1979 Federal Bus Exhaust

[jhicken]

Here is the sticker. It does say Catalyst but it doesn't say California.

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Der Kleiner Kampfwagens

[jhicken]

Alright, I have more to add. A better view of the system that I currently have on my Federal bus [not CA legal]

And here is what I believe is a complete California '79 exhaust system.

And here is what the Federal exhaust system looks like.

So if I can use my current heater boxes/manifolds, it looks like I only need the '79 Fed only crossover pipe, the cat and muffler. I believe both the cat and muffler are available new. Also, considering the car has federal, stickers on it, the cat shouldn't need to be CARB approved. Is this correct?
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[Wildthings]

[jhicken]

[jhicken]

Here is what I believe I need to work with the heater boxes pictured above. Is this correct? Is there anything else [besides the muffler and tail pipe]?

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[JaimeH]

Yes. To get your exhaust back to '79 Federal you will need everything shown there. Most everything is available aftermarket except the crossover pipe.

You may need other parts if you're required to have an EGR system in place.
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1978 Transporter 2.0 FI, BA6
Special Thanks to Razor's Customs, Boscawen, NH

[jhicken]

[JaimeH]

Yes. The crossover was '79-83.
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1978 Transporter 2.0 FI, BA6
Special Thanks to Razor's Customs, Boscawen, NH

[jhicken]

Sweet!
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Der Kleiner Kampfwagens

[jhicken]

JimmyH, this EGR filter looks a bit different than what is on your set up above, will it work? I believe the image is for an earlier bus.

https://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=VWC%2D071%2D131%2D617%2DA
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[pittwagen]

Just curious as to how you will incorporate the O2 sensor in your exhaust setup. And in order for that to work, do you still have the CA ECU and wiring harness installed? And is the full throttle micro switch still functional on the throttle valve housing? All required for a proper CA system.

[obieoberstar]

I found some good info on the 1979 exhausts in the green Bentley Repair Manual. Engine section, page 15.

also saw this in the classifieds. looks to be a '79 California exhaust, not 78.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2445420

[jhicken]

[jhicken]

[pittwagen]

If you are absolutely sure that your bus is federal you will not need the O2 sensor. The O2 sensor came with the CA exhaust. The emissions sticker on the inside of the engine lid will say that the vehicle conforms to US federal and California regs if it is a CA bus. That is what my bus indicates. It is definitely a CA bus. When I bought it all the CA parts were intact - exhaust, electronic distributor ECU etc. One of the very last 79's to come into California.

Have you decoded your M plate? That will once and for all determine which set up you need and may be handy if you get into any dispute with the CA testing folks.

[jhicken]

[JaimeH]

I think 027 is M-Code for late bay CA emissions.

Your engine pics show the EGR port on the plenum. That’s Federal only for ‘79.
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1978 Transporter 2.0 FI, BA6
Special Thanks to Razor's Customs, Boscawen, NH

[pittwagen]

Well, first of all the destination is a dead give away - New York. Mine says San Francisco. Second is the 027 M-Code as JimmieH says:

027 Compliance with exhaust emission standards M 157/M 251 California 211-234, USA - California

So lose any thoughts of using the CA exhaust. It is cumbersome, restrictive and contains many parts that are "unobtanium". In addition to the exhaust parts, there are at least 3 unique pieces of left side tin.

I recently removed all the unique left side exhaust parts etc. and went with a left side federal heat exchanger and tin, a 4 into one header with a Hedman collector with an O2 bung and a turbo muffler and tail pipe. So I run the CA computer, harness, O2 sensor and VW electronic distributor. It runs great. I do need to run some Air/Fuel ratio tests just to be sure of what is happening.

And as well, we have not had smog testing here in BC since 2015.

[airschooled]

Buy that van crossover pipe, it has an EGR flange and everything. Instal it, with a muffler, and RUN A PRE-TEST. This will tell you what tuning needs to be done, which parts need inspection, how close you are, AND the most critical piece of the puzzle… It will tell you about the shop. You will be able to get a feeling for their knowledge, work ethic, and desire to work with you on this puzzle.

All of this could be for nothing if you've got architectural issues in the engine, so it's nice to get readings before spending thousands. Make SURE the cat you want is also available before spending money on parts to instal it…

Like I said before, no smog shop in California cares about what pipes you have. All they look for are the components specified on the stickers, nothing else.

Robbie
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[jhicken]