Date: Tue, 28 May 2002 10:38:19 -0400
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: Exaust Systems
In-Reply-To: <000601c205f5$641417c0$0a01a8c0@uwithinkpad>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
> There is just no end to the stuff that I want to fix on my Westy. The
> exhaust system is horrible. Apparently, a PO was in Mexico, suffered
> problems, and had a mechanic bastardize the system any way he could.
> I'd like to consider replacing the whole system. I'd like to go high
> quality and original parts if at all possible.
>
> I currently have no catalytic converter. Can I add one now? Should I?
> I'd like to be environmentally responsible if at all possible.
>
> Can I do this myself? I don't have a welding torch. I'm pretty good
> with problem solving and tools but I'm new to working on vehicles. I
> have a brother-in-law who's a mechanic that I might be able to get to
> help if I need him.
There are two OEM style exhaust systems that will fit on your van. One is
the stock '79-83 setup, a diagram of which you can see at
http://www.busdepot.com/partsimages/exhaust28083.JPG . The other is the
setup that was used from '72-74 in North America (and from '72-83 in much of
the rest of the world), which you can see at
http://www.busdepot.com/partsimages/7274exh.JPG .
Obviously, the former is much more complicated than the latter, and as a
result more expensive. It is also the only one that will accept a catalytic
converter (which is legally required for your year). The cost of this
complete setup, including the CAT, is $379.95 through me. (This includes
everything pictured, but not the heat exchangers, which are around $200 each
if you need them.)
Many people opt to put the '72-74 setup on their aircooled Vanagons instead,
eliminating the cat converter, just as your previous owner did. This is a
direct bolt-on swap, and saves a lot of money. The cost of that system is
$189.95 complete (again, excluding heat exchangers), so it's half the price.
And it's also longer lasting, as it includes a stainless steel bodied
muffler.
Both of these options assume a stock, OEM style system. You could also buy
a extractor or header system that is designed to fit a '72-74 bus (none of
which will accept a cat converter). While we do sell some of these systems,
personally I am not a big fan of them. Compared to the $189 stainless-bodied
system, these aftermarket systems are generally much thinner gauge metal and
will not last even a fraction as long - even the best of them. The worst of
them are well under $100 but tend to either rust or develop seam leaks in as
soon as a year. The performance advantage of a header system are in my
opinion minimal, and more than offset by the reduced lifespan of the system.
Of course, others may have a different viewpoint., But personally I am more
than willing to accept that my Vanagon is a big barn on wheels that will
never be a performance vehicle, and I would rather spend my money on the
most reliable parts than try to eek a fractional improvement in performance
out of what will always be a liesurely vehicle. Just my opinion.
With regard to doing it yourself, it's many people do, but it's not a
particularly fun job. You're likely to run up against your share of frozen
or rusted bolts, flanges that don't completely line up on the first try,
etc. The latter is particularly the case with aftermarket systems; as a rule
OEM type systems are a slightly easier fit. It is also likely to be more of
an issue if you are re-using some old parts, as they will have bent and
tweaked over the years, making it more difficult to bolt them to the new
parts. Allow yourself plenty of time, mostly to get the old parts off. And
try saturating the bolts with penetrating oil a while before you start.
- Ron Salmon
The Bus Depot, Inc.
(215) 234-VWVW
www.busdepot.com
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