. This initial design according to 42DD didn't take into account methanol injection and failed at the turbo flange. Purchased 6/08 and failed a week after installing meth injection 4/09. GOOD: Installed just before getting chipped. The gains were noticeable immediately. After the DP cracked, I had to use the OE and can't stand the restriction. 42DD is sending a new one. Summary: Wouldn't buy it again knowing my stuff was going to fail cutting my night short at the track...wasn't happy at all. Definitely use 3 inch. Appreciated the quick response from 42DD regarding the free replacement, but won't buy it again. Installed on: 2004 Volkswagen Jetta IV On Jan 29, 2009, JASON W. said: Rating: Quality design and construction, really top notch work. Installation was a breeze, attached this to a 3" GHL (no resonator) catback on my GLI. Very noticeable gains in HP/TQ above 4000 to redline, like getting chipped all over again! Also as usual great service and flawless transaction from Nick and the team at North American. Thanks guys! Installed on: 2005 Volkswagen Jetta IV Own this item? Write your own review!

 

This product manufactured in: USA