Emissions equipment by year

I know I'm new, but I looked at the newbie thread and did a couple searches...

When it comes to California cars, manual Jetta's in particular, what years had what emissions equipment? I'm looking to spend $5,000, I'd like to go old enough to avoid EGR and catalytic converters if at all possible. And pre-98 means I wouldn't need to get it emissions tested as far as I know.

What are my options?

Thanks.

All TDIs sold in the US have a cat. All TDIs have an EGR. 1997 and later have a water cooled EGR. California spec TDIs are the same as Federal spec ones.

-Jason