Locating a Header/Exhaust System for Vintage

I am trying to locate an exhaust system for my Speedster replica. I was talking to the Kymco folks about a Thing header and exhaust, but they were unable to recommend a specific system. I would like to consider a dual muffler system, but am unsure of which system to consider. My concerns are to avoid body/undercairage interference and try to keep the system visably out of sight. Any sugestions?

Jacob,

You didn't mention what cc your engine is. If it's a 1776 or less, then Kirk (VS) has a real nice system labeled as "special exhaust" that tucks away real nice with a 1 3/8" Diameter and dual QPs. It's what came on mine per my order. Downside is the restriction to good flow vs a larger diameter system and you have to add 15 minutes to your valve adjustments to drop the sytem to gain access. Still a real nice system and low profile.

As I built up my 1776 to a higher end I looked around for a 1 1/2" system. I used a CB Performance supplied merged system with matching heater boxes flowing into a dynomax. This gave great performance but hung out some.

What I have now and am very pleased with at this size is a Custom Speed Parts (CSP) system that is built in germany. 1 1/2" with matching boxes, dual mufflers that ride outside and abeam the valve covers, then flowing inboard to exit on 2" pipes at the stock locations. I have ceramic coated mine in stealth black with chrome tips tacked on and cut to fit where they extend to even with the bumper. Looks stock and runs and sounds great. Valve adjustments can be done with no problems. They are slightly more restrictive than the CB Merged Dynomax system, but still offer great performance. These are not cheap, but in the end they are the best for my application.

You need to give us more info... size of engine, budget, and if you are willing to have a custom built system as 1 member has used that looks great. If you have above a 1835cc then there are people on this forum that can help you. Oh, and I have pics of all 3 systems if you are interested. jward3@cox.net

Jim Ward
(Message Edited 10/9/2003 9:39:45 PM)

Jim,
The new VS special exhaust doesn't need to be dropped for valve adjustments.
My old VS was just like yours.
-=theron

Jim, thanks for the feedback. I have a 1776 cc and 1 1/2 inch flanged heater boxes. I am okay spending up to US$500, but thought the CSP was higher than that. Ceramic coated sounds great. I hope this helps in your recommendation.

CSP system is very nice. I've seen it on a few beetles. If you want to check out a really nice system, then look at Eddie's dual muffler system. One of the nicest I've seen.
Ron

Got a CSP system, it's the only way to get the exhaust up and out of the way for valve adjustments and ground clearance however someone did find an interesting setup from a place called A-1 Exhaust systems here in Cali. I also went and bought the Kymco setup before I got the CSP, it scraped the ground in a big way.

J-p

A-1 Muffler "Sidewinder" merged header can be used with a muffler on the right side near the valve cover (remove muffler for setting right side valves) or used with a different pipe and muffler.

JP/George, thanks for the lead. Do you have web site address or a phone number for A1? Even a specific city will suffice. Unawareness, one of the hazards of being in the frozen north (Calgary, AB)

Hey Jacob,
Here's the info you seek:

A-1 Muffler
721 S. Main St
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 836-7201

I'll be visiting A-1 on Monday (Oct 13th) to see what they actually offer specifically for the Speedster owner. I've dealt with Manuel Vasquez in the past when he built a system for my Beetle. Stay tuned and I'll post here what I find out.

Thanks Glenn. I have seen a picture of the A1 system and it appears to not use heater boxes. Is this true?