I need a new muffler.....1971, 1.7L, what are my options? Options

[potomacmidget]

Hi -

The Bursch exhaust on my 1971 1.7L is beyond repair at this point. I unbolted it and need to purchase a new unit. I am pretty open on replacements, meaning I don't have to replace it with another Bursch (of course would like to keep the price manageable but that is another topic...). With that said, minus the Bursch, the car is bone stock and so I would need a new system, the gaskets and the associated bolts as they are not in good shape (I am unsure of the bold size, any help there appreciated too). I did the measurements from a picture I found on the site and I definitely have the dimensions for the 1.7 L HX.

I read in another thread that the tailpipe on a vendor's unit was not compatible with the stock rear valence, so I guess I need to avoid that unit (Dansk?).

I know that 914rubber has a stainless steel system too - anyone have any experience wit that one? Any advice appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Best,
Reg

[wonkipop]

@nathanxnathan - you can kind of see what must have been going on between the giant bureaucracy of VW versus porsche in 1973/74.

if they had only been pumping out 1.7/1.8 914s they would have just flipped to a rhs exhaust like the rest of the VWs and done a mirror valence update panel.

but no, porsche had gone off and designed the 2.0L with its "special" almost 914/6 muffler and a left hand side tailpipe.

some accountant at VW probably said - no, not making two valence panels. and then went looking for someone to put in front of the firing squad.

so some engineer or production manager at karmann probably worked out all they had to do was get ernst or whoever was making the mufflers to do a little tweak for the 914 inventory at no extra cost under threat of being pistol whipped.

the bean counter would have calmed down.

half a century later there is an opening for dansk to milk the market because the 914 muffler is so special. right?

......and you can't quite run over and grab that VW part from bus depot or whoever at half the cost like you can with the interior door handles and the cigarette lighter etc.