Techtonics downpipe worth the $$$

[seanf86]

Is the Techtonics downpipe worth the money? My flex joint has torn again and I don't think they can weld another one in, its been changed at least twice. Its hard to pay $260 for a pipe when a Bosal downpipe is $125 if I'm not going to see any real gains with it. Currently have Revo stg1, 034HFC and Magnaflow 16601.

[Kittrell]

Considering your HFC and the rest of your exhaust, yes. The downpipe is a choke point, I would upgrade it.

[ADCS]

Yes upgrade but no to techtonics.

Their flex pipe is not stainless and it is not designed for turbo cars (it does not have an internal sleeve). The good news is their customer service is good so they will honor the 2 year warranty but you need to pay for shipping both ways.

[texasboy21]

Yes upgrade but no to techtonics.

Their flex pipe is not stainless and it is not designed for turbo cars (it does not have an internal sleeve). The good news is their customer service is good so they will honor the 2 year warranty but you need to pay for shipping both ways.

I installed a TT down pipe separate from a test pipe, and they are gains to be had. As for the quality, I have heard nothing but good things from TT.

[Kittrell]

Fast Intentions 2.5" is another recommended option.

[seanf86]

Fast Intentions 2.5" is another recommended option.

unfortunately they only make a tip downpipe and mine is a 5mt, I guess custom is another idea however I don't know where I can get a flange that mates to the cat to get a 2.5 opening on the downpipe, I know all the local shops around here would re use the stock flange with the 2.15" opening and just weld the 2.5 pipe all around to it thus still leaving me with the bottle neck

[Kittrell]

Well, shoot. People usually only jump at Techtonics because they have a Tiptronic, so I just assumed. JHM or 034 would probably sell you a flange. I believe JHM use a 2.5" for there 3.0 pipes.

http://www.atpturbo.com/mm5/merchant..._Code=ATP-FLS1

I know you already have a HFC, but this is a great piece.

http://www.tyrolsport.com/exhaust/un...4-1.8t-manual/

Plenty of exhaust systems that come with downpipes as well. I know these are all more money and replacing things you currently have, but they are options.

[seanf86]

Well, shoot. People usually only jump at Techtonics because they have a Tiptronic, so I just assumed. JHM or 034 would probably sell you a flange. I believe JHM use a 2.5" for there 3.0 pipes.

http://www.atpturbo.com/mm5/merchant..._Code=ATP-FLS1

I know you already have a HFC, but this is a great piece.

http://www.tyrolsport.com/exhaust/un...4-1.8t-manual/

Plenty of exhaust systems that come with downpipes as well. I know these are all more money and replacing things you currently have, but they are options.

The thought has crossed my mind of selling the magnaflow system and buying a new one that includes the downpipe however I'm trying to do this without spending big bucks and fronting lots of cash, I guess its between the techtonics pipe and seeing if I can buy a flange from 034 and getting a local shop to weld me up a new pipe.

[BARRY]

unfortunately they only make a tip downpipe and mine is a 5mt, I guess custom is another idea however I don't know where I can get a flange that mates to the cat to get a 2.5 opening on the downpipe, I know all the local shops around here would re use the stock flange with the 2.15" opening and just weld the 2.5 pipe all around to it thus still leaving me with the bottle neck

isn't the only difference between all 1.8T downpipes is the transmission isolation bracket that isn't entirely necessary? i bolted on my 5 Speed Thermal R&D downpipe and exhaust to my 6 Speed without that bolted on.

[seanf86]

isn't the only difference between all 1.8T downpipes is the transmission isolation bracket that isn't entirely necessary? i bolted on my 5 Speed Thermal R&D downpipe and exhaust to my 6 Speed without that bolted on.

Can't say for sure, I bet a tip dp would fit on a manual trans however my downpipe looks like it would hug the tip and possibly contact. Since my cars manual I don't need to worry about that anyway. I'll keep my eyes open for a 6mt pipe in the classifieds as well then.

The shop I usually deal with for exhaust suggested just removing the flex joint since the engine isnt mounted transversely so if I'm going custom I'm going to eliminate the flex joint.

[rfelker]

just talked to TT over the weekend. had small hole in my flex pipe and its 4 years old. Was transferred to the Colin and he gave me a 30% discount. And also stated that the new flex pipes are stainless. Im ordering another next weekend. Good customer service and never had real issues with other exhaust for my jetta or gti. Cant beat 189.00.

[ADCS]

For the price it is a good unit. I am glad to hear it is a stainless flex pipe now. The other thing to watch out for is there is no sleeve inside the flex pipe. At least the one on mine didn't and this pic from their site shows the same - no sleeve just braided steel. On mine the mesh was fraying partially clogging the opening which is a common issue for turbo cars if there is no internal sleeve. In my case I welded in a Vibrant Performance flex pipe that has an SS inner sleeve.

http://techtonicstuning.com/main/ind...roducts_id=731

[rfelker]

doesnt look like it has a sleeve from the pics. Ill call and ask.

[Zdrajca]

If you guys are recommending the Techtonics tuning downpipe, since it's issue seems to be resolved, then i'd definitely be up for one. I did a 6speed swap with a downpipe from an automatic. My muffle guy did the best that he could but under low rpm and high gear you definitely hear it. Price point on these is great.

[evo_ski]

I went with a Techtonics full 2.5" downpipe and mated it to a Magnaflow 16601. I really like the tone. A little deeper, but not raspy at all. I had an exhaust shop cut the reducer off of the Magnaflow inlet pipe and weld on a section of 2.5", so it is full 2.5" from the cat all the way to the resonators. I am quite happy with the quality of the TT downpipe so far.

[seanf86]

Just thought I'd update, I decided to get a custom downpipe since the techtonics is 275usd plus shipping and taxes/brokerages and the cdn dollar has been tanking this would have cost me $400cdn so I went to a local metals guy that does everything and got a full 3" down pipe and my magnaflow chopped so its a full 2.5" now from the reducer on the downpipe



It's got a 3" vibrant flexpipe and its all stainless steel and tig welded and it cost me under $400 cdn so it was less than the techtonics.

[A4SoftWalker]

Congrats!!! Welds look a lot better than the average muffler shop.

Now I need to get mine squared away...

[J_L]

Just for information and future readers.
Stock cat/dp VS Techtonics dp and 034 Cat

[texasboy21]

^What is the stock downpipe diameter? 1.8"?

[J_L]

i belive its 2".
this was a nice upgrade, also installed a Magnaflow 16601 exhaust system. This realy opened up the top end with a frankenturbo:) Before with the stock dp/exhaust, the power just crashed
above 5000rpm..

Another tip with the 034 Cat, get some exhaust wrap around it, this thing gets HOT, and I wont be suprised if it killed my starter or the power suply to it.

[Kittrell]

Another tip with the 034 Cat, get some exhaust wrap around it, this thing gets HOT, and I wont be suprised if it killed my starter or the power suply to it.

Can you just cut the stock shield off and reweld on the 034?

[old guy]

^What is the stock downpipe diameter? 1.8"?

Slightly under 2¼".