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1980 2.0 CU stainless exhaust advice.

Posted: 31 May 2016, 20:55
by rubadub
Hi there,

So I put the van in for MOT and failed on a few things : ( one of which I knew about is the exhaust, numerous holes where the tubes meet the back box, shame as the heat exchangers are in good nick until that point. I am wondering whether to get replacement heat exchangers and a stainless steel back box or just get stainless J tubes (cool air vw maybe?) and a stainless box and cut out the heat exchangers as only gonna use the van in summer mainly, although foggy glass in the morning might be a problem. Either option is gonna be expensive and although I can't really afford it, I feel I have a duty to keep her going and not throw in the towel even though I have got a bit of welding work to do too : (.

I have been looking for info but can't find much on this subject.

Is a custom exhaust an option?, I live in cornwall if anyone knows anyone they could recommend.

Any help would be appreciated

Thanks

Rich

Re: 1980 2.0 CU stainless exhaust advice.

Posted: 01 Jun 2016, 07:40
by bigherb
A few people have thought that they don't need a heater then found out they are miserable to drive without one. Rainy days not being able to see out the windscreen chilly summer evenings when you are only in shorts and a T shirt. Fit new heat exchangers.

Re: 1980 2.0 CU stainless exhaust advice.

Posted: 01 Jun 2016, 19:06
by rubadub
Thanks big herb! Kinda knew it may not be the greatest idea! just wanted to have a fully stainless system so I never would have to change it again, a lot of cash for steel :(

cheers bud

Re: 1980 2.0 CU stainless exhaust advice.

Posted: 01 Jun 2016, 20:47
by bigherb
Even pattern heat exchangers normally last over 10 years so you wouldn't need to change them again in a hurry.

Re: 1980 2.0 CU stainless exhaust advice.

Posted: 02 Jun 2016, 09:19
by CovKid
The other route is swap to J tubes (if you can get them) and fit a second-hand Propex heater. You can drive with a Propex running and its faster than heat exchangers in my experience - more so if you fit a remote control. The 2.0 has a few advantages and although mine is a 1.9DG, its an early one so will take a 2.0 back box. I changed that to a header and fitted a bike can (in WIKI).

Just options when you add up the pennies.