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roorback Blaumann

Joined: 12/22/2003 Posts: 374 Karma: +1 / -2 Location: kärnten/österreich
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08-05-2009, 19:50 Subject: TDI Catalytic Converter Replacement |
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hello
I've now heard twice that people are removing the catalytic converter on TDI vehicles.
Now, I'd like to know if this actually achieves anything, and if so, what exactly does it accomplish?
I theoretically have the possibility of testing this with a second system from Schlachter.
I have no idea what to expect from this.
I'm curious to see.
best regards, uwe volvo 850 tdi - 2.5l AEL aut. bj.96 - bald 500000km
volvo v70n 2.4 - 2.5l 5Zyl Sauger bj. 2005
Translated on 04-10-2026, 6:06.
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TDI-GTI-4-Motion Profi-Schrauber


Joined: 02/22/2009 Posts: 3865 Karma: +127 / -0
2002 Volkswagen Golf  Premium Support
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08-05-2009, 21:09 Subject: TDI Catalytic Converter Replacement |
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roorback wrote: | | Now, I would like to know if and what benefits this actually brings? |
It depends on what you mean.
Regarding performance: nothing.
Regarding the volume: a little louder.
Regarding the operating license: it expires  . MfG. Michael
VW Golf IV TDI GTI 4-Motion Bj.2002 MKB/GKB: ARL/FEK
VW T4 Pritsche TDI Bj.1999 MKB/GKB: AXG/AFK (Selfmade)
Translated on 04-10-2026, 6:07.
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roorback Blaumann

Joined: 12/22/2003 Posts: 374 Karma: +1 / -2 Location: kärnten/österreich
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08-05-2009, 21:14 Subject: TDI Catalytic Converter Replacement |
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Thank you for the answer.
Not that I'm going to start messing around with "DIY tuning in muddy garages" – I certainly don't intend to do something like that, especially if it's pointless.
I was actually hoping for a solution to my question that explains something similar to the situation with the AGR (Abgasrückführung) system – which, while not improving performance, has problematic operational aspects but makes technical sense...
I've also heard about that, apparently a cat could get stained or something.
Okay, so why do people do things like that?
I once knew someone who modified his car's catalytic converter himself and claimed it gave him 10% more power with a 2.0-liter 16-valve gasoline engine, which might have been true. But what about with a TDI (diesel) engine?
Sure, here is the translation of the text from German to English:
"Hello" volvo 850 tdi - 2.5l AEL aut. bj.96 - bald 500000km
volvo v70n 2.4 - 2.5l 5Zyl Sauger bj. 2005
Translated on 04-10-2026, 6:08.
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TDI-GTI-4-Motion Profi-Schrauber


Joined: 02/22/2009 Posts: 3865 Karma: +127 / -0
2002 Volkswagen Golf  Premium Support
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08-05-2009, 22:49 Subject: TDI Catalytic Converter Replacement |
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Das entfernen des Kats bringt nie was. Besides:
-The cat is simply too small for the engine (which is rare).
- The catalytic converter is either clogged or otherwise defective, causing insufficient exhaust flow.
If the latter is the case, it results in a "performance increase," although it's not really something that can be called an increase. It's more of a restoration of the original factory performance.
If you really want to know my honest opinion:
Get rid of that thing; it's just as much junk as the EGR.  And if it's no longer there, it can't break down anymore. } It doesn't provide any performance, but at least it gives you a good conscience (of course, not from an environmental perspective). } MfG. Michael
VW Golf IV TDI GTI 4-Motion Bj.2002 MKB/GKB: ARL/FEK
VW T4 Pritsche TDI Bj.1999 MKB/GKB: AXG/AFK (Selfmade)
Translated on 04-10-2026, 6:10.
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teileklaus Schrauber


Joined: 12/30/2006 Posts: 2643 Karma: +12 / -0 Location: Obrigheim 2005 Volkswagen Premium Support
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08-05-2009, 23:13 Subject: TDI Catalytic Converter Replacement |
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My opinion: removing parts only causes trouble, doesn't improve performance, and leads to modifications that need to be addressed during the next vehicle inspection.
Let them in!
I am providing only legally sound recommendations, to the best of my knowledge.
Opinions are divided regarding the DPF, and there may be some disadvantages associated with it. Gruß, der Teileklaus
Touran 2017 DFG SCR 2,0, 150 PS Schalt
Fiat 500, Einkaufswagen
R1240R BIG Bore Tuningkuh, 142 NM
Translated on 04-10-2026, 6:11.
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TDI-GTI-4-Motion Profi-Schrauber


Joined: 02/22/2009 Posts: 3865 Karma: +127 / -0
2002 Volkswagen Golf  Premium Support
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08-05-2009, 23:34 Subject: TDI Catalytic Converter Replacement |
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It seems like this is one of those topics where "you ask 10 people, and you get 10 different opinions." You've already heard two different perspectives. Now, it's time for you to form your own opinion. You've certainly received enough technical information. MfG. Michael
VW Golf IV TDI GTI 4-Motion Bj.2002 MKB/GKB: ARL/FEK
VW T4 Pritsche TDI Bj.1999 MKB/GKB: AXG/AFK (Selfmade)
Translated on 04-10-2026, 6:12.
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Olaf
Joined: 04/16/2002 Posts: 307 Karma: +0 / -0 Location: Bargteheide
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10-05-2009, 10:26 Subject: TDI Catalytic Converter Replacement |
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If it's not causing any problems, leave it as it is.
The next time a retrofit DPF needs to be replaced, it will have to be replaced anyway.
If the TÜV inspector taps on the catalytic converter and it's defective, he'll hear it even if it's empty. It really just depends on whether the car as a whole attracts attention.
"I've been driving with a disconnected AGR hose for years and have always passed the technical inspection without any issues. This is because no one expects anything to be wrong with the car. They also have no interest in failing me, as the car is obviously well-maintained and doesn't have any cheap modifications. Even if the inspector notices the chip and extended gearbox during the test drive, they would never penalize me for it, because they can see that the car drives well in its current configuration."
I've found that people tend to pay closer attention when measures are technically nonsensical or overly conspicuous.
Translated on 04-10-2026, 6:13.
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wolle Blaumann

Joined: 05/23/2002 Posts: 176 Karma: +16 / -0
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14-05-2009, 14:52 Subject: TDI Catalytic Converter Replacement |
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Hello,
Take a look here: /viewtopic.php?t=7048
This is a technical article.
Best regards,
Wool. 2018er A6 Avant Allroad, 3.0 Bi-TDI mit prima Ausstattung
96er A6 C4 Avant TDI, 2.5er AEL,6 Gang, Serienleistung, aktuell 615.000KM
Translated on 04-10-2026, 6:15.
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roorback Blaumann

Joined: 12/22/2003 Posts: 374 Karma: +1 / -2 Location: kärnten/österreich
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14-05-2009, 14:54 Subject: TDI Catalytic Converter Replacement |
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"Thank you." volvo 850 tdi - 2.5l AEL aut. bj.96 - bald 500000km
volvo v70n 2.4 - 2.5l 5Zyl Sauger bj. 2005
Translated on 04-10-2026, 6:15.
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