Stock exhaust or replace header/muffler setup currently on bus?

[ozark23]

OK; so my header pipe cracked.....
do I go stock 1600 exhaust
or replace the header/muffler

Stock 1600 motor,
what are pros/cons.

Thanks.

[Eric&Barb]

If you want a more reliable and longer lasting muffler, then stock is the way to go if you buy one of quality. 1776cc and perhaps a bit bigger engine with 1500/1600 stock muffler is fine for daily driving. Stock muffler will give you more torque for climbing hills.

Header is only going to the bus sound different from stock, more likely louder which can tire you out more on longer trips, and add little to none power increase for a stock 1600 engine.

Headers really are for bigger engines, balanced with bigger valves and dual and/or bigger carburetor/s. Problem with that is one can go so far over to the higher HP engine, that torque at lower RPMs suffers. Meaning one has to drag race the bus off each stop to be able to get it going and avoid stalling. Knew a fellow year ago that built his high HP dream engine and about 6 months later he was trading off the expensive high HP engine parts off for stock ones. He was sick and tired of not having the torque that a bus really needs.

Personally we are running a 1641cc SP engine with CW crank with now over 150,000 miles on that engine since last rebuild. Have always used a quality stock 1500/1600 muffler on it. So many folk are so surprised about how quite our bus is inside and out, not only at idle, but when running down the road.
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[johny__utah]

Stock 100%. I would love to run a stock 1500/1600 on my 1776 with dual Scat 35mm carbs.. I honestly have never tried it but was told years ago it wouldn't work. Any feedback on that @ Eric&Barb?
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[ozark23]

Thx E&B you always have great responses....
bus has had this header exhaust on it for the 16 years I have owned it....
but low end torque has always been an issue.....
Going to try stock....Thx so much!

[Eric&Barb]

[69aircooled]

Yes, quality stock mufflers are quiet and less prone to higher maintenance that you run into with header systems. They work better to keep the intake warm making the engine run better. I have run a stock muffler on our ‘63 bus for years, it’s a 1641.

[Eric&Barb]

[Murt]

This is very interesting. I'm also thinking of replacing my old exhaust system with the stock unit on my stock single carb 1600cc AD engine.

Currently have the Empi dual quiet pack fitted, it's seen better days, and was recently painted again just to make it look a bit better. If going 'Stock' how do the Vintage Speed Stainless stock exhausts stack up ?
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2008 VW EOS 2.0 TFSi

[Eric&Barb]

[ozark23]

Ok. New exhaust is in. Carbs tuned
Sounds so much quieter
But
I did find a hole in the intake pipe.
Can i JB weld & exhaust wrap this for temp fix??
I just wanna go camping

[busdaddy]

If it's just that single hole I'd use a worm style hose clamp to hold a bit of header wrap or wood stove gasket over it.
Farmer approved fix!
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[ozark23]

[Eric&Barb]

Might be a good time to pick up a monoxide detector..... Just to CYA.
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[ozark23]

Ok
Next ?
New stock exhaust is in.
Sounds great. Idles great.
Take off for test drive.
Big loss of power and backfires thru 2nd gear.
Ran ok in 3rd.
Do I need to rejet it, etc? Thx

[Eric&Barb]

[ozark23]

so....................apparently having the driver side spark wires reversed will cause your bus to run not so great.
Working in the dark and NOT checking my work.
Running 110% better now.

[Eric&Barb]

[ozark23]

Yes. So nice & quiet
Lowest noise level in my bus
In 17 years.
Thx for all the help. Time for OKC VW show
And camping

[Eric&Barb]