muffler for a diesel jetta

You need the muffler made for that car or it won't fit properly under the car itself.

If you put the wrong muffler in it either might not fit and then all the pipes would be the wrong size and it would just rattle around under the car.

The 86 non turbo diesel actually has two mufflers.

I do see that the car needs a resonator and a separate muffler. I have seen where some fellas have used larger mufflers in an attempt to change the sound and improve the horsepower output.

Buddy....the car is an '86 Jetta non-Turbo diesel....it ain't gonna get much better then 55 horsepower....

sacrificing

Your TDI and his "D" are like night and day. The TDI can be upgraded in many respects, and the performance gains are extensive. However, on an '86 Non Turbo Diesel, there isn't much to be gained, and one's reasoning for even wanting to increase the performance of said vehicle is questionable. The Lupo GTI and Polo GTI-TDI use an upgraded exhaust system, so I think that you can find something for your Golf.

- Peter

I have had a hard enough time finding stock exhaust parts!

One problem with anything aftermarket is that the stock exhaust is a small diameter pipe. Another issue is that thing vibrates a LOT, and anything that isn't a perfect fit will rattle apart in short order.