Ok so umm... I'm getting a lot of noise from what I believe are the cats.. or one of them anyways. The engine is kind of suffocating i think or w/e because of it.. if i disconnect the pipe from above one of the cats and start it up.. will it run stronger if the cat is the issue ( i know it will be a bit loud.. but will it run "clean" with one disconnected or does it need the system inplace to know if it's working correctly?

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1999 (.5?) A4 2.8 Quattro
177K Miles
New: Radiator & hoses - Timing kit - Plugs - Wires- Thermostat - Alternator
Cleaned MAF, Removed and cleaned TB, Seafoamed crank/tb/tank-- PCV, Airfilter, Fuel Filter - Checked~

What are the codes? Do you have a check engine light? If the cat converter is clogged it would have a severe lack of power.

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00 A4 1.8T

01 S4 SOLD!!!

Recently i bottomed out and cracked the header pipes right before the cats on both sides - when i started it up it was so freaking loud the whole car was vibrating. If you disconnected it somehow, I think you would know.

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Sold the blue one, now rockin a 2000 1.8TQM

If you are getting lots of noise, it probably isn't the cats, but the flex pipe.

Put the car up on stands and check it out. Do not use a jack to hold your car up when you are underneath.

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2000 A4 1.8T Quattro tip
APR 93 chip
710N
ECS N75 Race Valve
Tip Chip
Borla Exhaust
Sports Suspension
Cracked windshield (again), 3rd timing belt