1987 Vanagon GL Wolfsburg

S&S / Fast German Auto

Vanagon 2.1L Exhaust System

The system was installed on 01/28/00. My over all impression so far is it could be a good system, but it just didn't fit. The pipes did not line up, and some of the holes in the flanges that bolt to the heads did not line up either. To get the system to fit, some of the tubes had to be reshaped. The ends of the tubes were smashed in shipping and also had to be reshaped. The packaging that the system came is was very poor, the muffler was dented, and the entire system was beat up.

I cannot recommend this system.  It was just too difficult to install and my overall experience getting the system was not the best. However, I have heard from others that their systems bolted right on with no problems; maybe mine was the exception. On the other hand, the gasket/hardware kit supplied by FGA was pretty nice, except that the studs were too long. 

On a side note, I contacted Fast German Auto about the poor condition of the system when it arrived, in their response they blamed S&S for the packaging. I am not impressed.  They knew the packaging was insufficient and continued to use it anyway.

I did not notice a power gain, but I wasn't really expecting one. What I did notice is that now my exhaust doesn't leak and the exhaust note is much lower. There also seems to be more vibration and interior noise with this system, but not much more. I am pleased with the sound and appearance of the system.  Be forewarned, the paint they use on the system is worthless.  It began to flake at the head after about 5-10 minutes while I was bleeding the cooling system.

Complete system (w/o cat, will use existing cat)

4-into-1 merge

The system installed with the old cat and the nice hardware/gasket kit (w/ copper nuts) from FGA.

A view from the back.