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simonslp Samba Member
Joined: September 14, 2007 Posts: 138 Location: Victoria, BC
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Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2015 6:02 pm Post subject: |
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Just to beat a dead horse, can we confirm or deny that a Stan's header is a no-go on a syncro? As I understand it the issue is that the header won't fit with the skid plate without modification to the skid plate. Anybody got actual info on this? Just how much modification are we talking?
Some context, pics of the (beautiful!) stan's header from the samba (thanks to the contributors)
And my current setup, with skid plate fitting over (cracked) small car header:
Thanks in advance for any advice and input! _________________ 91 syncro westy w/ 08 suby ej25
& Get-Away hightop |
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ragnarhairybreeks Samba Member
Joined: October 26, 2009 Posts: 1888 Location: Sidney B.C. Canada
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Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2015 6:08 pm Post subject: |
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Please help Simon, I'm sick of welding up his small car headers
Alistair _________________ '86 7 passenger syncro, converted to westy pop top, project still in progress
'82 westy, diesel converted to gas in '94, now gone...
https://shufti.blog/
Old address still works...
http://shufti.wordpress.com |
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mwolf5682 Samba Member
Joined: June 11, 2008 Posts: 58 Location: St. Paul, MN
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Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2015 6:55 pm Post subject: |
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Lets beat that dead horse but good.
I purchased the RMW header and exhaust set up at least 3 years ago. I had to get the heat shield and mount to hold it all on. It has seen serious service in the wastelands of Mpls MN. The raw steel vanagon exhausts would last at best 2-3 years and just be a rusted mess. The Kennedy header lasted several years but it also was a mess.
I was underneath replacing a transmission mount this week, and the header, muffler and ancillary pieces are just a nice tan color. The clamps are the only parts that seem to have corrosion on them. Truly amazing considering the service requirements here in the frozen north.
I would give them nothing but high marks for a great product, that has delivered everything I had hoped for in terms of durability and quality construction. |
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Sodo Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2007 Posts: 9518 Location: Western WA
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Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2015 9:00 am Post subject: |
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Have a Vanaru header, for 4 years now, it looks as good as NEW. I can still read the "VANARU" logo on the header.
My Syncro skidplate is slightly bent so it touched the header and made some ugly sounds. I eventually modified the skid plate. Needed about 1/4" more on the driver side, and had to drop the protector on passenger side. Could have straightened the skidplate I guess, but the bend is barely noticeable, and the modification was easy.
I will post pics installed (after Aug 2015) if anybody requests them.
For this mod you can see with 20/20 hindsight that if the cut was symmetrical it could have been just welded back in.
I flattened it a little & welded it back in. But it could have been much more "satisfying".
_________________
'90 Westy EJ25, 2Peloquins, 3knobs, pressure-oiled GT mainshaft, filtered, cooled gearbox
'87 Tintop w 47k 53k, '12 SmallCar EJ25, cooled filtered gearbox
....KTMs, GasGas, SPOT mtb |
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wiskas Samba Member
Joined: April 14, 2015 Posts: 17 Location: Vegas & Socal
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Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2015 7:56 pm Post subject: |
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From my reading of the archives, it seems Vanaru's headers get consistently good reports. Unfortunately for me, they won't sell headers or other parts anymore. (They're in the full-conversion-only business now.)
The next-most favorably-regarded headers seem to be Stan's headers, preferably with the ceramic coating. But no one with a syncro (and a camera) has been able to confirm it clears the skid plate.
I don't even have a skid plate at the moment, but I don't like the idea that I won't be able to fit one on if I get those headers... I got stuck in the sand last week, so I'm feeling very concerned about clearance at the moment.
So for people who have put them on a syncro: how big of a deal is the clearance/skidplate fitment issue for Stan's headers? Would the modifications that Sodo did to his (Vanaru) setup be the solution for people with Stan's headers?
Thanks! |
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insyncro Banned
Joined: March 07, 2002 Posts: 15086 Location: New York
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Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2015 8:26 pm Post subject: |
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wiskas wrote: |
From my reading of the archives, it seems Vanaru's headers get consistently good reports. Unfortunately for me, they won't sell headers or other parts anymore. (They're in the full-conversion-only business now.)
The next-most favorably-regarded headers seem to be Stan's headers, preferably with the ceramic coating. But no one with a syncro (and a camera) has been able to confirm it clears the skid plate.
