maxh156

Hi,

This is my first post on here, I hope someone can help.

I've owned a 2002 S8 since November last year and apart from needing a service, a replacement headlight washer, a bit of brake adjustment and some general TLC it was in great shape.

However, a while later the engine management light came on and after some investigation it turns out the guy I'd bought it from had cut out the cats, reset the resulting fault codes and neglected to tell me about it. I suppose it's my own fault for not checking that they were fitted, but there was no reason to suspect that they were missing at the time of purchase.

I can't pass an MOT without the cats as the CO emissions are slightly too high (around 0.65% vol on the fast idle test, although it does just pass the natural idle at 0.49%) and I'm having an incredibly hard time finding direct replacements. Audi want around £1600 and a three month wait for them on top of fitting and shipping costs, which just isn't worth it as the car itself was only £3000. I've tried all the breakers I can find for used cats with no luck, one did quote me £369 for both sides including shipping and VAT (which seems very reasonable) but, upon checking they realised that they had already been sold. I also understand that pattern part cats were never made for this model.

I have seen a lot of cats around for the 4.2 A8 and some of the earlier S8 models so my question is, does anyone know whether it would be possible to fit any of these cats to the 2002 S8? I know that they have different part numbers and some even look slightly different, but they don't seem too far off.

If this is not possible, do any of you have further advice on where to look for replacements or alternatives? Maybe specialist breakers/somewhere abroad? I've had a look on German eBay, but haven't had much luck there either.


Thanks in advance

Max

TerminA8r

You could use a spacer to pass emission test.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2X-O2-OXYGEN-SENSOR-ANGLED-EXTENDER-EXTENSION-SPACER-M18x-1-5-90-DEGREE-02-BUNG-/261583018439?pt=Race_Car_Parts&hash=item3ce79019c7&vxp=mtr

twentysevenlitres

A8parts (.co.uk) may be able to help you, otherwise just take it to an exhaust place and have them weld in a couple of stock cats with the correct pipe diameter. A lot cheaper than Audi ones which come as a complete pipe from the manifold flange through to the main muffler.
Otherwise A8 or earlier S8 ones are probably fine - A8 will probably have a smaller pipe diameter (or may not) and anything pre-facelift (earlier than '99) probably doesn't have the secondary O2 sensors.

If fitting aftermarket Cats, you could take advantage of fitting 100 cell cats (factory are 200 cell (per Sq in) I think)

maxh156

Thank you, that's really helpful. I've found an original O/S cat quite cheap and had it shipped over from Germany, think I will see if I can pick up a N/S one from an older S8 or A8 as they aren't too expensive. If not I will definitely give the local exhaust place a call and see what they can do.

Thanks again

Max

2001 S8

Sounds like you (maxh156) have found replacement catalytic converters, but for any future searchers that run across this tread in need of catalytic converters, check out JEGS. Their prices seem reasonable and they have universal or direct fit options. A link to their catalytic converters page is below.

JEGS D2 Catalytic Converters

Good luck.