Date:         Sat, 28 Feb 1998 08:54:54 -0800
Reply-To:     Rick Williams <ve7asr@ISLANDNET.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Rick Williams <ve7asr@ISLANDNET.COM>
Subject:      Exhaust systems
Comments: To: Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Well here goes -- another can of worms to open.

I have a '93 Westfalia with a still intack exhaust system.  However, I'll be
surprised if it makes through the next year without a major failure.  Lately
there have been some stories about aftermarket exhaust systems but I'm
curious.

The local Midas shop will build a sytem up for about $500 ($350 US) and give
me a "lifetime warranty.  The local VW shop says they'll give me the same
system I have now for $800 ($550 US) and when it rusts out come back with
another $800 and they'll replace it.

Has anyone had any experience with after market exhaust systems on the
Eurovan/5 cyl combination?  Has there been any noticeable change in
performance?  I know in the '70s the headers I put on my 1300 gave me better
power AND lasted a lot longer than the VW rust collector that held 4 chorme
pipes.

I like the warranty on the Midas system BUT if aftermarket stuff degrades
performance I don't want it!  I'm operating an aftermarket system on my '87
Mazda and so far they've replaced it twice at no charge and no noticeable
degradation in performance.

Comments appreciated - thanks.

Rick