I don't even have a skid plate at the moment, but I don't like the idea that I won't be able to fit one on if I get those headers... I got stuck in the sand last week, so I'm feeling very concerned about clearance at the moment.
So for people who have put them on a syncro: how big of a deal is the clearance/skidplate fitment issue for Stan's headers? Would the modifications that Sodo did to his (Vanaru) setup be the solution for people with Stan's headers?
Thanks! |
Call Stan and ask if it is designed to clear the Syncro skidplate |
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wiskas Samba Member
Joined: April 14, 2015 Posts: 17 Location: Vegas & Socal
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Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2015 2:38 am Post subject: |
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insyncro wrote: |
Call Stan and ask if it is designed to clear the Syncro skidplate |
not a bad idea... |
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Jake de Villiers Samba Member
Joined: October 24, 2007 Posts: 5911 Location: Tsawwassen, BC
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Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2015 10:29 am Post subject: |
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wiskas wrote: |
insyncro wrote: |
Call Stan and ask if it is designed to clear the Syncro skidplate |
not a bad idea... |
Last time I called, Stan himself answered the phone! 50th Anniversary in business and he's still taking calls from strangers. _________________ '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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Franklinstower Samba Member
Joined: September 21, 2006 Posts: 1892 Location: PNW
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Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2015 10:52 am Post subject: |
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wiskas wrote: |
insyncro wrote: |
Call Stan and ask if it is designed to clear the Syncro skidplate |
not a bad idea... |
I seriously doubt he has seen enough (or any) Syncro's with Skid Plates installed to be able to answer that question. He design his headers Originally for Small Car some 15+ years ago based on a 2wd Conversion. I think someone from NorthWesty had dropped off his Syncro back when Jeff and I started the Stan's Headers topic 3 or 4 years ago.
I think you would have better luck getting a correct answer by calling Kirk at Northwesty. _________________ '89 Westy - EJ25/22 Frank 4.44 5mt
'75 Miami Blue Sunroof FI Standard Bug |
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insyncro Banned
Joined: March 07, 2002 Posts: 15086 Location: New York
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Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2015 1:36 pm Post subject: |
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I own a Stan's header for an EG33 and it's in a Syncro with the skid.
No clue on the 2.5 as it is so low on my list of engine choices that I haven't kept up with what fits.
I am starring at the newest Small Car header for the 2.5 on a Syncro right now and it fits fine with the skid.
This improved header is about 1000% better than the previous versions.
If I was to mount a 2.5 in a Syncro I would use all SC parts as the other guys miss the boat on mounting the skid.
Where are all the Syncro owners with Stan's headers??? |
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FrankenSubySyncro Samba Member
Joined: May 03, 2007 Posts: 638 Location: Vancouver, WA.
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wiskas Samba Member
Joined: April 14, 2015 Posts: 17 Location: Vegas & Socal
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physast Samba Member
Joined: December 30, 2005 Posts: 675 Location: DC
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Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2015 8:13 am Post subject: |
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I have an older SC header that came with my conversion (around 2007). There is a hole at one of the welds. Other than that the header is in great shape to be so old. This must be a GEN1 header.
I was going to take it off and weld the hole, but my awesome wife purchased a new SS header from SC for me. It looks like it's built very well and installed with no issues. Only time will tell.
insights:
- exhaust noise is way down! Not just because of the hole, this must be an effect with the 321 SS
- came with a brace installed likely to keep things straight.
I plan on doing the TK peanut oil treatment.
I plan to wire wheel and weld up the old header and keep it around for a while just incase. _________________ 1967 L633 VW beetle (currently being restored...slowly)
1991 Orly Blue Vanaru 2.5L |
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AKWesty Samba Member
Joined: April 12, 2014 Posts: 680 Location: Haines, Alaska
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Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2016 4:17 pm Post subject: Re: Subaru Exhaust headers - Recommendations? |
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I am in the middle of deciding whether to weld up my cracked small car header or replace it. Is the Vanaru header still the samba favorite for a small car replacement? _________________ 84' Westy 2wd
EJ22 - 4spd - Peloquin TBD
GW +1.5 Springs
215/70-16's
www.CatchTheKraken.com
"Never go to Alaska as a young man because you'll never be satisfied with any other place as long as you live." -John Muir |
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Sodo Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2007 Posts: 9518 Location: Western WA
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Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2016 5:02 pm Post subject: Re: Subaru Exhaust headers - Recommendations? |
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I think....I read somewhere....that vanaru is no longer selling headers, only supplying headers with their conversion kits. Maybe ask SmallCar for a written 3 year warranty? If you can get 3 years I think they might go the distance. _________________
'90 Westy EJ25, 2Peloquins, 3knobs, pressure-oiled GT mainshaft, filtered, cooled gearbox
'87 Tintop w 47k 53k, '12 SmallCar EJ25, cooled filtered gearbox
....KTMs, GasGas, SPOT mtb |
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D Clymer Samba Member
Joined: December 22, 2005 Posts: 2978 Location: Issaquah, WA
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Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2016 6:22 pm Post subject: Re: Subaru Exhaust headers - Recommendations? |
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From what I've heard, the latest version from Smallcar is much better quality and I haven't yet heard of one cracking. But since they are out if them, why not get one from Stan's? It's in the same price range, it's compatible with the Smallcar mount system, and it's very nicely made. I don't think you can go wrong with the Stan's unit.
