Stainless Exhaust Kit - Sport Version [Vanagon]

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.

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.