Audi 4000 1.8, 1987 - looking for a source for the front exhaust pipe (manifold to the converter inlet) My system has converter welded at both ends, no bolt on flange. Replacement converter is bolt on - I think this is the oe version. Bosal does not list this part and short of going to a dealer of salvage yard I'd like to install an aftermarket new one HELP

 

"welded" sounds like a Meineke or Midas job! My father found out the hard way not to use them. You should be able to find something local, I had no problems with my '84 4000S.

 

I agree - I talked with the local Audi dealer, the original design is with bolt flanges at both ends - dealer cost to me is $850 - the car isn't worth that much. Bosal does not manufacture it. Looks like a bone yard or take the old one off and have it custom bent or modify the existing one using the extension pipe at the outlet and the flange from another outlet part welded to the down pipe for the inlet.

 

Bosal lists two front pipes for 87 4000S 781-931 is no longer and 779-931 which is still available. Don't know the difference between the two. Check out bosal.com for more info. Also give foreignautomotiveinc.com a call, they might be able to help you.

 

Thanks for the info - unfortunately both of the vehicles you mentioned are 5 cyl models, my audi is 1.8(4cyl) - I have been the bosal route already - for some reason they produce every component from the converter to the tail pipe but not the down pipe.

 

I checked the web site and I see what you mean. The "S" models are 4-cyl and the CS are 5-cyl so Bosal selection guide is off the mark! Junkyard is probably you cheapest bet. The front pipe is usually the last to go so you should be able to find something locally. If that doesn’t work you can get a local muffler shop to cut off the welded section and weld on a new section with flange. Also look into blauparts.com they have a very good selection of Audi parts, even if it is not shown on the web.

 

you have been a wealth of knowledge, thanks. Your conclusion is the same as mine. I have an old extension pipe(outlet side) of the converter and will cut and weld the flange onto the existing down pipe - it still is in very good condition. I had the car up on the lift last night and its just a matter of orienting the flange correctly and then we'll mig it in place. Thanks again

 

Hey, I see that you're from Cleveland. I'm from Wickliffe and know a guy with a shop in Willoughby off rt-2. It's Petric's Automotive. He specializes in Audi and foreign vehicles. He's been working on mine since 2000. 440-942-5130. Ask for Mark. My name's Chad btw. Peace.

 

I have been to Petric's - and he does know audi's but my experience has been that it usually takes 2 or 3 visits for him to get it right unless its a simple bolt on and bolt off fix. Thanks for the tip

I didnt understand your other remarks

 

lol, the other remarks are movie quotes. it's part of my 'signature' on the site. the first 3 are from Napoleon Dynamite. the other from office space................cool, so you've been to petric's. I've had good experiences with him. god luck anyhow. peace