OTOH, you could probably just weld yours up and buy some time until Smallcar has theirs back in stock.
Dave |
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Synkraut Samba Member
Joined: July 29, 2014 Posts: 16 Location: Germany
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Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2016 1:17 pm Post subject: Re: Subaru Exhaust headers - Recommendations? |
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We have quite a large Vanagon/T3 communitity over here in Germany but not that many actually do Subaru conversions, probably because the Subaru is not a common car over here and other VW engines are available everywhere.
Nevertherless, there are a few dedicated specialists here also and since I am set to do an EJ22 conversion on my '91 syncro doka (have all the parts ready) I think you guys could be interested in the exhaust headers from LMB Technik I will be using. They have an excellent reputation over here. They do a stainless 4 in 1 (equal tube length) manifold (and cat J-tube). I'll be posting some images of the conversion. For a first impression, check out their product PDF:
http://lmb-technik.de/produkte/LMB_Hochleistungs_Abgasanlage_T3.pdf
They also do shortened oil sump, adapter plates, engine support and exhaust brackets but because they have designed the exhaust headers for maximum (syncro) ground clearance, they do point out that their headers are not compatible with some of the popular (US) conversion oil sumps/engine mounts.
My first impression was: excellent quality and perfect fit, more to come
Cheers, André _________________ '89 Caravelle GL 14" Syncro 2.1 MV
'91 Doka 14" Syncro 2.1 MV
'97 T4 Caravelle Syncro 2.5 LPG Conversion
'07 Audi A6 Avant 2.7 TDI |
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syncrodoka Samba Member
Joined: December 27, 2005 Posts: 11998 Location: Santa Cruz, CA
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Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2016 2:32 pm Post subject: Re: Subaru Exhaust headers - Recommendations? |
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Gorgeous header!
The obvious issue with a syncro would be that it looks like it will hit the skid plate that protects the engine. |
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Synkraut Samba Member
Joined: July 29, 2014 Posts: 16 Location: Germany
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Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2016 4:19 pm Post subject: Re: Subaru Exhaust headers - Recommendations? |
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I will keep you informed if it fits under the syncro bashplate. But to be honest, I find it quite easy to adapt the bashplate with a little welding. I have had to deal with the wonderful "boxershop" exhaust system on my mv engine. That would not work with the bashplates either. Modifications are part of the syncro hobby. That's why we love it _________________ '89 Caravelle GL 14" Syncro 2.1 MV
'91 Doka 14" Syncro 2.1 MV
'97 T4 Caravelle Syncro 2.5 LPG Conversion
'07 Audi A6 Avant 2.7 TDI |
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Jake de Villiers Samba Member
Joined: October 24, 2007 Posts: 5911 Location: Tsawwassen, BC
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Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2016 9:48 am Post subject: Re: Subaru Exhaust headers - Recommendations? |
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Synkraut wrote: |
They do a stainless 4 in 1 (equal tube length) manifold (and cat J-tube). I'll be posting some images of the conversion. For a first impression, check out their product PDF:
http://lmb-technik.de/produkte/LMB_Hochleistungs_Abgasanlage_T3.pdf
They also do shortened oil sump, adapter plates, engine support and exhaust brackets but because they have designed the exhaust headers for maximum (syncro) ground clearance, they do point out that their headers are not compatible with some of the popular (US) conversion oil sumps/engine mounts.
My first impression was: excellent quality and perfect fit, more to come
Cheers, André |
That link's not working for me... _________________ '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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