My mufflers are getting tired after 117k miles on the ol' 20020v. I will eventually get around
to replacing the whole down-pipe back system with a Random Tech 3" cat to a 3" catback. I'm not sure whether or not I will use muffler(s).

To help in that decision, I'm thinking of experimenting with a shortened version of the current unit. I would simply remove the mufflers by pulling them from the bolted sleeve prior to the center resonator. See the pics at:
http://www.clarity.net/~paul/audi/stebro/
Driving around without the mufflers would give me an idea of what a straight pipe catback
would sound like, albeit a bit louder given it's exit just aft of my ears!

For now my question is whether or not this arrangement might pose a fire hazard?<ul><li><a href="http://www.clarity.net/~paul/audi/stebro/">exhaust pics</a></li></ul>