Jim. Thanks writing that up. Yes. Very helpful especially comments on EGT.

The new bushing looks the same as the one it replaced. The VW Mk 4 2.0
OEM type part I had in hand is longer.

Bumping the muffler killed the bushing but I see more clearly now that
it would have failed soon enough.

My goal, in part, was to help others; I wanted to use OEM downpipe
bushing. But keeping that portion of downpipe unmolested wasn't
possible w/o cutting and welding. Images:  http://tinyurl.com/d7xdgjm
clearance to engine carrier: http://tinyurl.com/k3vtwqv

This (image): http://tinyurl.com/mvmq8xv  could've worked, but
obviously meant cutting-welding. Pipe is currently in that position.
Good intentions in an attempt to help the VW community but misdirected
to some degree.

Given your comments, I now see why VW used a longer bushing.

Neil.

On 2/9/14, Jim Akiba <syncrolist@bostig.com> wrote:
> Here is what I've come to understand about what matters when it comes
> to flex joint longevity:

--
Neil n

Blog: tubaneil.blogspot.ca

'88 Westy http://tinyurl.com/c8rlw6p

'81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"  http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

Vanagon VAG *Gas* inline-VR Engine Swap Group:

http://tinyurl.com/d7gd5ej