Decat Pipes and rusty chassis

[andypg]

I had the chance to have my tuscan on ramps the other day and under close inspection noticed rust around where the cats are. The rest of the car is totally clean of rust,which i,m happy about. The cats have to come off in order get to the affected area so i have decided to go down the decat route. So my questions are, what products do you recommend to treat the rust and prevent it coming back. Also which decat pipes do you recommend to use. Thanks. Andy.

[J J]

Quick and cheap decat route. Set of 2002 cats for sale in PH classified £40, bash out the internals, set of decats. keep yours incase needed for MOT, get a decent result witout spending a fortune, if you like the sound and result look at spending later.

Not everyone likes the sound from decat, but will reduce heat around chassis so has its benifits.

[mk1fan]

Clive Fs decat pipes are lovely. Got mine - and the CATs ceramic coated (along with the manifolds) to help manage the heat in that area.

Repairing the rusty section of chassis. Assuming it's just surface rust and not too deep, then clean up and paint. Lots of options for products. Each will have their detractors. You can renew / apply a heat sheild too. Again, a few options from basic ali tape to space aged stuff.

[andypg]

I'm getting quite a lot of heat up through the gearstick,so hopfully decatting will help in that area aswell. Will decat pipes make that much difference with standard cans that have not been sleeved?

[Dickie Dastardly]

Just out of interest I have a pair of Powertech straight through end cans fitted (I have a 2003 mk1 S), would decatting this make it too loud? I'm happy with the current sound but just interested - plus I have a set of decat pipes sitting unused .

I also note some people talk about a decat chip, what does that do exactly and why does only seem to be used from time to time?

[mk1fan]

andypg said:

I'm getting quite a lot of heat up through the gearstick,so hopfully decatting will help in that area aswell. Will decat pipes make that much difference with standard cans that have not been sleeved?

You can fit a Ti gearstick to help insulate the gearknob. I think there are 'composite' versions too but don't know where they are available from. Powers sell the Ti version.