Most likely if the exhaust broke off at the cat or J-pipe the real problem
is that the bracket set was missing or incomplete. Any reasonable inspection
attempt should have made that an issue before your trip.

Needing a catalyst you are not likely to get a full exhaust in that price
range and again you will need to get the brackets and strap somewhere. Also,
depending on where you live you may need to get the CARB approved Cat.

AFAIK the only stainless exhausts are for the 2.1L. They can be easily
fitted to the 1.9L. For the muffler brackets getting the rear engine bracket
from the 2.1L will let you use the latter exhaust which is a much better
mounting. The only other challenge for the 2.1 exhaust on the 1.9 is
clearance at the thermostat housing. Minor grinding or a well-placed dent on
the rear pipe should take care of that. Be careful getting the exhaust off
the heads. You wouldn't be the first to have to have the studs or bolts
drilled out or the heads removed to do the same.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
jed batchelder
Sent: Tuesday, August 2, 2016 7:55 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: exhaust

i have a 1983 1.9l  that i took on vacation this week and low and behold my
exhaust system rusted all the way thru snapping off the tail pipe to the
engine.  i have been looking for a new exhaust system so i have two
questions.... 1.  do i go with stainless steel or the original and 2 does
anyone know where to get the full set for less than 700 i have not had luck
finding a whole set with the catalytic converter for under?