At 01:57 PM 4/28/98 -0700, Robert Lilley wrote:
>Exhaust System:
> I have looked at several HP exhaust systems. I think that the stock
design is the
>best I have seen, so far(I will have a custom exhaust made when I rebuild
my engine).
> The main problem is that the HP exhausts DO NOT allow for the engine
movement and
>will eventually crack, their pipes are thin, and the 4 to 1 collector is
too short.
>
>
>The stock headers are bolted on solid to the engine and the muffler is
bolted solid
>to the body.  Therefore they both DO NOT Move, BUT the engine does move,
thus a problem.
************************************************

Bzzzzzt.  WRONG.  The Muffler is strapped/bolted to the upper portion of
the engine carrier assembly which moves right along with the engine.
Granted, the carrier is bolted to the crossmember which in turn is bolted
(via soft mounts) to the framework, but the strap assembly is bolted to the
portion that connects directly to the engine, not to the crossmember.  In
addition, it's always best to continue using the factory brace bars that
were installed with the original exhaust system to maintain it's rigidity.

The 4 into 1 merge collector of the S&S system is much more than adequate,
in fact far better than the restrictive stock collector of both the 1.9 and
2.1.  Vanagon customers that I have sold the S&S system to in the past
(during my brief 4 1/2 year tenure at Bus Boys) report a distinct increase
in power and mileage with it.  You don't have to be a rocket scientist to
see that the flow characteristics of the S&S system is far superior to that
of the factory system - just look at the better curves and the direction
the tubing takes.  In addition, I have found the construction of the USA
Made S&S system to be much better than comparable Taiwan, Mexican and
Brazilian made systems for it's air-cooled cousins.  However, for someone
who is going to be stump jumping, off-roading or just wants the ultimate in
thick exhaust tubing, then go ahead and make yer own system.  To paraphrase
a hot rodder's question/statement: "How heavy duty do you want to make it?
How much do you want to spend or how much can you afford?"  If you have a
bottomless wallet, go for it.

Do I run a S&S on my Westy?  No, but I will very soon.  With an automatic I
need all the power I can get hauling a small trailer, tables and display
cases to the VW shows.

Jim Thompson
84 Westy 2.1 * 62 Beetle * 90 Fox Wagon
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