I've had a smelly exhaust for a few weeks. I havent had time to take it to the shop until today, when they said there are holes in the exhaust - due to rust/corrosion. The exhaust system from the cat back will have to be replaced. I figure I might as well go with the Borla, I like the sound of that. By the way, I have a 99 1.8T quattro (tiptronic). For those who have Borlas, are you happy with it? Is it really loud? Or not too bad?

does it smell like eggs?

More like carbon monoxide I think.

Carbon monoxcide is the silent, oderless killer.

Either way, sounds like a good reason to mod. Now, maybe if I break my shifter, my dad will let me buy a short shifter?

Thats true, I suppose then it does smell like rotten eggs.

Rotten eggs is often caused by either high sulfur gasoline, or contamination of the cat. Try changing to a better gasoline such as Shell rather than generic. If you still get the smell, Pepboys used to see something that you added to a tank of gas to get rid of the smell. You can give those both a try. changing the exhaust wont fix the problem.

Also, when the car hasnt been driven in a few hours, and I start it up, I see blue smoke pouring out for about 20 seconds or so. It dosent do it every time. There is no CEL. Maybe I'm burning oil?

leaky valve, when was the last time your timing belt was done?

It was replaced at 60K miles