In defense of S&S I have installed about four of their systems myself
(one on my own Van) and they didn't seem to go on any harder than the
stock pipes.  I have had a few customers have problems installing them,
but I wonder if the problem was caused by the S&S header or if they
were installing them improperly.  One key thing I have found is that
you cannot install these headers and tighten everything up as you go
along.  You need to install everything (including the muffler) with the
system loose and then after everything is installed and is clearing
everything, you tighten it up.  John did have a muffler problem,
however he bought his system from me and I replaced one of his mufflers
for free when it failed shortly after install.

The price difference between S&S and stock:
1.9l Vanagon Stock- $300, S&S- $280
2.1l Vanagon Stock- $450, S&S- $280
2.1l Syncro Vanagon Stock- $525, S&S $280
All the prices above are based on my prices.  Just FYI.

Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
http://www.vanagain.com
Phone: 856-327-4936
Fax: 856-327-2242

----- Original Message -----
From: Jeff Palmer <jpalmer@MTS.NET>
Date: Thursday, November 7, 2002 7:53 pm
Subject: exhaust quality questions

> I need to replace a few exhaust pipes on my 85 Westfalia.  My
> local repair
> shop suggested S+S pipes as a more economical alternative to VW
> parts (half
> the price it turned out).  What choices do i have in terms of
> aftermarketsuppliers, and how do they compare in price and quality?
>
> Thanks
> Jeff
>