JK Stainless Exhaust System - late 1.9 WBX

[mickcorr]

Greetings from sunny North Wales.

I have just been quoted £531.50 (+ £26 for the stainless straps) by Just Kampers for a complete stainless exhaust bundle in 304 steel; it's a new line that they stock and I was wondering if anyone has any feedback on this system.

Curiously enough the bundle price for their system in mild steel is £531.50 now - quite a price hike from when I last sourced a system from them 6 years ago.

Yes, I've looked at the Wiki but JK don't get a mention. My preference, based on my dealings with them and by reputation, would be to go to Brickwerks but that's an 8 week delivery, or JP who can do it in 10 days.

I've convinced myself (and saved up) to go for a stainless system rather than a mild steel one even though the current one has lasted 6 years which isn't bad all told.

So, any feedback on the JK system would be appreciated.

Cheers,
Mick.

[kevtherev]

I for one would not have a system from them going on the past record of poor quality.

You got it spot on with Brickwerks though
There's a good wiki article by cruz, he seemed to get the balance right I thought

[Cruz]

I've had the JP system on since November and it's been fine but isn't really long enough to give it a definitive glowing endorsement.......others have had theirs on far longer.

Brickwers is by far the best though and has a time earned reputation. You can slowly go stainess bit by bit (if you already have a late system) as it's a direct replica of the vw system.

[mickcorr]

Thanks Kev, Cruz.

As ever my problem is time - I have a trip planned and don't want to wait 8 weeks for the Brickwerks system and I know by replacing it piecemeal it will only end in tears as I watch the complete system crumble. It's on it's last legs as it is - I should have sorted this much earlier of course but I was trying to see how long I could hold on to my £500 or so!

I take your point about the JK system.....they are getting some bad press these days, aren't they?

Looks like I'll be going to JP then.

[ermie571]

I am pleased with my turbo thomas system

been on 6 months now.

Em
xx

[Ralf85]

JK let me down. Their exhaust box was wrongly built and they refused to accept that even when my garage rang them up to ask for a replacement. In the end my garage had to cut and reweld part of the system to make it fit. Not impressed.

Patrick

[CovKid]

Unfortunately quite a few JK bits don't fit properly and its not giving them a good reputation. Window rubbers are another. Any money saved (and thats a big IF) can soon be lost in the time spent trying to match things up. Its the suppliers essentially but if JK are not chasing up on quality control which after all they're staking their reputation on, it just continues I suppose. A large part of the problem is that in some instances only one place makes the part or JK are only buying from one source to get the best profit margin.

A JK windscreen seal was I think £29+ last time I looked. The proper one is more like £40+ but there is NO comparison between the two and when its something you only intend to fit once, the ten quid or so saved can be false economy - all coming from someone who is a great advocate of saving money.

Incidentally, there are quite a few stainless steel fabricators around and its possible to get systems made up for much less cost but I accept that not everyone wants to mess doing things piecemeal.

[mickcorr]

Em,
Turbo Thomas came back with a 4-6 weeks lead time which was too long given my trip plans.

Patrick,
thanks for that, it has confirmed my (and seemingly others) suspicions.

I've gone with the JP Exhaust system (10 days lead time).

Thanks everyone.

[Mocki]

when i went for the brickwerks one, the web site said 6 weeks, but i got it in less than 3,did you actually speak to them first?
quality is top notch, and customer service is good too.....

[ermie571]

more info on the JP one please - cost esp.

t'other van may need one soon...I'm choosing not to hear the slight blowing noises emenating from the rear of the van

[R0B]

i have had my jp one for about 3 years now.no problems whatsoever.The D clamps need replacing though.

[mickcorr]

Em,
the JP system is £536.16 incl VAT. Interestingly enough the JK system comes out at £531.50 but you would probably want to spend another £26.00 on stainless straps for the box.

Steve,
yes, checked with Brickwerks - here's their reply:

None in stock I’m afraid. We have 15 on order, the first 5 are already sold!
Theyre very popular and the manufacturer is struggling to keep up, hence the 8 week wait.
So, nope, sorry we don’t have one to send immediately

Moral of the story is preventative maintenance and not to leave things to the last minute!

[Cruz]

more info on the JP one please - cost esp.

t'other van may need one soon...I'm choosing not to hear the slight blowing noises emenating from the rear of the van

http://www.jpexhausts.co.uk/product.asp ... t%20system" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Fitting is £125

[AdrianC]

As a cheaper alternative, GSF have all (I think!) the components listed in mild steel - comes to a total of about £350ish. TBH, if/when we need one, it's going to be a toss-up between that and the BW stainless.

[CovKid]

Leaning towards having mine made up one section at a time locally. Bit more faffing but means I can spread the cost a bit.