WE’RE EXHAUSTED

As any VW enthusiast will tell you, sometimes you just can’t leave things alone. If there’s even a possibility of upgrading or redoing a stock component, nine times out of ten, we’ll jump on it. Doesn’t matter if it’s interior, exterior, or drivetrain… better is ALWAYS better. Our 2015 Golf Sportwagon was doing just fine with its APR Stage 1 ECU software upgrade, but we wanted more! The next logical step was a cat-back exhaust system.

So exactly what is a cat-back system, anyway? For starters, it has nothing to do with felines. A cat-back is an exhaust pipe modification designed to help improve airflow. As the name implies, the system runs from the catalytic converter to the exhaust tips.

Okay, Mr. Wizard, how’s my water-cooled VW going to benefit from a cat-back system? Great question! Let’s break it down: First, increased horsepower. If the engine doesn’t have to flex its muscles more than it should to push spent gases out, it can use that energy to make more horsepower! There’s somewhere between a 10 and 15% power loss with the stock exhaust system. What? Yes, really: That stock exhaust could be a roadblock to your VW’s full potential. Cat-back systems have a larger diameter than your stock muffler. This wider opening allows more space for the gases to flow more freely.

Secondly, you can expect better gas mileage. The cat-back improves airflow, meaning your powerplant doesn’t work as hard to eliminate the exhaust. Less load on the engine equals more miles per gallon.

Lastly, adding a cat-back can improve your ride’s sound. Depending on the muffler you choose, you can get a more aggressive tone, or something a little more robust than stock. There’s a ton of choices out there.

Techtonics Tuning

Sheridan, Oregon sales@techtonicstuning.com

(503) 843-2700 or (800) 821-0598

We reached out to our friends at Techtonics Tuning in Sheridan, Oregon. They’re one of the leaders in the water-cooled VW exhaust industry. They invited us up to their headquarters to follow along as they gave our 2015 Golf Sportwagen TDI S a much-needed exhaust upgrade. This is more of an overview on what goes into installing a cat-back system in your ride. Always know your limitations when it comes to installing something. When in doubt, always opt to have professionals do the install for you, so you know it’s done right.

2. The stock system, while functional, really can’t provide enough flow to make the Volkswagen’s potential shine through. For reference, the stock muffler is 24 inches long (that’s two feet, for you math geniuses). It’s big, bulky, and frankly not cool enough for our ride.

5. For this build, Techtonics went with 2.5” diameter US made T-304 Stainless steel tubing. As you can see, the end needed to be flared to fit. Techtonics has all the machinery needed to make your exhaust system. No reason to outsource anything.

8. Here’s the new Techtonics Tuning catback system ready to be installed. This baby is smaller, lighter, and MUCH more efficient than the stock unit!

9. Always test fit everything to make sure there are no surprises when it’s time to tighten everything down.

10. Everything fit like a glove! Now it’s time to re-install the hangers.

11. Everything is checked and rechecked to make sure the fitment is spot-on before the final tightening.