42 Draft Designs 1.8T 3" turbo-back exhaust systems combine their 3" downpipes and their 3" cat-backs for a perfect fit from turbo to tailpipe. Thanks to the modular construction of their downpipes, these turbo-back exhaust systems allow the user to switch between street (with catalytic converter) and race (without) series at any time.

Though the construction of 42's downpipes and cat-backs remain the same, we can discuss one feature unique to the 1.8T 3" turbo-back systems - power gains. In extensive testing they were able to dyno test a 'typical' mk4 and measure the changes. They used a relatively stock 2002 GTI 337 edition. The car was chipped, had a cold air intake, and an aftermarket diverter valve. No other engine modifications were made to the car. Equipped with stock exhaust, they drove the car thoroughly and dyno tested it. The stock exhaust was swapped out for ther 3" turbo-back system and the car was driven to adapt then dyno tested again. With weather conditions literally exactly the same, they measured peak gains of 22.5 hp and 48 lb/ft to the wheels! Power gains were felt all over. Boost was built faster and held out longer with the stock turbocharger. No power losses were felt at any point in the powerband.

42's attention to detail shows up in the construction, fitment, and installation of their 3" turbo-backs. Ther flanges are CNC machined in-house from 1018 cold roll steel. Adjustable flanges are used where appropriate to allow each piece 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 they include two stainless steel 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 the hardware needed for installation is included - gaskets, two lengths of bolts, washers, and locknuts. 42 includes mechanical locknuts to assure your system never vibrates loose.

The sound of their systems has been imitated since the first clips hit the internet. The sound is described 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. 42 tested various resonator and muffler conbinations before finding the perfect balance of power and sound.