42 Draft VW Mk4 Golf | Jetta Slip Fit Cat-back Exhaust System (NLA)

This item is not able to be returned after purchase.

Due to growing demand for our products, lead times may exist.

Most items with a lead time are considered 'Made To Order' items and are subject to an early cancelation fee.    

Over the years 42 has focused on the biggest and baddest race inspired exhaust systems. These systems have fine tuned our fabrication methods and allowed us to test countless materials and components. Along the way we managed to forget one simple fact. Everyone changes their exhaust, but not everyone needs a 3 turbo-back. Our new 2.5 slip fit cat-back is a back to the basics system designed for everyone. True slip-on and bolt-up installation requires few tools and no modification. The sound is race-inspired and refined. Best of all, a healthy power increase can be instantly felt.   

Our 2.5 slip fit cat-back system begins where the factory catalytic converter ends. A reduction to 2.15 piping allows 2.5 piping to slide into the factory sleeve clamp. After the clamp, an accurately positioned pair of hangers provide support for the entire system. Next in line, a Magnaflow resonator removes rasp and drone from the exhaust note. An adjustable flange connection follows, allowing precise adjustment of our piping as it travels around the gas tank and over the rear axle. Fitment in this area is crucial. Our over-axle pipe is bent correctly and built correctly to avoid rear axle rubbing on the lowest cars. Another adjustable flange completes over over-axle pipe, allowing even further adjustment. Next, a Magnaflow muffler is tucked into the heat shields, almost hidden from view. Your choice of hidden, single, or dual exhaust tips complete the system.

Exhaust tips can make or break a system. We're not taking any chances, so we build our tips in-house and polish them to a mirror finish. Our 2.5 slip fit cat-back is available with the choice of three tips. Hidden tip systems offer a basic downturn tip, hidden from view. Single tip systems position a highly polished 4 tip neatly in the factory cutout. Dual tip systems pair two highly polished 3 tips and hang them accurately under the rear valance. All stainless steel tips are available in single wall and double wall construction to suit the style of every enthusiast.

Installation is simple and reliable. A permanent reduction allows use of the stock sleeve clamp. Precise design and fabrication routes 2.5 piping clear of heatshields and suspension components. Adjustable flanges allow adjustment at every connection, sealed by double layer graphite gaskets and locking hardware. A pair of locking collars sandwich the rear hanger bushing, locking your final adjustment. Our system can be installed on 2.0, 1.8T, 12v & 24v VR6, and TDI equipped Mk4s.

The sound is sporty and refined - not too loud and not a hint of rasp. Compared to stock, the car emits a noticeable rumble at idle. At low rpms and cruising speeds the sound is mellow and defined. The exhaust opens up at full throttle and high rpms with a great tone and not a hint of rasp or drone. Sound varies by motor, though never poorly. We tested various resonator and muffler combinations on each motor before finding the perfect balance.

Horsepower and torque gains are strong and immediate, adding power throughout the powerband. for these cat-back systems cannot be universally stated. These cat-backs can be installed on a wide range of vehicles - from a bone stock 2.0 to a supercharged VR6, to a K04 1.8T. Power gains are always strong and smooth. Peak gains depend on your motor type and supporting modifications.

To configure your system, select from the drop down menus above and to the right.

 

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
• Fits 2.0, 1.8T, 12v VR6, 24v VR6, & TDI
• Reduced to fit stock sleeve clamp
• Adjustable flanges allow for precise fitment on every vehicle

Tip Fitments

Our 2.5 slip fit cat-back is available with the choice of three tips, all with unique fitments for Jetta and GTI models. Fitment of each tip is specific to the rear valance on the vehicle and cannot be interchanged. Some tips are available in different styles. Fitments and styles are explained in detail below.

Hidden tip systems offer a basic downturn tip, hidden from view. Exhaust gases are dumped before the start of the rear valance. Height and angle of the tip is designed to reduce drone and not melt the valance. The tip is exposed only 1/2 below the bottom of the valance. Hidden tips are aluminized steel and are not polished.
GTI single tip systems feature a 4 tip designed to fit the 337/20th Anniversary Edition rear valance.
Jetta single tip systems feature a 4 tip designed to fit the GLI single tip valance.
GTI dual tip systems feature two 3 tips paired and positioned to fit within the factory cutout.
Jetta dual tip systems feature two 3 tips paired and positioned to fit within the factory cutout.

Single tips and dual tips are available in two styles - single wall and double wall. Single wall tips are constructed from a single 3 tube. Each tip is angle cut and welded to a press-formed expansion. Double wall tips are constructed from two tubes - an inner barrel and an outer barrel. The inner barrel is angle cut and press-formed to precisely meet the angle cut 3 outer barrel. Both tip styles are highly polished inside and polished to a mirror finish outside. Tip options are offered to suit the style of every enthusiast. To learn more about our exhaust tips check out our Product Spotlight: Single Wall vs. Double Wall Tips.

Tip fitments are semi-permanent in our exhaust systems. In order to change the tip later down the road you will need to swap out the rear muffler section. Please contact us directly for pricing in the event of a tip change. Please try to ignore anyone who says just take it to a muffler shop and have them weld on a new one. It's not that simple. The muffler and hanger is in the same location on all systems, but the tip itself and the pipe in-between differ greatly. Simply cutting one tip off and welding on a different one won't result in a system that meets our quality standards. Contact us.

Our tip fitments are very specific. Here are a few specific tip scenarios we would like to mention:

Our dual tips will not fit under a non-cutout valance
Our single tips will not fit under a dual tip cutout valance
Our hidden tip is hidden, unless installed behind a cutout valance
GTI systems will not fit Jettas
Jetta systems will not fit GTIs

Non-Resonated System

We do not offer our cat-backs in a non-resonated configuration. Long term testing proved to us that a non-resonated 2.5 system is not a product we would like to put our name on. It doesn't sound great. It sounds raw and perhaps a bit 'import.' Our resonator does not affect the flow of the exhaust system in any way. It cleans up the sound of the motor and plays a major part in the high quality sound of our exhaust. For this reason, we do not offer a non-resonated configuration.

Motor Mounts Recommended

We highly recommend upgrading your dogbone motor mounts when using our cat-back exhaust system. Worn out factory bushings cause excessive engine movement. Engine movement translates directly into the exhaust system - flex section or not. If your engine is slinging back and forth so is your exhaust. This means rattles, panic, and worry. Our system is designed to be used on lowered cars with motor mounts

Questions      

Last but not least, if you have any questions about our 2.5 slip fit cat-back systems or any of our exhaust systems don't hesitate to contact us. We're available by phone and email to answer any question you may have.

42 Draft Design is a manufacturer of high performance parts and accessories for VW, Audi, Porsche, and BMW vehicles. From exhaust and intakes to custom catch cans and billet aluminum engine parts, 42 Draft Designs covers it all and prides themselves on never cutting corners, always delivering the best possible products to enthusiasts.

    
42 Draft Designs products are manufactured from scratch in Millersville, MD. We use high-quality American-made materials throughout our products, manufacturing in-house every component possible. When necessary to outsource, we start with American companies that manufacture their products in the USA. Our modest manufacturing facility is staffed by a team of 12 machinists, metal fabricators, and TIG welders trained to work in exacting precision. From design to manufacturing we never rush, cut corners, or take shortcuts.