tech spec–exhaust

[edward ericson]

Has anyone fitted serious headers to their VW-based TD? Purely a prospective question on my part; I installed a new and simple exhaust last year and don’t anticipate building any kind of monster engine that might really benefit from an expensive long and equal tube setup like the A-1 Sidewinder.

I just wonder if it, or something like it, would even fit under our cars’ truncated rear valence.

[Larry Murphy]

 Ed , Check Bill Collins’ photo gallery . His car had a very unique exhaust system.

[Dale Schumacher]

Ed,

I have a header on mine w/ a single muffler ( can use two as well ) – really

helped my engine breath – made a big difference.

Dale

[edward ericson]

Thanks, Schu. I believe your car is faster and sounds better than mine. But I don’t think either yours or Bill’s exhaust would work for me.

Anyone else?

Key condition is “would even fit under our cars’ truncated rear valence.”

We’ve all seen a lot of Bugs with wild exhausts, many of who’s owners take pride in the idea that Big Pipes Should Show. It’s an aesthetic I can totally get behind, when applied to Beetles and rails and buggies of many colors. Even on TDs that look can inspire double-takes of the “holy cow, what is that awesomeness” variety.

On Bridget–for me, anyway, for now–that’s not my aim. I’d like the option of more power, if/when the current single-port needs freshening up, but my main ambition is subtle visual credibility. Bridget is looking so much like an original TD, right down to the placement of the single exhaust pipe, that I would hesitate to harm that illusion, even at the cost of several horse powers.

So my aim is to source a set of equal-length pipes that would not be noticed by a person sitting in a car following Bridget down the road, or strolling past in a parking lot.

Tall order, I know. Maybe impossible given the space constraints we have to live with. But thought I’d ask.

Can anyone recall seeing such a “sleeper” style rig, ever?

[Royal]

Ed, I hope that I have enough years left on the planet and a deep enough pocketbook to make my MIGI “not ashamed” to sit next to your TD in the parking lot.  I, as an old TF1500 owner for 16 years, appreciate what you say and am following your lead but a Daytona starts way back in the pack.    

[Olimon Ricardo]

Ed,

I’m not sure how much space you have under your truncated rear valance but these two exhaust systems fit

under the Lafer rear valance.

The engine on the right was my old 1600 single port while the one left was a new 1968c.c. dual port, dual carb

with the A-1 Sidewinder exhaust.

I decided to use the Sidewinder on the new engine because I thought that it would be completely hidden from

sight but unfortunatley the Lafer’s body doesn’t extend low enough to cover the exhaust.

[edward ericson]

Damn, that’s an amazing car. I also have shop envy. Or, at least, shop-tidiness envy.

I really have to get my act together.

Thanks especially for the pics. Looks like the old exhaust shows mufflers under the valance. New (A-1) shows pipes. Very helpful comparison.

[Olimon Ricardo]

Ed,

Here is a picture of the old exhaust, and you’re right it was visible under the valance . . . . .

[Author]

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