![Stainless Exhaust Kit [Watercooled Vanagon]](http://gowesty.com/cdn/shop/files/GW-SS-EXHAUST-INT.jpg?v=1792087435&width=120)
Stainless Exhaust Kit [Watercooled Vanagon]
![Stainless Exhaust Kit [Watercooled Vanagon]](http://gowesty.com/cdn/shop/files/GW-SS-EXHAUST-INT.jpg?v=1792087435&width=3840)
| Product: | GW-SS-EXHAUST-INT |
|---|---|
| Works With: | 1983-1991 |
| Manufacturer: | GoWesty |
| Availability: | Only 3 Left in Stock! |
| Wrench Rating: |  Requires some hand & power tools and minimal mechanical knowledge.
|
We are very proud to offer our 100% USA-made stainless steel exhaust system for Vanagon. Quality, affordability, and longevity with a lifetime warranty.
This kit includes everything you need to replace the entire exhaust system on all watercooled Vanagons.
Direct fit for all 1986-91 2WD and 4WD. Plus it fits 1983-85 vans with our supplemental Early to Late Exhaust Update Kit.
That's right—we designed this system to fit both 2WD and Syncro applications. In addition, we kept the flange positions in the factory locations, so each part is compatible with the corresponding, original VW exhaust component. This allows you to replace your aging exhaust system with these stainless steel parts piece by piece, or all at once with our complete exhaust kit. In addition, this complete stainless exhaust system is a full 13 pounds lighter than the original mild steel version. Thirteen pounds!
Kit Includes:
• Stainless header pipe for #1 & #3 cylinders
• Stainless header pipe for #2 & #4 cylinders
• Header support bracket
• Stainless 2-into-1 collector elbow
• Stainless collector elbow to catalytic converter "J" pipe
• Stainless muffler with integrated tail pipe
• Stainless muffler saddles with integrated straps (x2)
• Complete gasket & hardware kit with instructions
• Optional Add-on: Stainless 50-state or 48-state catalytic converter for customers outside of California & Colorado
Materials note: This GoWesty stainless steel exhaust system will not stay shiny and aesthetically perfect—but it will last, and we value longevity over aesthetics. For the complete story on stainless steel metallurgy, please click here.
Do you have a 1983-1985 water-cooled 1.9? The 1.9 system was abandoned in 1986 for good reason, so now is the time to upgrade to the later 2.1 style kit you see on this page. Order this later style exhaust kit WITH CATALYTIC CONVERTER to accommodate the O2 sensor, plus our Early to Late Exhaust Update Kit.
Note for 1983-85 Vanagons: On 1986-91 Vanagons, the thermostat housing was moved to the front near the #3 exhaust port (on an 1983-85 Vanagon, it is near the #4 exhaust port). There is an interference issue between the #4 exhaust pipe in this kit and the 1983-85 thermostat cover, which requires a small amount of clearancing on the cover. Also, a new, longer oxygen sensor wire to reach the port in the catalytic converter (yes, you need to buy the cat) will be required but is not included.
Note for Syncro owners: You cannot "mix and match" different components in this exhaust system—in other words, you cannot simply purchase our stainless 1&3 pipe and have it mate up perfectly with a stock exhaust system. For 4WD applications, you need to purchase this COMPLETE kit.
The bend we chose for the J-pipe ensures fitment on both 2WD and 4WD. The "perfect" bend for a 2WD would not work on a 4WD, and vice versa—thus, our decision to settle on a "compromise" bend. VW did the same thing, offering only one J-pipe for both 2WD and 4WD. However, they also moved the muffler up only about an inch on the 4WD, even though the engine sits 2" lower relative to the body (compared to a 2WD). GoWesty 4WD saddles move the muffler up an entire 2" compared to the 2WD saddles—the same amount that the engine in a Syncro sits lower—so the muffler ends up in the same exact place on both 2WD and 4WD. For best fit of the J-pipe in both applications, apply a downward (2WD) or upward (4WD) force on the outlet of the collector WHILE tightening the four bolts to the front and rear exhaust pipes. This will adjust the angle of the three-bolt flange (where the J-pipe bolts on) slightly up or down. A small angle change at that flange makes a BIG displacement change at the catalytic converter end of the J-pipe, which is about 18" away. This will improve overall fitment in either application.
