I'll confirm S&S claim concerning the HPC headers. I have had the coated headers on for 8 months/10,000 miles and they are holding up extremely well, no rust or burn spots. I didn't opt for the muffler though, I received it and wasn't happy with the fit or mounting arrangement. I put my stock muffler back on for a couple of months before I installed the Dynomax Super Turbo muffler. Installing a stock stainless muffer with the HPC headers would provide the quietest and longest lasting system in my opinion.

Tim Hannink
Goldibox - 1987 Vanagon Camper, Wolfsburg Edition
Winter Park, Florida
http://home.earthlink.net/~tjhannink/
http://photos.yahoo.com/tjhannink Vanagon Album

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of The Bus Depot
Sent: Monday, February 25, 2002 7:27 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Replacement Exhaust - Need Recommendations

<SNIP>

The third option is the same S&S system, but specially treated with special
ceramic coating that is often used on high-performance sports/racing
exhausts. This is a 5th generation HPC ceramic coating, originally developed
for aircraft, which S&S claims both prevents rust and holds in heat.  I
cannot personally confirm S&S's claim, as it is a new item.  This coating
does add significantly to the cost of the exhaust system: $523. But this
difference could certainly be justified _if_ indeed the system really does
last dramatically longer.

Tim Hannink
Goldibox - 1987 Vanagon Camper, Wolfsburg Edition
Winter Park, Florida
http://home.earthlink.net/~tjhannink/

Tim Hannink
Goldibox - 1987 Vanagon Camper, Wolfsburg Edition
Winter Park, Florida
http://home.earthlink.net/~tjhannink/

Tim Hannink
Goldibox - 1987 Vanagon Camper, Wolfsburg Edition
Winter Park, Florida
http://home.earthlink.net/~tjhannink/

--

Tim Hannink
Goldibox - 1987 Vanagon Camper, Wolfsburg Edition
Winter Park, Florida
http://home.earthlink.net/~tjhannink/