Golf TDI Exhaust & Catalytic Converter 1Z

Hello.

I got a genuine VW exhaust pipe for a Golf 3 TDI with a 1Z engine for a cheap price some time ago.
It's connected to the catalytic converter.
Image 1: Trouser leg.
http://www.sammlerautos.de/tdi1zhosenrohr2.jpg

Okay, everything is prepared for installation (the old one is damaged at the flexible pipe), the car is raised on jacks, and I've placed it under the car. I thought I was seeing things, but it turns out the catalytic converter and the exhaust pipe are actually one piece .
Image 2: Exhaust pipe on the car.
http://www.sammlerautos.de/tdi1zhosenrohr1.jpg

Something like with the AFN, AHU, and I think also with the ALE.
What's underneath mine can't be from either the AFN or the AHU engine. The AFN has two additional brackets on the front, and the AHU one looks different as well.

The car is a Golf 3 Variant, manufactured in February 1996, with a 1Z engine.
Has anyone ever seen this on a 1Z before, or has anyone installed any aftermarket parts under it?
Can I now also install the catalytic converter and exhaust pipe combination from an AFN or AHU engine in my car?
Is the pipe diameter behind the catalytic converter correct?

Best regards,
togu

The one-piece flexible pipe catalytic converter part is ORIGINAL like this!

I also had a damaged flexible pipe, so I had to replace the entire catalytic converter.

I now believe that the AHU combination works well with the AFN-like support and is actually better. That means you need the single-piece AHU flexible catheter tube and the supports.

But in all cases, you'll need a new catalytic converter if you want to use genuine parts and not just try to weld something together.

I can tell you a lot about it, because I avoided it for a long time until I finally paid the 800 euros.

m;

If only the flexible part is defective, there are inexpensive solutions available.
For example, check out online marketplaces like 'egdöns.' Simply search for 'flex pipe' and you'll find numerous listings with individual flex pipe sections. Just remove the old, damaged section and weld on a new one – it's that easy.

A muffler specialist also offered me that. And he really seems to be a specialist.

But he also said that he could not guarantee any specific outcome.

Therefore, I chose the original version.

m;

I've used this on two gasoline engines so far, and I haven't had any problems. The key things are that the exhaust pipe is in good condition near the welding points, and that it's properly welded with shielding gas. That's all there is to it.

However, I must point out that a gasoline engine is something different from this noisy "1Z" model, which lacks those diverter flaps.

The "ABstellschlag" (a specific type of impact) of the 1Z engine, especially when combined with softened engine mounts, is likely the number one cause of flex pipe failure.

m;

@dieselmartin, @joergs, thank you both for the quick response!!

@dieselmartin:
Then I suppose I'll have to get another cat, since I already have the front legs, that's probably the most obvious solution.

@both:
I'll probably skip the welding. It's a good idea, but the noise from the diesel engine when parking is a bit too concerning for me.
I probably damaged the flex part initially because of the broken engine mounts. I've replaced the mounts now, but that doesn't really matter to the flex pipe anymore .

Well, I already got the lower part of the frame for a 'cheap' price of 75 Euros. That will offset the overall cost a bit.

Regarding the AFN solution: Since the trouser leg is fixed again at the front (even if it's made of rubber), shouldn't there be even more stress on the flexible section? Or am I mistaken? Or what is the purpose of this support?

See you later.
togu

However, the AFN also has a much, much longer flexible hose.

It can no longer support the exhaust, but it decouples it much better from the engine vibrations.

m;