Rich,
instead of going with the stock muffler, have you considered a high
flow muffler?  After reading about Goldibox and especially Robert
Lilley's van, I've been considering a Dynaflow Super Turbo muffler.

http://home.earthlink.net/~tjhannink/drivetrain.htm

here's info on Robert's modifications:
http://www.vanagonauts.com/Recipe_for_Performance110.htm

I'm holding back because I am not sure that I have found the right
part number.  Here's some examples at Jeg's High Performance
http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=1274&prmenbr=361

They don't list the part number that is on Tom's site.
Dynomax Super Turbo Muffler (Part # 17783)

Robert also put a Monza exhaust tip resonator on.  Again, I don't know
the part number.
http://www.pacesetterexhaust.com/tips.htm

if you go this route, let me know what parts you get.

If anyone else reading this has installed a high-flow muffler, I would
be curious as to what their experience was.

I'm looking for improved performance and sound.  I've got to take my
exhaust system off anyway to fix the bracket and maybe change some
gaskets.  I just had it off last month, so it'll be easy to get the
screws off.

-- Craig

On Tue, 14 Sep 2004 16:55:27 -0700, Rich Pournelle <rich@xcor.com> wrote:
> I have an 87' Vanagon Westfalia and the exhaust pipes are looking pretty
> rusty. I just got done with a cross-country drive and you can hear there is
> some sort of exhaust leak. I think it is probably time for new pipes & a
> muffler. One option is to buy the complete kit for $469 and have it installed.
>
> http://www.busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=025251053GK
>
> Is this the best route to go or can I get a shop to bend exhaust pipes to
> spec for me? My guess is this would save some money, I wanted to see if
> anyone had gone down this route.
>
> Rich
>