Date:         Wed, 9 Aug 2000 09:29:26 -0000
Reply-To:     Chuck Roehm <roehm1@midwest.net>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Chuck Roehm <roehm1@midwest.net>
Subject:      Re: Mufflers
Comments: To: pokeswagon@blazenet.net
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Hi Donna,
Frank Condelli, who is a regular contributor to the list, is the exclusive
authorized agent for the Stebro/Vanagon stainless exhaust system.  He
maintains web pages with further information, owner's comments, and even
some nice pictures of the muffler installed on a Vanagon.  One size fits
all for the 2.1 engines, which is what I have.  I think they are working
right now on whatever bracket mods may be necessary for a perfect fit on
the 1.9 engine.  Installation is a snap, really the hardest part of the job
is removing your old muffler, with the possibility of rusty bolts, etc.,
but then you would have to remove your old muffler anyway to replace it
with another OE style.  Basically two 13mm wrenches are all you need.  The
Stebro bolts right up to your CAT just like the OE,  and the brackets and
tailpipe are all welded-on parts of the unit, no separate pieces to mess
with.  I know some on the list think $275 is high, but I disagree.  My
former VW parts supplier (before I found this list) gets $200 for the OE
style muffler, which was lasting 4 years / 40,000 miles for me.  Then add
$20 for a tailpipe, and another $15 or so for a gasket and shipping, and
you are at $235.  The Stebro muffler, for $40 more, has a LIFETIME
guarantee, and will always look good too (no more rusty muffler/tailpipe
peeking out from under the rear valance).   $275 for the Stebro includes
shipping from Canada (where they are made) to anywhere in the continental
US, and the muffler-to-CAT gasket, even stainless bolts for this
connection.  So what's not to like?  Contact Frank for more info or I will
be glad to answer any other questions from an owner's perspective; no,
Frank doesn't pay me anything to say nice things about these mufflers, I
just know a good thing when I see it and I'm anxious to share the good news
with other Vanagon lovers.

Regards,
Chuck Roehm
'86 Westy  '72 914  '76 912E  '87 944

                   ----------
> From: pokeswagon@blazenet.net
> To: Chuck Roehm <roehm1@midwest.net>
> Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Mufflers & Waterpumps
> Date: Sunday, August 06, 2000 4:10 AM
>
>
>
>
> Chuck Roehm wrote:
>
> >  ...Recently I solved the muffler problem for good by installing the
Stebro
> > stainless unit.  A nice looking unit, sounds great, easy to install.
>
> Can you tell us more about this Stebro? Which one did you get? What did
you have to do
> to retro fit it?
>
> Thanks,
> Peace - donna
> '84 Wsety (Pepe)
>