Date:         Mon, 25 Feb 2002 07:26:44 -0500
Reply-To:     The Bus Depot <vanagon@BUSDEPOT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         The Bus Depot <vanagon@BUSDEPOT.COM>
Subject:      Re: Replacement Exhaust - Need Recommendations
In-Reply-To:  <243B41D0.1359C2B1.00B0D2D4@netscape.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

> I need to replace the exhaust on my '85.  I'm looking for a
> balance between reliability, performance and cost.
> Any recommendations?


In terms of a complete exhaust system, there are three options that I am
aware of: a direct OEM replacement, or two versions of the S&S header
system.

We sell a complete OEM replacement system for $285.  This includes all of
the pipes, gaskets, and muffler, but excludes the cat converter, which is
$95 extra (stainless-steel-bodied) if you need it.  This is virtually
identical to what came with your van when new, in quality, fit, and
performance, but at half of the dealer's price.  We also sell all of the
components separately, which means that down the road, if a single piece
fails, you need only replace that piece. This is what the vast majority of
Vanagon owners buy.

The second option (for the same price) is the S&S header system.  The S&S
system will increase performance very slightly, but also is a bit louder
than stock.  Reports from customers have been that it does not fit quite as
easily as stock, and I would also say that it is not as heavy gauge as stock
so it would be likely to last a bit shorter. If you had an '86-up Vanagon,
where the stock system is $446 (or more for a Syncro), the S&S would also
have a cost advantage over the stock system, but on an '83-85 the prices for
stock vs. the S&S are the same.  Without this cost advantage, in my personal
opinion the S&S's advantages do not offset its disadvantages as compared to
the stock system.  But that's a matter of opinion, and I'm sure some would
disagree.

The third option is the same S&S system, but specially treated with special
ceramic coating that is often used on high-performance sports/racing
exhausts. This is a 5th generation HPC ceramic coating, originally developed
for aircraft, which S&S claims both prevents rust and holds in heat.  I
cannot personally confirm S&S's claim, as it is a new item.  This coating
does add significantly to the cost of the exhaust system: $523. But this
difference could certainly be justified _if_ indeed the system really does
last dramatically longer.  Whereas I stock the first two systems, you must
allow 2-3 weeks for the ceramic coated system.

My part numbers are as follows.  Above prices include the Listmember
Discount, which you must request when ordering.
Stock System: 025 251 053EK.    S&S: V70K.   Ceramic coated S&S: V70KC.
Cat converter for any of these: 22918

- Ron Salmon
  The Bus Depot, Inc.
  (215) 234-VWVW
  www.busdepot.com

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