Best Muffler For A Bus

[Traver]

What is the best full flow exhaust system that will bolt on to my '66 Standard with a 1600dp? I prefer the look of the stock exhaust that I have on there now, but I noticed a reduction in power from when I had a header/Empi single quiet pack style muffler on there. The only reason I took that one off is cause it looked ugly. Ideally, I would like to have some sort of full flow system that is not noticeable from the back. (I like to keep my bus looking stock)
Thanks for any suggestions,
-Traver

[OB Bus]

Whatever you do avoid the EMPI quiet packs. Quality is awful. Hardware garbage. Paint abysmal. Just put a Bugpack on and so far much better.

[Traver]

Thanks for the advice, OB Bus. Can I use a standard header and Bugpack muffler and have it clear the apron, the bumper, and the mudflaps (when they flap up from going down the highway)?
The header that was on there before had a wierd downward angle where the muffler connects, to clear the apron and bumper. Any other muffler I tried on that header would point down at about a 45 degree angle. The muffler that was on that header would sit at the correct angle but it had a wierd chrome tip on it that my mudflap would get stuck to when going down the highway.
That is why I went to stock exhaust -- but now I have noticeabley less power than before.

[Erik G]

I have the same problem with that particular header too. I think I'm going to cut off the muffler and weld a supertrapp sideways tucked up and out of the way. http://www.Aircooled.net has a nice "Phat Boy" specifically for the bus, here are some pics of Adrian Pillow's 66 with the fat boy
http://groups.msn.com/FullMoonBusClub/adrianpillowspics.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=319 http://groups.msn.com/FullMoonBusClub/adrianpillowspics.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=320
http://groups.msn.com/FullMoonBusClub/adrianpillowspics.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=321

[Erik G]

I don't know if they are too big for a 1600, I just have a 1500sp in mine, so I really dont think I need anything that big, In fact I think it would probably hurt performance in my bus

[OB Bus]

I have heard that "bug" headers/mufflers are often sold as "bus" ones, with the attendent fit/alignment problems. Mine is a '69 so I don't know if there would be clearance problems or not on your '66. The replacement Bugpack I just put on went well and I did not have to take off the engine carrier. Looking at mine, the mudflaps might hit the pipe, but only if they were pretty "experienced" (i.e. flexible).

[Nate]

I TOTALLY agree with OB Bus about EMPI systems. I would ONLY recommend getting an EMPI header/muffler if:

1. You are performing a study on "Frustration in American garages".
2. Really enjoy COMPLETELY re-engeneering a part you paid good money for.
3. Like to strip and re-paint new stuff just for the heck of it.
4. Have access to a good shrink, cause you'll be talking to invisible people whe the nightmare that is "EMPI exhausts" is over. . . :)

The aircooled.net Phat boys are actually made to fit a bus and NOT just a bug system.

Nate (who, if you couldn't tell, HATES EMPI EXHAUSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
http://www.nateswaterart.com/vw/

[IndianaVWKid]

Dude, My EMPI stinks...I mean, it "looked" good right out of the box! And it would have looked good, if rain, heat, and rocks didn't hit it. Heck, after a day, it was white, and flakey....and then I repainted it about 10 times with Barbique(sp?) grill paint, and that kept it looking ok, but now, it's still nastified....Suckleberry....I hate it! But It's pretty well hidden by the Bumper, and it fits, decent i think...Except it hits the bottom of the bumper in the middle...BUT besides that...Ehh...It's not horrible...But I'd like to try another brand to see the difference. But, I would suggest another brand than EMPI as everyone is saying...Peace!
James
www.geocities.com/indianavwkid

[lenwood]

i run a merged header system on my crew so i bought a ceramic coated tuck away from bugpack. nice sound, good flow not too loud......lenny norcal

[Traver]

Thanks for all the replies!
Just to make sure before I start changing things, does everyone agree that a stock muffler set-up takes away some of the power that a 1600dp has to offer? I seem to have noticed a signifigant loss of power with a stock exhaust. I love the way it looks though...
From the replies here, I'm now thinking of getting a Bugpack header/muffler system.

[jazzed]

Here's a good article www.vwtrendsweb.com/tech/0109vwt_bolton/ The top systems they rate are S&S plus various configurations of Bugpack systems.

[59 vw guy]

Hey anyone know if a bug merged with a hideaway will work on a bus?thanks chris

[[email protected]]

Trave,

I'm running a stock Bug muffler on my lowered 59. I found an apron with bad bottom sheet metal. Trimmed in new exhaust hole. Welded some exhaust flanges where the peashooters would go. I had a muffler shop bend some small exhaust tubing in a z-shape then cut the pieces to exit right under the bumper. Welded some flanges on the tailpipes and bolted them up. It looks like two oversized peashooters, one on each side, tucked way up underneath. Then I proceded to take it for a test drive to my friends house and back up into a stone retaining wall folding one of the pipes in half! Back to the muffler shop...

[[email protected]]

BTW, they dont come out where the stock bug exhaust would. They go over the bumper bracket then down to the outside of the over riders. Just like an og peashooter, only two.

[Pair Of DoubleDoors]

I got an S&S with dual QP's on my 1600 in the lowered late 61. It sounds really good and flows well, but with the straight axle kit, the mufflers only sit 3 and a half inches off the ground. I like the way it looks though.

[vwdank]

What about a dual tip monza system?

[Traver]

Dual tip Monza type mufflers are inexpensive and they perform reasonably well, but they are the most god-awful ugliest things anyone ever put on a VW.
I ended up getting a Genie header with hide-away muffler and flanged heater boxes. It's being installed right now by Steve Bradford in Prunedale. The muffler and tail pipes come in pieces and need to be welded together which is the reason why I didn't just bolt it in myself.

[crofty]

You don't need anything bigger than 1 1/2 headers no a stock 1600. According to "How to Hot Rod VW Engines" you can get another 3-4HP by adding one. I agree with staying away from EMPI and stuck with Bugpack. The headers on a bug/bus are the same it 's the muffler that is different. A bus muffler is not as angled twords the front of the bus like a bug muffler.
I never really cared for the dual cans as the have a tendency to split in the middle at the flange.
What I wish is that they would make them so the exited in the drivers side. It looks odd if you have a gas heater, so I just run a stock muffler on mine.

[Hornman]

Traver,

Sounds like you've got a nice set up. I just order the Bugpack system for my Splitty. Good flow but still enough resistance for the 1600 motor. Hey, are you the guy up the coast with the gray Standard? I'm down in Ventura County:

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/77986.jpg
Take care,
Michael

[Traver]

Michael,
Hey, nice bus! Looks good with those wheels...
Here is a recent pic of my '66 Standard:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/94376.jpg
BTW, I just called the guy and now it won't be done until tomorrow.

-Traver