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Date:         Tue, 20 Jun 2000 22:17:32 -0400
Reply-To:     Wolfvan88@aol.com
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Lilley <Wolfvan88@aol.com>
Subject:      Mufflers, Mufflers, Mufflers...
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There are may options for mufflers for the vanagon. When looking for a replacement, there are several considerations:

ease of fit cost performance: increase/decrease/no change sound: factory quiet/loud/ear deafening type of material: steel/aluminuized/ stainless steel warranty: 1 year to lifetime.

When I was looking for my muffler, I did not want the stock replacement due to the restrictive baffling inside. This slows the exhaust from getting out quicker, increasing the head temps at the exhaust ports, But it keeps the exhaust quiet.

I did not want (AND my wife did not want) a loud muffler. I have a 73 with a customized 914 system with a turbo muffler that is loud inside the Bus. BUT, I wanted to have a better sounding exhaust tone.

I also did not want to spend a lot of money on a muffler.

I like the "Life time warranty". I keep my VWs a long time.

My search led me to a "Dynomax Surpo Turbo" muffler.

The cost is $55.95

http://www.a-1performance.com/super_turbo/mufflers/super_turbo_mufflers_page2.htm

The model number is 17783. It has a long 18" tube to keep it quiet, but is turbo style for better breathing.

It is 6" round which is slightly larger than the stock muffler. It fit in the stock location with only needing to bend the support arms down about an inch or so, to fit in he stock location. If your stock straps are ok, a longer bolt would be needed to clamp it down.

You can make some straps with muffler strap and a 8 mm stud.

It comes with a two bolt flange that needs to be changed to a three bolt flange to bolt to the cat ($5).

Use the VW cat to muffler steel gasket @$10, not the one that comes with the kit (you would have to get one any way...).

For the tail pipe, I found a 2" 45 degree angle muffler tail pipe (@$3) exits the exhaust to the side behind the right rear tire. You could have it bent to exit similar to the stock.

I added a Monza single ($29) to change the tone of the exhaust.

There is no welding needed, but I had the flange to the cat side welded to the pipe because it was free when I had some machine work done at the shop.

The sound from the exhaust inside the van is quiet. From outside it is quiet also, but step on the gas and the sound is not loud either... You notice the tone but it does not affect hearing inside. Crusing at 80 mph it is not loud.

The muffler increases the performance but not at the expense of sound. There are mufflers that are flow through, will give a bit more top end, but you suffer in a much louder sound.

The total cost @$100.

I have some sound bites form the exhaust for anyone that wants it.

I have pictures of the installed muffler and parts list that I used.

The Strebo muffler was not avalible, but for me is a little pricy.

Robert


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