306 Gti-6 exhaust - suggestions please?

[havoc]

Wife's GTi-6 is blowing a bit from either the back or the centre-sections. (Trusted) main-dealer suggests over the phone that it's often the join between the two, so both sections may need changing.

Going for OE parts will mean shelling out the thick-end of £400 inc. fitting (£205 back, £126 centre, £34 fitting = £365).

However...I don't want to go for something cheap that might strangle the engine a little bit, as this one seems like a rather fit example, feels like it's got a very smooth, strong torque curve.

So...are there any GOOD alternatives around which:-
- Won't sound like chav-central. Like the current sound, don't want to change it too much.
- Will be cheaper.
- Won't harm the performance.

Thanks all very much,

Martin.

[sniff petrol]

I've not had a 306 GTi (yet) but I have heard these engines respond well to some better breathing. Plenty of stainless options on the market, I have a Scorpion SS on my 205 Gti but it is a bit boomy, although that may be due to having no sound deadening or carpets.

[Mikey G]

I have a Scorpion on my Rallye from the cat back, was on the car since i bought it so dont know the prices. It makes a nice sound and is a little quieter than the Scorpion i had on my 405 Mi16. But the tailpipe rubs a little on my rear bumper, may be down to fitting but its a tight fit in the aperture.

[AndWhy]

There's an exhaust forum on 306gti6.com. Suggestions from there are plenty but lean towards Longlife or PowerFlow if you like the original sound, but there's not massive performance benefit to be had by deviating from std.

Another common exhaust issue is the manifold > cat gasket, often caused by worn engine mounts. That's a £25 fix (for the gasket; mounts are a different story).

[havoc]

Thanks guys, esp. AndWhy! Will have a good look through there at lunch...

[406turbo]

I had a Mongoose cat back and devil decat on mine. Sounded fantastic if not a wee bit noisy over 80mph.

[okgo]

The best combo according to the forum (regular user) is scorpion back box std middle and a decat if you are into that.

I bought a longlife for my 6, was too loud though. Was well made regardless.

[Podie]

Havoc, YHM