Catalytic converters are one of the things I'd never buy aftermarket. Some companies offer lifetime warranty on theirs, definitely look at reviews.

 

As above, it is a tricky item to buy safely without ending up buying another when the first replacement fails far too quickly.

I'd try and buy OEM if possible at one of the VW parts suppliers people have recommended on here.

Why do you think you need a new one anyway?

 

I got a code also (basically saying I need a replacement), I just poured acetone in the gas tank and ran it down the highway on high revs and it was gone by the time I got home. Maybe try it? I've seen others on the forum do this also.

 

Which is best aftermarket catalytic converter for a 04 v6?? I Have seen so many On eBay and the price ranging from $280 to $550.

Who is telling you that you need new Cats? Read this, i had dealership tell me the same thing and they were wrong. Might be as simple as updaing the ECU....

http://www.clubtouareg.com/forums/f...-v6-cat-converter-replacement-do-not-go-to-fletcher-jones-in-chicago-62085.html

 

You want to also check the O2 sensors and vacuum lines prior to thinking about doing the cats. Problems with either could throw cat related codes.

 

The first thing to do is replace the O2 sensors. Try that. All four sensors will eventually go bad.

While under the car tap on the cats to listen for a crumbled core or take apart your pipes and look inside. If the last two cats after the second 02 sensor are bad then remove them by installing the fab speed decat pipe.

As you can see there could a total of 6 different converters on the vehicle.

There are two cats on the front cat pipe. You can cut out and straight pipe to remove the cat on that pipe that is AFTER the second o2 sensor. You could also just rip the guts out of that second cat.

I would also look at a salvage yard for the exhaust from a 2005 and later T1. They don't have a resonator for part #11 in that drawing. Just pipes.

It will be just fine with the single cat still there that has a new 02 sensor on each side. In fact it will probably run better than ever.

If the primary cat or cats are junk a replacement pipe is amost $1000 each side.

I would look into cutting out the primary cat and welding in a high quality aftermarket one.

 

No it doesn't one but the flex pipe is going bad so I might as will replace the whole thing

 

Hey sorry guys my cats are not bad it's just a flex pipe but I might as well just replace the whole thing while I'm at it or any ideas

 

oops.. you had the V6

 

You can get a new flex section welded in place of the current one at an exhaust repair shop. Same repair on my old Camry was quoted ~2K from the dealer, but got it fixed for 175$ at a muffler shop. I know there will be some naysayers, but I wouldn't hesitate to take it to a good shop.

 

x2 on getting the flex replaced.

 

I have seen people splice them in with slip fit ends an stap style exhaust clamps.

 

I've taken it to various muffler shops but they say they can't get to it and it's difficult for them to cut it where it's at.

 

So remove it, repair it and re-install it.

If the part price is reasonable just replace it.

 

@Haro,

Are you able to remove the DP (down pipe) yourself? If not, find a shop that can and they should also be able to weld a replacement flex joint.