You will notice that the weld on the OUTSIDE of some of the flanges does not go all the way around. This is intentional—there is nothing wrong! The weld does not go all the way around to make more room for the fasteners. There is another full weld on the INSIDE that does the majority of the work and provides full sealing.
Limited Lifetime Warranty: Every stainless exhaust part we offer comes with a limited lifetime warranty. The part is warranted against structural failure for life (for the original purchaser). Installation of the included support bracket is required to maintain your warranty.
Reference numbers can be OE part numbers, superseded part numbers, and compatible part numbers. We provide this information to help ensure you're getting the right part for your needs.
Handy — Requires some hand & power tools and minimal mechanical knowledge.
Plug 'n' Play — Requires no or basic hand tools and no mechanical knowledge.
Handy — Requires some hand & power tools and minimal mechanical knowledge.
DIY — Requires a full tool set and broad mechanical knowledge.
Pro — Requires professional-level tools, talent and experience.
Proposition 65: This product may contain chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
Quality product, easy install and sounds great!!!
I picked up this kit for my ‘91 Westy Syncro with the 48 state catalytic converter, saving some bucks when it was on sale Labor Day weekend. Just had it installed today (had a cracked exhaust manifold). Must say GoWesty gets stuff shipped out quickly and without issue. It looks good and sounds great - that was a bonus I hadn’t expected. That 2.2 sounds throaty like I would expect the sport version to sound just not loud!
Love the retro “ Thrush like” rumble of our new GW SS Muffler. Fit like a gem.
Great quality. Quick shipment. Installation was easy according to my mechanic.
Good fitment and easy instructions to follow. All around good kit. Magnaflow muffler both sounds good and adds a little pep.
Great upgrade for long term ownership. I got the midrange muffler and love the slightly throaty sound. The instructions were great as always. For the do it your self owners GoWesty has it nailed.
I got this installed about a year ago, and it has been working great. The sound is a massive upgrade, and the van itself is running smoother.
The only complaint I have is that the new exhaust has introduced a lot of rumble when in the cabin and sitting idle.
It was a pricey option, but I replaced the entire exhaust system thinking it would be bullet proof for years. Perhaps it would be alright in Southern California, but NOT in the real world.
After just 20,000 miles one of the manifolds failed and needed to be welded while on a camping trip. This happened again to the other manifold in the following year.
While these do have a good warranty, it doesn't really help when you're camping. When you're on trip you really don't have time to ship your failed header to California and wait for a new one to ship back.
The original VW system lasted for many years. It really didn't need replacing after 100K, but I thought this "Stainless steel" system would last longer than the original. It let me down after just 20K.
The only part that's actually stainless steel is the muffler and cat....the rest is "Stainless steel" apparently, but given that both headers rusted and failed I'd stick with EOM parts.
I wanted something a lil louder for my van and this combo was perfect.
The factory one is too mild, and this one is just right, its not obnoxious or anything, but has a deeper sound and I love it.
My old exhaust and cat were completely shot and I failed the CA required Smog test. This thing went in nice and easy and came with lots of extra bolts and washers so I could make sure that everything fit just right. Came with a Magnaflow Muffler that is throaty compared to the stock exhaust but is nice and quiet while cruising. I’m sure my wife will say it’s loud compared to the stock one so I’m glad I didn’t go with the shorty performance pipe. The good news is that now instead of it sounding like a wimpy lawnmower it sounds like a manly badass lawnmower. :) definitely a nice addition to my 1990 Vanagon.
I love this exhaust. I've been running it for 3 yrs now. Close to 35000km and it sounds great, it's durable and sturdy. I welded a bung for the O2 sensor and used a cat delete pipe since I don't require a cat where I live.
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