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Rhinoculips
Samba Member
Joined: August 08, 2005
Posts: 918
Location: Keystone, Colorado
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 Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 7:47 am Post subject: Vanaru Subaru exhaust |
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Anyone with the Vanaru headers wish to chime in on how their headers are holding up? They look bomber and better thought out. Even though they look to hang down lower under the ports, I am willing to deal with it, just as long as they last. I am tired of throwing good money after bad (i.e. Small Car's headers)
So Vanaru header owners please chime in. How do they fit? How do they hold up?
Also on the table is a Stan's header, but I just wish they offered the 'J' pipe that fits their ball joint.
_________________
“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.” - Edward Abbey
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vweggie
Samba Member
Joined: May 01, 2007
Posts: 219
Location: End of the road, Vancouver Island
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Rhinoculips
Samba Member
Joined: August 08, 2005
Posts: 918
Location: Keystone, Colorado
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| Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 8:54 am Post subject: |
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I waited all winter for RMW to develop an exhaust to fit Small Car engine mounts, only to find out last month that they canned that project. I was really bummed. So now I'm shopping for other alternatives.
_________________
“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.” - Edward Abbey
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Lotek
Samba Member
Joined: May 11, 2008
Posts: 126
Location: Los Angeles
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| Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 10:00 pm Post subject: |
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It's my understanding that the Vanaru header is currently unavailable. I'm on the waiting list and will gladly report my experience when I get my hands on one.
I'm currently running an old Small Car header (made by Stan's) that has been welded far too many times.
I'm really looking forward to installing the Vanaru unit. Hans builds top-notch stuff. |
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Wolfphotos
Samba Member
Joined: July 31, 2010
Posts: 117
Location: Toronto Ontario
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| Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 3:50 am Post subject: |
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Had mine installed by Ben last October.
87 Syncro.
Fits great, no longer shiny bright, but holding out just fine- my daily driver throughout the winter.
Wouldn't hesitate to buy again- although will (hopefully) never need to. |
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Jake de Villiers
Samba Member
Joined: October 24, 2007
Posts: 5911
Location: Tsawwassen, BC
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| Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 8:54 am Post subject: |
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| Lotek wrote: |
It's my understanding that the Vanaru header is currently unavailable. I'm on the waiting list and will gladly report my experience when I get my hands on one.
I'm currently running an old Small Car header (made by Stan's) that has been welded far too many times.
I'm really looking forward to installing the Vanaru unit. Hans builds top-notch stuff. |
Is your old Stan's header mild steel or SS? Thanks!
_________________
'84 Vanagon GL 1.9 WBX
'86 Westy Weekender Poptop/2.5 Subaru/5 Speed Posi/Audi Front Brakes/16 x 7 Mercedes Wheels - answers to 'Dixie'
@jakedevilliersmusic1
http://sites.google.com/site/subyjake/mydixiedarlin%27
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
www.thebassspa.com |
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insyncro
Banned
Joined: March 07, 2002
Posts: 15086
Location: New York
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| Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 9:14 am Post subject: |
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| Rhinoculips wrote: |
| I waited all winter for RMW to develop an exhaust to fit Small Car engine mounts, only to find out last month that they canned that project. I was really bummed. So now I'm shopping for other alternatives. |
Do you blame them?
I dont, there mounting system is completely different than SC and doesn't have as many needs when fabing exhaust systems.
I have used both RMW carriers and exhausts.....really good stuff 
I have one of the original Stans headers built for SC in mild steel, still going strong.
Knowing how to install exhaust systems and not putting pressure on them helps with longivity |
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Lotek
Samba Member
Joined: May 11, 2008
Posts: 126
Location: Los Angeles
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| Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 9:27 am Post subject: |
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| Jake de Villiers wrote: |
| Lotek wrote: |
It's my understanding that the Vanaru header is currently unavailable. I'm on the waiting list and will gladly report my experience when I get my hands on one.
I'm currently running an old Small Car header (made by Stan's) that has been welded far too many times.
I'm really looking forward to installing the Vanaru unit. Hans builds top-notch stuff. |
Is your old Stan's header mild steel or SS? Thanks! |
Mine is one of the old mild steel headers. |
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Rhinoculips
Samba Member
Joined: August 08, 2005
Posts: 918
Location: Keystone, Colorado
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| Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 9:35 am Post subject: |
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| insyncro wrote: |
Do you blame them?
I dont, there mounting system is completely different than SC and doesn't have as many needs when fabing exhaust systems.
I have used both RMW carriers and exhausts.....really good stuff
I have one of the original Stans headers built for SC in mild steel, still going strong.
