Subaru Exhaust headers - Recommendations?

[syncrodoka]

Maybe this will work better for you- http://lmb-technik.de/produkte.html
The product info opens as a PDF.

[Kombi///M3]

I'm dong a 2.5,suby on my Syncro soon..just wondering about the new small car headers, any of you guys use them? How's the fitness and crack issues?
Thanks gents.
Ogi

[RichBenn]

[0cean]

I've got the small car headers on my 2.2 with no problems. At the time they where the only header to allow you to use a Subaru gears trans.
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[Tristar Eric]

We have tested the SC header under racing conditions on our 2.5, no issues at all. The header still looks nice and shiney too.
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[Kombi///M3]

Thanks gents.. Good feedback then.. I have seen it in person.. Looks great.
I like the idea of its tucked right in there. I'll give it a go.
Cheers.

[timichango]

[RichBenn]

It's just three bolts, springs and nuts connecting jtube and header using the donut gasket. May have seen it on Subaru Vanagon Yahoo group
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[timichango]

[kguarnotta]

Ok...I've read a few different threads on this - this one being the longest. I'm never quite sure if I should start a new thread...or just continue the old 14 page one.

I've got a '86 Syncro with a '94 Subaru EJ22 engine in it. The header had some issues - see pic. I'm told by PO that a KEP conversion kit was used.

I'm trying to find a replacement that will not cause issues with the skid plate. I called SmallCar - they said they are the only ones that sell one that fits around the skid plate, but I'll need to change my engine mount and the whole exhaust system. Seems crazy - $1,800 just for parts (shipping not included).

This thread seems to indicate that Vanaru (Hans) makes the best ones, but he doesn't sell them anymore?

VanCafe makes decent one - not sure if it fits a syncro
Stans are very good - but don't fit a syncro
Kennedy Engineering - not much feedback on their headers?

I know this is an old thread, so hard to know which info is still relevant. Kind of why I was thinking I should start a new thread...Anyone have recent experience with this issue?

Thanks...

_________________
-Kevin
Lincoln, MA

'86 Triple Knob Syncro w/EJ22
'78 Westy
'69 Single Cab
'65 Kombi - EZ-Camper

[connorsvw2]

It looks like you are running the KEP engine mount, which rules out the SC header. I have no experience with this set-up but I'd call Mike Labate at RMW and ask about their very nice SS exhaust system for your configuration, unless others chime in here about this configuration.
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[wesitarz]

Looks like a KEP header. I think RMW header will interfere with the moustache bar that you are using for the skid plate. Cheapest option would be a new KEP header.

[kguarnotta]

Thanks...my research - after trying to contact manufacturers/sellers -

Small Car - crazy replace a ton of parts to the tune of $1,800 just to use their header, which has mixed reviews.

Van Cafe (AKA Rocky Mountain Westy) - tech support replied to me that "Our header system will work with the Kennedy conversion". They didn't acknowledge the fact that I have a syncro, so I'll have to email them again. Also appear to be out of stock

Vanaru - doesn't sell directly anymore, and he doesn't think it will work with my setup.

Stans Headers - he doesn't know. He says if I send him my old header he can make sure it works. He is 3-4 weeks out

Kennedy Engineering Project - They don't know if it will work

I've never had to deal or work with something like this. I'm wondering if I just went with a local muffler shop? Does anyone know one they recommend around Boston? I don't know anything about welding - so no idea how hard these things are to make. Is that unrealistic?
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-Kevin
Lincoln, MA

'86 Triple Knob Syncro w/EJ22
'78 Westy
'69 Single Cab
'65 Kombi - EZ-Camper

[skills@eurocarsplus]

[Howesight]

The Syncro skid bars are mild steel and far easier to modify than an exhaust header. I would suggest buying the KEP header and, to the extent required, (which may be zero extent) modify the skid bars. You can move the bar nearest the passenger side header inward toward the center of the van.

Also, Tom Shiels was selling stainless headers to work with the KEP kit. I found this link:

http://subaruvanagon.com/tom/SS%20Exhaust/Exhaust.htm
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'86 Syncro Westy SVX

[candyman]

I see a stock vanagon mustache bar in that pic. My understanding is KEP header does not work with vanagon mustache bar, unless something has changed? I have KEP setup on my syncro and no way would the mustache bar fit

[pbrown]

FWIW - I have Stan's headers on my 86 Syncro. It's still a work in progress so I don't yet know if the factory skid plate will clear. I think it will. If it doesn't, I'll modify the skid plate to work. I have the Small Car engine mount and the RJES bell housing.
_________________
Patrick Brown

1986 Westy Syncro EJ25
Flickr --> https://flic.kr/s/aHsmQNUXEF

[kguarnotta]

thanks for the tips so far...

I understand custom work would be expensive - but had no idea how hard it is to make an exhaust. (8-9 hours) I was just wondering if I went custom - if I might be better off in the long run. Some sort of expression like "Buy Once, Cry once". I know it wouldn't last forever, but if I have to get a bolt on unit for $500, but need to spend $500 changing other things to get it to fit - maybe I'll just spend the $1,000 on a new custom header. I'll also know it will fit.

I also saw these -

from this company -http://rjes.com/html/exhaust_systems.html

I know nothing about making these, but imagine this is a big part of it, and that looks like a nice piece.

Then again - if I can get a bolt on solution to work - then I'm covered if I have to replace it again (which I'm sure will inevitably happen). Thanks for the insight on that. I may trace down the custom option too - and see If I can find a blt on that doesn't require too much modification.

Tom Shiels - seems like he does really nice work. I read that his were not compatible on syncros on his website - but I'll reach out to him and find out exactly why they are not compatible, and if there is something I can do to address this.

While I continue this research, and listen to all of your tips I'm going to try to get my existing header off.

thanks...
_________________
-Kevin
Lincoln, MA

'86 Triple Knob Syncro w/EJ22
'78 Westy
'69 Single Cab
'65 Kombi - EZ-Camper

[Hammy1]

Outfront motorsports sells the headers and parts for custom exhaust as well as other suby engine parts such as shortened oil pans. They are big into suby powered sand rails.

I’ve had the svx shorty headers on my van for 4 years with no issues..

http://www.outfrontmotorsports.com/primary_tubes.htm

Regards,
Jon

[Hammy1]

Outfront motorsports sells the headers and parts for custom exhaust as well as other suby engine parts such as shortened oil pans, reverse coolant manifolds..... They are big into suby powered sand rails.

I’ve had the svx shorty headers on my van for 4 years with no issues..

http://www.outfrontmotorsports.com/primary_tubes.htm

Regards,
Jon[/quote]