> looking at BusDepot, they have a $93 euro made OEM and a 
> $141 Ernst German made.  searched old posts and saw one 
> testimonial  in favor of the Ernst ("quieter, heavier"). I'd of 
> course like to save the ~50bones if the benefit is marginal, 
> > but could definitely be talked into springing for it if 
> someone's got data on distinct performance or quietness gains.

The cheaper one we are presently shipping is an Ansa, which is Italian made.
It's a good muffler. The Ernst is a bit heavier, although I'm not sure it's
really any quieter (they're both relatively quiet). To be honest the
difference between the two is a matter of degrees, not day and night.  If
the Ernst were $5 or $10 more I'd definitely say to get it, but at almost
$50 more it's a tougher call. As a retailer I have a vested interest in
telling you to buy the more expensive one, but the truth is I have used
Ansas on my own Vanagons and been quite satisfied. 

- Ron Salmon
  The Bus Depot, Inc.
  www.busdepot.com
  (215)  234-VWVW

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