De-cat a 1988 1.8GL

Topic: De-cat a 1988 1.8GL (Read 894 times) previous topic - next topic

De-cat a 1988 1.8GL

September 11, 2021, 05:51:12 PM

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 – September 11, 2021, 06:32:15 PM

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 – September 14, 2021, 08:20:48 AM

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?

Re: De-cat a 1988 1.8GL

Reply #3 – September 14, 2021, 09:54:23 AM

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 – September 14, 2021, 10:58:21 AM

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

Re: De-cat a 1988 1.8GL

Reply #5 – September 14, 2021, 02:00:58 PM

Quote from: Monkey on September 14, 2021, 10:58:21 AM

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 – September 15, 2021, 08:13:42 AM

Quote from: sly_gti on September 14, 2021, 02:00:58 PM

Quote from: Monkey on September 14, 2021, 10:58:21 AM
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!

Re: De-cat a 1988 1.8GL

Reply #7 – September 15, 2021, 09:05:05 AM

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