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Has anyone ever put a type 1 merged header on a vanagon? Is this possible? Any info will help. This will be used in a vanagon.

I started to connect up a type one header system a few years ago and quit. The guy I was working with didn't want to proceed. But, it appeared all that was wrong was the clocking of the bolts on the flanges where they connect to heads. In other words, saw off the flanges, rotate 90 degrees, and weld them back on. I never got far enough to check clearance on the rear apron. If/when my factory pipes give out (they appear to be very high quality- mine are still good after 20 years). I give it another look.

Allen

The type one would take more work than it would be worth unless you are experienced in the fabrication and welding of this stuff. You can what you want already online for the vanagon, or just keep it stock..You aren't going to gain a lot of HP with this system in a vanagon, and what you really want is torque. The muffler won't help much there, but big valve heads would.

I put a 1.9 into a superbeetle and used the stock exhuast, I found that the rear pipe had to be modified to fit under the transmission forks, also I eventually broke the dual pipe. because I didnt use the mounting brackets from the exhuast to the body, removed the CAT, used the stock muffler, it rubbed on the rear apron, I am going to try this again using a 2.1 and maybe a fuel injected bug rear apron.
see photos at www.thesamba.com search gallery under wasserboxer

i've got a modded t1 merged system that marco mansi had in his bug that fits fine, unless you want to use the rear support bar....

a t1 4-1 system almost fits (rotate some of the flanges as above) just needs some easing with a well placed boot...

i'm building up a 2.1 turbo/nitrous system for the new akciddento race bus

pictures & stuff in the weblog at

www.akciddento.com

I bought a header for my 85 to replace the corroded stock one that was on there. I put the "header" on in a gravel driveway with a short handled sledgehammer and a 13mm wrench... Its a little bit of a wrestling match at times, but its easier than alot of other things!
It made the van loud... Like my old type 2which also had a header...
It DOES improve performance a little. Problem for me was that the power difference came at higher RPMs than would be useful for me... 4000+ RPM... I dont drive up in that range often with my van, but I also have learned to be nice to VW's thru 16 years of owning various flat fours.

Bottom line is: headers are sometimes cheaper than replacing stock, and the pipes that I put on were "easy" to install. If you dont mind (or even LIKE) the noize headers are the way to go.

I have always suspected a T3 merge header with the flanges rotated would work on a Vanagon...

Somebody give me one so i can try it out!;-)

akciddento: Nice website, great busses.

thanks piledriver - we aim to please