Knowing how to install exhaust systems and not putting pressure on them helps with longivity |
No I don't blame them. It makes sense. I knew they were trying to develope a SC mount friendly and hoped for it. Just bummed that's all.
When it comes to mounting, your right reducing pressure/stress is key. Problem with SC headers is that you can't get around that. The header flanges don't line up well with the studs and you have to pry it on. Thus, stress is there from the get go.
Supposedly Vanaru's headers don't have this problem. They just slide right on to the studs. They are also made with American steel and fabbed right here in the US of A.
So I'm thinking they are the way to go. Just want some confirmation from those already running their headers.
_________________
“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.” - Edward Abbey
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insyncro
Banned
Joined: March 07, 2002
Posts: 15086
Location: New York
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| Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 9:47 am Post subject: |
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Every exhaust system I work on has the mounting holes enlarged and I use quality flange type mounting bolts.
If the parts don't line up, I put them in a large vice, gently heat them and adjust them so they line up properly.
All parts get mounted loosely and tightened slowly from the heads all the way to the tailpipe in 5lbs increaments, lastly torqued and red loctite applied to the exposed threads.
Yup, I'm detailed oriented about exhaust mounting
Just as with brakes....you can slap all new parts together and get OK braking or methodically install each part and have superior stopping power.
Many DIYers have no clue, hense cracked, broken and misaligned parts.
Hang out in any Midas or muffler shop and watch the techs work the parts...not many just bolt right on |
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Jake de Villiers
Samba Member
Joined: October 24, 2007
Posts: 5911
Location: Tsawwassen, BC
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| Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 12:37 pm Post subject: |
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| Rhinoculips wrote: |
| insyncro wrote: |
Do you blame them?
I dont, there mounting system is completely different than SC and doesn't have as many needs when fabing exhaust systems.
I have used both RMW carriers and exhausts.....really good stuff
I have one of the original Stans headers built for SC in mild steel, still going strong.
Knowing how to install exhaust systems and not putting pressure on them helps with longivity |
Supposedly Vanaru's headers don't have this problem. They just slide right on to the studs. They are also made with American steel and fabbed right here in the US of A. |
They are made in Canada with US stainless steel.
_________________
'84 Vanagon GL 1.9 WBX
'86 Westy Weekender Poptop/2.5 Subaru/5 Speed Posi/Audi Front Brakes/16 x 7 Mercedes Wheels - answers to 'Dixie'
@jakedevilliersmusic1
http://sites.google.com/site/subyjake/mydixiedarlin%27
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
www.thebassspa.com |
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insyncro
Banned
Joined: March 07, 2002
Posts: 15086
Location: New York
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| Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 1:41 pm Post subject: |
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| Jake de Villiers wrote: |
| Rhinoculips wrote: |
| insyncro wrote: |
Do you blame them?
I dont, there mounting system is completely different than SC and doesn't have as many needs when fabing exhaust systems.
I have used both RMW carriers and exhausts.....really good stuff
I have one of the original Stans headers built for SC in mild steel, still going strong.
Knowing how to install exhaust systems and not putting pressure on them helps with longivity |
Supposedly Vanaru's headers don't have this problem. They just slide right on to the studs. They are also made with American steel and fabbed right here in the US of A. |
They are made in Canada with US stainless steel. |
Well there you have it and they predrill the holes a size up. |
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GrindGarage
Samba Member
Joined: October 14, 2008
Posts: 710
Location: Ocean City, NJ
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| Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 3:46 pm Post subject: |
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My small car full exhaust has over 15k on it in about 6 months. I did have to pry a little at the heads. I mounted the exhaust in the fashion Dylan does since it seem to be common sense to me. No problems so far except.it is hard to tell its stainless. I give it q oil treatment now and then to slow corrosion.
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-cliff
91 Vanagon AUTO
97 Single Port EJ22 all smallcar.com |
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a914622
Samba Member
Joined: July 29, 2004
Posts: 840
Location: Westend of HWY2 , Wash
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| Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 3:59 pm Post subject: |
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| Lotek wrote: |
| Jake de Villiers wrote: |
| Lotek wrote: |
It's my understanding that the Vanaru header is currently unavailable. I'm on the waiting list and will gladly report my experience when I get my hands on one.
I'm currently running an old Small Car header (made by Stan's) that has been welded far too many times.
I'm really looking forward to installing the Vanaru unit. Hans builds top-notch stuff. |
Is your old Stan's header mild steel or SS? Thanks! |
Mine is one of the old mild steel headers. |
Stan's only made prototypes for SC. From what he told me he made 4 and then SC ran with the design.
