Exhaust systems

If you look at the "Dave's D" photos in the "Files" there are two pics of the A-1 muffler "Sidewinder" system. Tiger (Manuel) makes these with different sized primary tubes (my 2,387 is using 1 3/4"). The muffler in the pics is a Dynomax with entry and exit on the same end.

Obviously you could have a good muffler shop make a 180 degree loop attatched to a transversely mounted muffler of your choice (Magnaflow, etc.) with the tail pipe exiting on the left side. That would make it easier to adjust the valves on the right side and remove the heat source from the valve cover.

Damn, that's what I should have installed. I wish I had know about in/out mufflers on the same side, before I had my system built. All that extra tubing running under the motor...what a waste. Interestingly enough I'm just in the process of designing an exhaust system for my 1970 VW single cab with the 2.7 Porsche motor in it. Flowmaster also makes a muffler with the in pipe and out pipe on the same end. Should work great on my pickup. A fair number of 911 owners are sing flowmaster mufflers on their cars. Compared to any other Porsche stock/performance muffler they're a bargin.
If one is looking at flow characteristics and horsepower, is there much difference between Flowmaster and Dynomax? I thing Flowmaster is louder.
Ron

Bassically that exhaust system is a completely handbuilt system that will definatley cost you in both money and time. I can see the advantage of this type of exhaust I'm just not sure it's worth all the trouble. Get yours first George and then let us know how it all goes. It's a good solution to an old Speedster problem.

J-P

Jean-Paul, actually it's one of Tiger's (Manuel's) stock systems. When I was at CB Performance with Pat Downs and we were messing with the first attempt at my new 2,387 the header fit was a bit off on the left side (didn't clear the lower engine tin) so Pat splice-welded in a short piece in the #3 primary tube.

A-1 Muffler is well known in California for their VW performance exhaust systems.

I'm not sure yet what will happen on my new Speedster with this exhaust, e.g., whether or not we'll run the same setup as Dave's car has or make a 180 degree loop to run a different transverse muffler (Magnaflow? Flowmaster?) with the tail pipe exiting on the left side. Henry and I are going to discuss it once the car is finished and the engine installed so we can tell what will work and what might work best. I'll probably go with a clone of Dave's, then have another muffler arrangement built when I get home and compare them by performance.

Where is A-1 located?

J-P

A-1 mufflers islocated in Orange, CA near Disneyland. They have a huge following with the "California-look" VW crowd, mainly the DKP VW Club. Their cars are basicall Pre '67 Beetles that have been restored except the front ends are lowered, custom wheels from the 60s-70s and of course potent VW powerhouses ranging from 2007cc to 2332cc.
If you can't get to them, several VW parts houses here in Southern California sells the muffler system you're looking for off the shelf. Try Kustom1 Warehouse (888) 997-9894 Tell them you want the Tiger Performance A1 muffler. Retail is $128/magnaflow and the merged header is $68 Hope that helps.

George, my system is actually a clone of yours, as your system was fabricated a couple of weeks before mine.

If you're planning on ordering a system from Tiger, make sure you specify whether or not you're running a thermostat.

I would recommend not having it coated until you're completely satisfied with the fit - I had to have the muffler repositioned away from the valve covers.

An option I opted for was to have an 02 sensor bung welded in.

The cost of the system I have was over $500 + an additonal $80 to have the muffler repositioned - these systems aren't cheap, but they're completly out of site, and the workmanship is top quality.


(Message Edited 9/30/2003 3:01:24 AM)

Thanks Glen!

J-P