Matt,
I had the S&S system installed on my 1.9 WB a few years ago, the guy at the muffler shop hated me for a few hours but in the end every thing worked out.  He had to cut and re-weld the pipe in one place to make it fit.  Since then the pipes have been off and on for an engine rebuild with no problem.  I painted the pipes with BBQ paint when they were new and repainted them when they were off for the rebuild,  they still look good.  Ceramic coating would be nice but I would make sure the pipes fit first.  I am not sure about a preformance change because the motor needed rebuilt, but I like the sound.
George
'85 Westfalia

>>   I've been looking at the S&S system sold by ken Wilford and others- has
>>anyone been running it and have an opinion about it? I recognize the
>>problems of a one-piece set-up like that, but are the improved performance
>>claims true?