Stainless steel heat exchangers and mufflers, Who makes the best? Options

[CLTAMT]

Hi folks,

I've been trolling the forum trying to read up on exhaust systems and quite frankly my eyeballs have crossed. I'll readily admit I have the attention span of a gnat! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif)

I recently purchased a '76 2.0L with the California emission system which is VERY restrictive and not required in my state. Or the air injection pump. I have no doubt a German engineer was trying to get even with us when he designed that system. All I can say is - DAMN!

I want to replace the restricted single-pass heat exchangers with good quality SS duals and a good SS single outlet muffler that exits in the stock location.

I'm looking at the SSI brand for earlier 2.0L motors. Is that the best available for the 914 2.0L? If so where is the best place to purchase them? I'm seeing them online from $1800 to $2600+. I'm assuming the early style will bolt right up to my '76?

As far as a good single outlet SS muffler, what are you guys running? I would like to have a good quality muffler that is as free flowing as possible without rattling my teeth - or sounding like the
neighbors' kid's Honda Del sol with it's "brapp-brapp" fart-can muffler. On the other hand I don't want it whistling like my old VW beetle either. A nice throaty sound would make my 63 year old ears very happy!

What do you 914 experts recommend?

Cheers! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[rjames]

If you want stainless exchangers, SSI is your only choice. Used ones go up for sale fairly regularly (or post a WTB ad), just make sure you pressure test them to ensure they don't have cracks.

Even if your current exchangers are good, I'd still recommend backdating if you have the funds to do so. You'll gain a bit of HP and have a lighter setup.

Good thread for reference:
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=203694

[CLTAMT]

If you want stainless exchangers, SSI is your only choice. Used ones go up for sale fairly regularly (or post a WTB ad), just make sure you pressure test them to ensure they don't have cracks.

Even if your current exchangers are good, I'd still recommend backdating if you have the funds to do so. You'll gain a bit of HP and have a lighter setup.

Good thread for reference:
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=203694

[b]Thank you Bob, I'm an aircraft tech by trade so I do know a little bit about aircooled engines and have worked on my own type I's and type 4's since the 70's. I'm in total agreement with you on upgrading the single pipe HE's even if the stock single pipe's are in serviceable condition. Mine are pretty rough looking, however I haven't gone over them with a fine-toothed comb to make sure they're not burned through or pitted. Regardless of whether or not they are, the tiny little exhaust pipe's can't possibly offer any performance benefits over the early model HE's, especially if there are better options.

I can only imagine VW starting using the single pipe manifolds to slow down the exhaust flow to help the catalytic converter do it's job better to meet emissions for that year, along with that stupid little power robbing air pump they used. But I may be wrong. If this type 4 motor was in a heavy bus that was cammed for extreme low-end torque I could see the advantage of leaving the single pass HE's alone.

But in a higher revving application like in a light weight 914, scavenging the exhaust gasses better SHOULD help - in theory.

I started the thread to ask about the quality of SSI's and the best place to buy them. All you guys have offered some valuable information and opinions, and I appreciate it! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)