2G CEL and too loud. Going back to stock exhaust or closer to it?

[0fg]

I just bought a 1997 eagle talon tsi awd. Good shape overall. The previous owner installed a 3" exhaust system with a LOUD muffler. This set up seems to be giving a check engine light, and its too loud. I am wondering if going back to a stock, or perhaps a 2.25" exhaust will seriously decrease power, and if it will get rid of the check engine light.

I plan to have the code reader out today and see just what codes its throwing.

Car runs great, exhaust temp got a bit high last night around 1300 on the gauge,, and thats when the check engine light came on.

This is my first DSM,, and I want to keep it quiet, clean and reliable, with increased speed and power being secondary to those first 3 requirements.

Thanks!

 

[cemille01]

Well pull the code first before you blame it on the exhaust,could be the aic or 02 sensor both simple fixes,

 

[TJCTalon]

Hey fellow coloradian!
Lucky you! Got a 2gb. I want one of those!
Yeah before you start blaming things check the codes. Is the exhaust the only mod you have?
Do your maintance man. Timing fluids ect. Play it safe. Post up some pics!
Taran

 

[TSITurbo95]

Pics pics pics!!!

 

[0fg]

O/K, agreed, I will get up to speed on maintenance. I think the exhaust temp gauge is wired into one of the 02 sensor ports though.. Is that how its done? Going to dial down the boost too. Looks like it peaks at 15 psi only under hardest acceleration,, which I do not do hardly ever.

Got to remember to read the CEL code too...

 

[cemille01]

Correct me if I'm wrong guys,but I've never seen a 02/egt probe combo, u usally have to tap in to the mani for the probe for the egt,

 

[92blutalon]

do you have a cat?

 

[spdtuned]

^+1 The only thing reason that an exhaust set-up would cause a CEL is if it is catless

 

[0fg]

Code p0136, 02 sensor in back. So, it looks like its not too serious. I have disconnected the adjustable boost, and plumed the wastegate direct to the blow off valve circuit. I also disconnected the battery to reset the code. Going to drive tonight and see if the EGT stays a bit lower. Been running around 13500 at steady cruise under vacuum and lowers to around 800-900 under boost.

BTW,, yes it looks like the EGT sensor is mounted right on top of the ex manifold,, looks like a home made cut in the shield.

As for the cat,, I do not know. Going to contact previous owner and get more details on the ex system mods.

 

[rEclipserGST]

Code p0136, 02 sensor in back. So, it looks like its not too serious. I have disconnected the adjustable boost, and plumed the wastegate direct to the blow off valve circuit. I also disconnected the battery to reset the code. Going to drive tonight and see if the EGT stays a bit lower. Been running around 13500 at steady cruise under vacuum and lowers to around 800-900 under boost.

BTW,, yes it looks like the EGT sensor is mounted right on top of the ex manifold,, looks like a home made cut in the shield.

As for the cat,, I do not know. Going to contact previous owner and get more details on the ex system mods.

I have no CEL & my 3" full exhaust is catless

 

[cemille01]

Don't think getting rid of the cat throws a cel,not to my knowlege any way, if its on the mani than its not the 02 sensor it would be the probe for the gauge, the 02 sensor is on the 02 housing, and one in the rear on the pipe, you can't tell by looking at the exhaust if there's a cat or not?

 

[0fg]

Full 3" exhaust system including downpipe. No cat. Didnt get a chance to drive tonight. I just bought a parts car also. Looks like it has stock exhaust, stock wheels, and some little interior pieces to make my tsi nearly perfect!

Actually I would keep the 3" exhaust, but it needs to be quieter. Any suggestions on a quieter muffler? How about going back to a stock airbox,, will that help quiet things down?

 

[dented_coffee]

airbox wont make your exhaust quietr. buy an exhaust silencer so you can tuner how loud your noise is but also so its removable so when you wanna be noticed you can simply take it off and let er roar. EXTREME PSI : Your #1 Source for In Stock Performance Parts - Exhaust Silencers

 

[cemille01]

Well since your taking your car back to stock, send me a pm of any aftermarket go fast goodies you wanna sell

 

[dented_coffee]

keep the performance just get an exhaust silencer. who know maybe you might be taking it to the strip later on.