Stan's new design has fixed most of the short falls of the first style. It does hang lower and does not fit the syncro skid plate.
I also heard vanarus headers are unavalible right now.
jcl
_________________
87 gl powerd buy 2.5subaru
75 914 getting 2.2t subaru scratch that SVX subaru |
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HeftySmurf
Samba Member
Joined: June 15, 2008
Posts: 879
Location: Washington, USA
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| Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 8:52 pm Post subject: |
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| Rhinoculips wrote: |
| I waited all winter for RMW to develop an exhaust to fit Small Car engine mounts, only to find out last month that they canned that project. I was really bummed. So now I'm shopping for other alternatives. |
Bummer- I have been holding out too....... 
Do they make a skide plate for their engine carrier system?
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-Lorenzo
90 GL w/ Bostig
Last edited by HeftySmurf on Wed May 09, 2012 8:54 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Vunderbus
Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2009
Posts: 18
Location: Bainbridge Island, WA
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| Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 8:53 pm Post subject: |
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I replaced my SC header with a Vanaru header after being sick and tired of welding up cracks. The fit and finish on the Vanaru header was awesome and quite honestly it looks a bit like a work of art when you first pull it out of the box! The welds are beautiful and the quality of the material is far superior than the SC header. Unlike the SC header, the Vanaru header fit perfectly and bolted up easily. I couldn't be happier and have had no issues at all.
_________________
1990 Westfalia Subaru EJ2.5
2002 Eurovan MV Weekender
1997 Eurovan Camper
1980 Westfalia
1973 Baywindow
1970 Baywindow Riviera Camper |
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r39o
Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005
Posts: 9800
Location: San Diego
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| Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 9:02 pm Post subject: |
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My Vanaru header slipped right on.
It has changed color to a dark gray.
I have had it a year now.
I hear no heat crackling from it like some SC headers.
My iteration of the header is close to the SC bell housing.
I posted a picture once before.
I have a SC mount.
Everything lined up just fine with a stock cat and stock muffler (both from Vanagon stock.)
The Vanaru header works just fine and I am happy I did not use my SC one, which I still have laying around.....
_________________
"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
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Mofus
Samba Member
Joined: February 21, 2008
Posts: 369
Location: San Diego
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| Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 10:18 pm Post subject: |
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Can someone tell me the symptoms of a cracked SC header? I have a vibrational noise at certain rpm's I've been chasing for months, and I can't find it. It's making me crazy
_________________
'87 Syncro passenger w/ 2.2L Subaru
'10 Passat Wagon (keeps Mrs. Mofus away from my van) |
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Jake de Villiers
Samba Member
Joined: October 24, 2007
Posts: 5911
Location: Tsawwassen, BC
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| Posted: Thu May 10, 2012 9:01 am Post subject: |
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| Mofus wrote: |
| Can someone tell me the symptoms of a cracked SC header? I have a vibrational noise at certain rpm's I've been chasing for months, and I can't find it. It's making me crazy |
Symptom? Exhaust noise! My header popped the seam where the two branches merge just before making the turn toward the rear of the van.
_________________
'84 Vanagon GL 1.9 WBX
'86 Westy Weekender Poptop/2.5 Subaru/5 Speed Posi/Audi Front Brakes/16 x 7 Mercedes Wheels - answers to 'Dixie'
@jakedevilliersmusic1
http://sites.google.com/site/subyjake/mydixiedarlin%27
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
www.thebassspa.com |
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r39o
Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005
Posts: 9800
Location: San Diego
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| Posted: Thu May 10, 2012 9:18 am Post subject: |
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| Mofus wrote: |
| Can someone tell me the symptoms of a cracked SC header? I have a vibrational noise at certain rpm's I've been chasing for months, and I can't find it. It's making me crazy |
Mike,
I have a noise too. In my case I am certain it is loose baffles in my new muffler. It is a classic noise that I know well. It changes from day to day and from temperature to temperature. Basically the baffle welds fail and there is "just" a little contact and depending on everything it will buzz. Go over a bump and it goes away. One day at the same rpm it happens and the next day at the same rpm not. Phase of the moon thing.
I bought a brand new Ernest muffler for $175 wholesale and it was fine for a few months and then it started. It has happened before on older stock mufflers plenty of times in the past. Quality is poor for lots of parts these days and this is what you get.
In the last weeks I do not notice it so much. Either things have moved / worn or I am becoming deaf to the noise. Now I will have to go and listen....
_________________
"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
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