I really like the OEM exhaust pipes.  Lasts over 200,000 miles out here and
is quiet too.

For mufflers I'm using the Ernst brand.  Very quiet and strong - last over
twice as long as the cheaper ones so far and still solid.  I don't drive in
salt much.

If you don't have any mechanical experience, especially with using a torch
to help remove stuck steel studs from aluminium alloy heads, have an
experienced Vanagon mechanic do that part of the work - you'll save money in
the long run.  :)

On Mon, May 12, 2008 at 8:53 PM, John Rodgers <inua@charter.net> wrote:

> Hello Todd,
>
> Welcome aboard!
>
> Regards your exhaust system - I like the stock OEM exhaust system. At
> least the exhaust collector parts - headers in the auto world,
> collectors in the aviations world - and there are some aircraft
> mechanics on this list - seem to hold up well. I put 205,000 miles on my
> 85GL and had a single fault - a cracked collector - at 195,000 mi. I now
> have 100,000 on my current 88 GL and no problems.However, I think
> perhaps a stainless steel muffler might be nice. I've been through a
> couple of mufflers on each vehicle.
>
> A few tips......if you don't know already......
>
> 1) The oil filler neck has an extension tube down inside, you can grasp
> it with your thumb and fore finger and pull it out for easier oil
> servicing. Jut push it back in when done, and replace the cap.
>
> 2) unless you know the absolute history of the van first hand -
> ABSOLUTELY DO NOT DRIVE  your van any more until you have replaced all
> the fuel lines and fuel injector stub hoses with new ones. This is a
> first class priority for safety.
>
> These Vanagons are notorious for fuel system related engine fires, and
> it you have one you will lose your vehicle - that is a guarantee. They
> nearly always are caused by a fuels home that fails, spraying fuel all
> over the engine, and when  one relay switch clicks back there and makes
> a spark or there is a spark anywhere back there, your van is GOOOONE!
>
> You did not say what model year your van is, but consider this - the
> newest vans sold in the US were the 1991 models - and they  are now 18
> years (model years begin near the end of the year preceeding the
> calendar year - making the1991 models 18 years of age) You do not want
> to risk driving around on 18 year old fuel injection hoses which are
> high pressure hoses, capable of putting out a LOT of fuel if the hose
> splits.
>
> I'm serious. Don't drive it again until you take care of the fuel hoses
> issue.
>
> You can get hose replacement kits from Ken Wilford at Vanagain. com or
> from Ron Salmon at BusDepot.com I know - because I have dealt with both
> of them. Ron is a little cheaper, Ken is a little faster - pick what
> works for you. It will cost you around $60 or so, but that is cheap
> insurance. BE sure and ask for the injector hoses, seals and clamps  as
> well. There are other list vendors that carry these things as well.
>
> Get this done without delay. Just about a week or so ago, we had a long
> thread here on someone's Vanagon that burned. Sad case.
>
> Finally, while you have the van down for this maintenance, get a helper
> and drain, flush, refill the brake fluid system. You will be amazed at
> how much water and dirt will come out of the system.
>
> Since the clutch and the brake reservoir is the same, it would be a good
> idea to drain and bleed the clutch cylinders as well. This is a bit more
> of an effort, but one well worth doing. For the brake/clutch reservoir,
> use only DOT 4, which has a higher heat rating than the DOT 3.
>
> Check out  http://vanagonwiki.net/index.php/VanagonWiki
>
> There is a page in there that is dedicated to Newbies that will help out
> immensely.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> Regards,
>
> John Rodgers
> 88 GL Driver
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Todd N. Sabin wrote:
>
> > I just acquired my first Vanagon. My girlfriend and I were planning a
> > trip around the country and started investigating appropriate
> > transportation. We considered every option -  truck, conversion van,
> > mini-van (yuck), renting an RV.....etc. But, none of them felt right.
> >
> > My buddy in college had  one and we had some really good times and
> > adventures in it. I never considered it for myself, though. After much
> > research, I fell in love with the idea. Although my girlfriend and I may be
> > breaking-up, I still had to have the Vanagon. So, hear I am.
> >
> > This is my first project car, and I'm not terribly mechanically. But,
> > I'm not too much of an idiot, and after seeing all of the support from the
> > Vanagon community I'm excited about my new hobby.
> >
> > Well, my 1988 Vanagon needs a bit of work. The major, single investment
> > will be in completely replacing the exhaust. I'm torn between price and
> > performance. Any recommendations and advice on purchasing S&S Headers (or
> > other aftermarket) verse an more expensive OEM exhaust?
> >
> > Thanks for your time and hope to contribute to the list serve when I
> > gain some insight on how these things work.
> >
> > Todd
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >  ____________________________________________________________________________________
> > Be a better friend, newshound, and
> > know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.
> > http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
> >
> >
> >
> >

--
Jake
1984 Vanagon GL
1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
Crescent Beach, BC
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
http://subyjake.googlepages.com/mydixiedarlin%27