Date: Thu, 26 Dec 2002 09:45:46 -0500
Reply-To: Kenneth Wilford <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Kenneth Wilford <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Exhaust Question: Stock, S&S, or Sebro?
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
It all depends on how much you have to spend and how long you are going
to keep your van.
S&S Header system- $300 (does not include cat- $99)
Stock 2wd Exhaust system- $450 Stock Syncro Exhaust system- $600(does
not include muffler carriers, catalytic convertor, or muffler straps)
The S&S Header system promises a performance increase (I have no data
to back this up but it is a less restrictive system with a "turbo"
muffler. I had one of these systems installed on my '91 Carat Vanagon
for over two years. Although it looked very rusty I recently had to
remove it and it came off quite easily. It was still in good shape.
The stock system is made by JP Group (the same supplier that VW uses).
These are the same pipes you would get if you went to the dealer. The
dealer is going to want around $900 for these parts. Why support the
dealer (someone who could care less about you or your van) when you
could support your friendly neighborhood Vanagon specialist like myself
and get the system for half of dealer pricing? <<insert long pause
with only the sound of crickets for a reply>>
Some people go with the S&S system because they are getting ready to
sell the van. Perhaps money is tight and they need to go with the
cheapest available. Perhaps they are trying to squeeze every available
horsepower they can out of the waterboxer. Maybe they have a syncro
and the S&S system is half the price of stock. These are some of the
reasons that people will go with the S&S system.
If you have the money, you are going to keep the van for several years,
and you want the stock level of engine noise, then you should probably
go with the stock system. I have had no evidence that the stock system
lasts any longer than the S&S system. My own experience installing
them and using them on my own vans does not support this theory. Just
FYI.
Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
http://www.vanagain.com
Phone: 856-327-4936
Fax: 856-327-2242
----- Original Message -----
From: Jason Denton <jasondenton@ATTBI.COM>
Date: Wednesday, December 25, 2002 10:23 am
Subject: Exhaust Question: Stock, S&S, or Sebro?
> I looked through the archives and found mixed feelings on the
> header vs stock
> exhaust systems. I am replacing the rusty exhuast system on my 90
> Westy and a
> bit taken back by the cost of replacing all the pipes.
>
> Has anyone had good or bad experiences with the other options for
> exhaustsystems....S&S headers, Sebro stainless steel, or stock? I
> am leaning toward
> something that will not rust up here in the North. Thanks very much.
>
> Merry Christmas.
>
> Jason D.
> 90 Westy
>