Cats and bad rings

[VW Nut <scirocco@speed-racer.com>]

Hi Folks,

Sorry about that empty message yesterday. My mailer SUX.
Didn't mean to offend you OneFastVW! O.k. I'll try this again,

I know its a well known fact that the stock 16v downpipe and cat
isn't the strongest, but how long have they lasted for you
folks that have had them fail.. Just want to know if I
should be expecting such a surprise soon. 

Now for the sad part..I know proud Scirocco owners wouldn't 
have their car burning oil but has anyone ruined their cat by 
burning oil into it. You see, previous owner blew the engine (timing
belt) 4 years ago. Bought the car for a song. New head but I didn't 
have the $$$ to rebuild the bottom end and now I know the piston 
rings that are not sealing the best according to a leakdown. Not
my doing - I change the oil every 3k. Previous owner was a dork! 
I know the rings need replacing but I'm biding my time until I 
graduate, get a job and can afford a new engine. 
SOOOO, will burning quite a bit of oil (say 1 litre on 1000km
highway runs at 5000 rpm) kill my cat. I'd keep the rev's down
but you know that close-ratio 5th! The funny thing is the car
doesn't smoke (blue) at the back as a friend verified driving
behind me. If I kill it I guess I'll put in a cheapo downpipe
and straight pipe until I fix the engine! I'd keep the cat
otherwise. OR someone could sell my their engine for cheap! 
Or install a wide-ratio 5th...

Thanks for any comments, tips, insults for being an
oil-burner, etc...

K.B.
'88 16v
scirocco@speed-racer.com
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