Home › VW Golf › Cat-back exhaust

Golf · Sound

Golf Cat-back exhaust Install Guide

Your Golf

Pick your year to see what fits.

+3–10 whp (est.)
Hard$650–$1,1002–3 hrs
All Golf mods

Why do it

Brings out the engine's sound.

Tools you'll need

Starting out? See our budget tool list.

Parts to buy

Double-check fitment before buying. We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Steps

  1. Loosen the old exhaust

    • Soak and break the bolts.
    Watch this step (on a Mk4 GTI) (6:52–9:02)

  2. Separate it

    • Pull the old sections apart.
    Watch this step (9:02–9:42)

  3. Fit the new exhaust

    • Hang it and tighten up.
    Watch this step (11:04–12:26)

  4. Remove the old exhaust

    • Take it off.
    Watch this step (on a Mk5 2.5L) (1:15–4:45)

  5. Install the new exhaust

    • Hang it.
    Watch this step (6:15–8:32)

  6. Finish

    • Line it up and tighten it.
    Watch this step (8:32–10:23)

  7. Remove the stock exhaust

    • Take it off.
    Watch this step (on a Mk5 GTI) (6:59–11:00)

  8. Install the new exhaust

    • Hang it.
    Watch this step (11:00–13:59)

  9. Final fit

    • Line it up.
    Watch this step (13:59–15:55)

  10. Remove the stock exhaust

    • Take it off.
    Watch this step (on a Mk6 GTI) (2:06–6:42)

  11. Install the new exhaust

    • Hang it.
    Watch this step (6:42–7:45)

  12. Secure it

    • Tighten it.
    Watch this step (7:45–9:30)

  13. Remove the old exhaust

    • Take it off.
    Watch this step (AWE on a Mk7 GTI) (0:56–6:26)

  14. Install the new exhaust

    • Hang it.
    Watch this step (6:26–9:41)

  15. Remove the stock exhaust

    • Take it off.
    Watch this step (AWE on a Mk8 GTI) (3:00–5:35)

  16. Install the new exhaust

    • Hang it.
    Watch this step (5:35–7:33)

  17. Remove the stock exhaust

    • Take it off.
    Watch this step (AWE on a Mk8 GTI) (3:00–5:35)

  18. Install the new exhaust

    • Hang it.
    Watch this step (5:35–7:33)

How to know it worked

Did this guide work for you?

Safety first

  • Park on flat ground, set the parking brake and chock the wheels.
  • Never get under a car held up only by a jack. Use jack stands.
  • Let the engine and exhaust cool first.
  • Disconnect the battery before unplugging electrical parts.
  • Wear safety glasses.
  • If something doesn't match your car, stop and ask a shop.

Follow your part's instructions and your service manual's torque specs.

Cat-Back Exhaust install guides for other cars

More Golf mods