snip/
I tried to contact S&S many times but they never reply or call back.
Has anyone else noticed this?
/snip

YES !!!!
I have experienced the worst treatment by S&S that I have ever had dealing
with a supplier and I worked as a material-purchasing agent for an engine
remanufacturer (Deere) for several years.  My experience began one year ago
when I purchased a header system and muffler from S&S.  It arrived 3 weeks
later after four phone calls to find out where it was.  S&S claimed they
had shipped it but it was lost in transit (I know, UPS).  Two weeks later,
I went to install the thing and discovered the 'slip' fit tubing for the
header would not slip into place and slipped into the wrong place and
stuck.  I worked on this thing for two days.  Speaking with S&S was
becoming bi-weekly for me and they knew my name at the phone desk.  Their
engineering dept. indicated I was at fault and told me to apply heat to the
tubing to get it to fit.  Two days later, it would not budge.  After
several more phone calls I returned the item (UPS for the tracking) and
when I got confirmation it was received, phoned them to get a resolve.
They denied ever receiving it even though I have the signature of someone
in the front office and the RGA# they assigned.  No resolution.  I then
used my stock exhaust and bolted on the S&S muffler.  One month later,
noise from my Van was beginning to wake the neighbors and I investigated
only to discover the muffler flange was warped.  I am now out $300 for an
entire system and just wanted to share this experience with the
listees...(anyone want an S&S muffler with one month service and a warped
flange?)

I would NEVER recommend an S&S product to anyone based on my experience
with their quality (very poor) and their customer service (lack of and
rude).  If you are thinking of an S&S system, don't.  Go to Stebro, surely
someone who subscribes to this list understands the perils of some VW
owners, besides his system is stainless and not flash-rust black paint like
the S&S system.
I'm sure someone has had a good experience with this company and perhaps
even their system, I'm not here to lambaste the company just share my
experience in dealing with them.
I would welcome any response from S&S as I still posses all documentation
of this transaction.

Stay cool and quiet.

Jeff Birk
'89 Wolfsburg GL (Road Whale)
'82 MB 240D (Slo Mo)