Date:         Sat, 28 Feb 1998 19:06:16 -0500
Reply-To:     Don Thompson <kdthomp@NLS.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Don Thompson <kdthomp@NLS.NET>
Subject:      Re: Exhaust systems
Comments: To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Rick Williams wrote:
>
> 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



My local Midas shop charged 300.00 usd toput a universal cat. conv.
into my Eurovan and only offered a 2 year warenty. I asked them about
building a complete exhaust system, cat back, and they said NO.  The
shop in question has a tube bended an does a lot of custom work for
local street rodders.  I jus t recieved a Eurovan parts price list
from Europarts (www.europarts-sd.com) and they list center and rear
mufflers as "TBA". Their cat.con. lists at 439.00.  Has anyone else out
there had any dealings with this company? Their other prices are all
aboud 50% of VW.