Are we talking air-cooled or water-cooled here?  Are we talking Federal
only, or also California models?

I'd sure be interested in air-cooled, California model stuff.  From what
I've been seeing in the junkyards and in talking to folk, the particular
problems for this group, (me too) are: a)left side exhaust manifold
(cracking is a chronic problem) and b)left side heat exchanger (poor
design results in wear where exchanger meets muffler.)

Locally, someone has developed a left side exhaust manifold (steel, but
I don't think stainless) which seems to sell for $250, which I thought was
pretty steep given the small amount of material involved, and the straight-
forward construction.  I've also seen posts about the need for crossover
pipes.

I have a feeling someone can make a buck making after-market exhaust bits
for Vanagons.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Tom Young               young@sherlock.SIMS.Berkeley.EDU
Lafayette, CA  94549    '81 Vanagon
---------------------------------------------------------------------

On Tue, 26 Nov 1996, Jean (John) Denis P.Eng wrote:

> Gerry,
> Hi, I work with the Stebro Exhausts company and we noticed a little while ago that 
> there do'nt seem to be any good quality and reasonably priced replacement Vanagon 
> mufflers and pipes. We are thinking about tooling up to produce Vanagon systems 
> (manifold pipes & mufflers) in stainless steel. If - there is demand and it makes 
> economic sense for us. 
> 
> What we would like to know from owner/enthusiasts is: how many of you would be 
> interested and what do each of you feel is a reasonable price to pay? If we get enuf 
> enquiries (have had only 4-5 so far) and can make a system for what people feel is a 
> reasonable price - then we will do it.
> 
> Studies in the U.K. have shown that exhaust systems of stainless steel last so much 
> longer than mild or aluminized steel that, in spite of high material costs, after 5 
> years of service, they have ended up costing less than half that of mild steel exhaust 
> systems. Not to mention the lower stress on the environment from continually replacing 
> ordinary steel exhausts.
> 
> Hope that we can do something for you guys and TIA.
> 
> Email comments and responses can be sent to me,
> John Denis P.Eng. at jaeldee@sympatico.ca
> 
>