Attention to detail is what they do at 42, and that certainly shows in the design and construction of this 3" cat-back exhaust system. From the hardware to the tip fitment it's clear upon installation that they have done their homework. Years of extensive development and long-term testing have gone into these systems. The end result is a 3" system that fits great, sounds amazing, and adds hp & torque.
42 Draft Design 3" cat-back systems begin with a CNC machined flange located roughly 4" into your existing downpipe. Though designed to bolt to their 1.8T 3" downpipes, this flanged start allows for a perfect, leak-free installation on any model. After this flange, an oxygen sensor bung allows for installation of the post-cat oxygen sensor. In a straight shot this system bolts to your downpipe and slides into the first hanger, while a resonator removes rasp from the exhaust note. Next, this system makes the bend around the gas tank and over the rear axle. Fitment in this area is crucial. 42's over-axle pipe is bent correctly and built correctly to avoid rear axle rubbing on the lowest cars. Next, a Magnaflow muffer is tucked into the heat shields, almost hidden from view.
42 Draft Design's attention to detail shows up in the fitment of their 3" cat-backs. Their flanges are CNC machined in house from 1018 cold roll steel. Adjustable flanges are used where appropriate to allow each section to bolt-up as designed on every car. Hangers bars are precisely bent to slide into the factory hangers straight and level. At the rear hanger we include two collars designed to lock the position of the rear muffler in place. Once you've adjusted your tip fitment - keep it there! Each and every system is built by hand on production tooling and TIG welded. All hardware needed for installation is included - gaskets, bolts, washers, and locknuts. We use mechanical locknuts to assure your system never vibrates loose.
The sound of 42's systems has been imitated since the first sound clips hit the internet. We describe the sound as "quiet when you need to be and loud when you want to be." At idle, the car emits a deep rumble. At low rpms and crusing speeds the sound is mellow and quiet. The exhaust opens up at full throttle and high rpms with a great tone and not a hint of rasp or drone. We tested various resonator and muffler conbinations before finding the perfect balance of power and sound.
While all of 42's long-term testing was done on 1.8T vehicles, this system will also fit 2.0, VR6, and even TDI equipped mk4 VWs. Fitment is designed to connect to your existing 3" downpipe. The system will bolt-up perfectly to our 1.8T 3" downpipes, but 42 DD also accomodate other brands of 3" downpipes and custom downpipes by including an extra flange. This flange is intended to be welded to the end of your existing 3" downpipe. Precise fitment of their flange to your existing downpipe is necessary in order to fit this cat-back correctly. While this may seem like a hassle, it is necessary for 42 DD to assure a perfect fit. Keep in mind, these 3" cat-backs are designed for factory and custom turbocharged vehicles (1.8T, 2.0T, VR6T). 3" piping is beyond overkill for all-motor applications and not recommended by 42. The flanged system is designed to bolt-up to 42 DD 1.8T 3" downpipes and allow custom fitment to any 3" downpipe on any motor.
Horsepower and torque gains for these cat-back systems cannot be accurately reported as a nominal gain. These cat-backs can be installed on a wide range of vehicles - from a 200whp 1.8T to a 500whp VR6 turbo. Power gains always depend on turbo size, tuning, and what you're replacing.
This hidden tip model is for both GTI and Jetta models. Hidden tip systems dump exhaust gases before the start of the rear valance. Height and angle of the cut is designed to reduce drone and not melt the valance. The hidden tip is exposed only 1/2" below the bottom of the valance. Truely hidden.
Construction Highlights
* CNC mandrel bent 14 gauge aluminized steel tubing
* CNC machined 1018 cold roll steel flanges
* Professional TIG welded construction throughout
* Magnaflow resonator & muffler
* 304 stainless steel polished tips
* Double layer graphite gaskets
* Grade 5 locking hardware
Fitment Details
* Fits 1999-2005 VW mk4 Golf, Jetta, GTI
* Bolts-up to 42 Draft Design 1.8T 3" downpipes (K03 & K04)
* Custom installation is required for all other downpipes
* Hardware included for custom downpipe installations
* Adjustable flanges allow for precise fitment on every vehicle
Processing Time
* All 42 Draft Designs exhaust systems are built right here in the USA. Please allow 3-5 business days for your system to be built prior to shipping out.
