Date:         Wed, 21 May 2003 09:29:37 -0400
Reply-To:     Matt Sutton <msutts@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Matt Sutton <msutts@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      Stock v.s. S&S exhaust?
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Hi folks,
    Been off list for a while, but need to research some options for exhaust
systems in my 88 GL.
    I've got 115k on this engine, which has just got through some major FI
repairs. The mechanic (Bagwin Bros in Queens NYC: very thorough, very
expensive) said the exhaust system has some leaks, and the cat's the next to
go. I'm trying to decide between spot repairing the stock system (replacing
individual pieces, renewing all gaskets), and going to an S&S system.
    I'd love to hear any reports about the S&S(performance, longevity,
installation). Also, there's the question of cost, too: if I do it myself it
will be urban curbside work- if I go to a shop I imagine the labor will be
at least equal to the parts.
    Another issue: I assume that either stock or aftermarket systems will be
incompatible with any conversion that may happen down the line (I4, Subaru).
Not sure how much life left on this engine- the prolonged FI problems really
put the fear on me; it's fine now but I worry that I may have done some
damage.
TIA
Matt Sutton