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Topic: De-cat a 1988 1.8GL (Read 816 times) previous topic - next topic

De-cat a 1988 1.8GL

Hi all, we are new to the golf world (been curating air-cooled for many years). My daughter has me a project as shes just bought a 1988 GL Auto with a 1.8 motor. its going to get a new exhaust ( i see good feedback on trackslag on here), must i keep the Cat or can it be removed as the front section of the exhaust is properly showing its age. Thanks

Re: De-cat a 1988 1.8GL

Reply #1
Got a feeling they are not required on cars pre 91/92.
Though I'm no MOT tester

Re: De-cat a 1988 1.8GL

Reply #2
I can confirm you don't need a cat, I've had a dozen mk2s now and they don't legally need cats.
I've even put engines into mk2s that had cats on them, then removed the cats and still haven't had an issue at MOT time.
To be honest, I'm surprised yours had one. Are you sure it's not a front exhaust silencer?
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Re: De-cat a 1988 1.8GL

Reply #3
Thanks for the replies, i will triple check, it was a quick look under when loading it onto the trailer in the torrential rain! Theoretically, if there is one fitted, will i need to change anything on the engine/tuning/O2 sensors etc etc when i remove the flippin thing?. BTW loving this club and the info here. Thanks so much for all your help and administering this site.

Re: De-cat a 1988 1.8GL

Reply #4
I'm pretty sure, back then, there was only one lambda before the cat.
Removing said cat wouldn't effect the lambda.
If you do have one, there's a very good chance you'll have some kind of import
Mk2 Driver
Mk2 Silver 8v
Corrado G60 Turbo
Mk2 Red 8v
Mk2 Grey 16v
Mk2 BBM ABF
Bora 20vt
Mk2 Green VR6
Mk2 Green ABF
Mk2 BBM 20vt
3.2 TT Roadster
Mk2 Red 16v
225 TT Coup
3.2 TT Coup
Mk4 Anniversary
Mk7 Red GTI Performance
Mk2 Red GTI Restoration

Mk2 BBM R32
911 Carrera 4S

Re: De-cat a 1988 1.8GL

Reply #5
I'm pretty sure, back then, there was only one lambda before the cat.
Removing said cat wouldn't effect the lambda.
If you do have one, there's a very good chance you'll have some kind of import

Think CAT was an optional extra

Re: De-cat a 1988 1.8GL

Reply #6
I'm pretty sure, back then, there was only one lambda before the cat.
Removing said cat wouldn't effect the lambda.
If you do have one, there's a very good chance you'll have some kind of import

Think CAT was an optional extra

Good point! Though why someone would have specced it back in the era of shoulder pads and cigarettes is beyond me!
Mk2 Driver
Mk2 Silver 8v
Corrado G60 Turbo
Mk2 Red 8v
Mk2 Grey 16v
Mk2 BBM ABF
Bora 20vt
Mk2 Green VR6
Mk2 Green ABF
Mk2 BBM 20vt
3.2 TT Roadster
Mk2 Red 16v
225 TT Coup
3.2 TT Coup
Mk4 Anniversary
Mk7 Red GTI Performance
Mk2 Red GTI Restoration

Mk2 BBM R32
911 Carrera 4S

Re: De-cat a 1988 1.8GL

Reply #7
thanks all, me too! why add it? in the days of loadsamoney ....on  a couple of part/registration search websites it comes up as 1.8 GL CAT  :(