i ran a vr6 with no cat, just a remus at the end, car sounded awesome, and responded great. UNTILLLL the o2 sensor started going off, and burning up. i then put the cat back in. i def, would not take it out again.
straight pipes sound mean as fuck, but its illegal here. the GTI just doesnt have the look of a a big meanie, its more of a stealhy kind of thing, just personally thinking of course..
a CEL wouldnt necessarily appear if he has the bungs welded for the 02 sensors. as long as the car can read the A/F from the 02's no cel should appear.