VW exhaust question

[volksman]

How are the rules applies to VW, when talking about CAT back exhausts in stock class? I'd like do ditch the heater boxs in favor of a more free flowing exhaust. On a vw two cylinders are going through the boxes and two don't. I currently run an extractor with the boxes into a smallish exhaust. I'd like to bin the whole lot and go to a pure header system that's about 1/4" bigger than stock with a megaphone. I had bought my current system when I thought noise was an issue. In light of recent postings regarding said noise non-issue, I want to be loud too. ;D

And yes I feel like a wiener for doing this after all that noise I made!

This would allow me to use the new exhaust with a FSP or EP built motor. Thanks, and now, let the FLAK fly!

[lagunamiata]

13.10 ENGINE AND DRIVE TRAIN
E. Any part of the exhaust system beyond (downstream from) the
header/manifold or catalytic converter, if so equipped, may be
substituted provided the system meets the requirements of 3.5.
Stainless steel heat exchangers are permitted only if the physical
dimensions and configuration remain unchanged. Modifications
of any type, including additions to or removal of, the catalytic
converters, thermal reactors, or any other pollution control
devices in the exhaust system are not allowed and the system
must be operable.

Ok... so you can replace the area from the STOCK exhaust manifold / header back.

You can not replace the piece that attaches to the engine. Period.

Example - this would be illegal since you're replacing the stock exhaust manifold.


At least that's the way I read the rules...

Does that answer the question?

[lagunamiata]

I'd say that you need to get specific with the part you want and ask Doug Gill at SCCA for clarification.

[damnyankee]

Would the removal of the heat exchangers fall under "thermal reactors", although they have nothing to do with pollution control?

[volksman]

That pic was helpful, as it shows the quandry I'm in. The factory VW muffler has two pipes that attach to the motor, for the rear two cylinders. When you buy a muffler for a vw those two pipes are part of it, so buying a aftermarket muffler with larger pipes gets you two cylinders breathing better than the other two. It's not quite like the subaru flat four with the exhaust ports facing down. And the beetle didn't have cat for few more years.

I kinda thought that the answer would be no. Can't wait for FSP!!!

Wasn't there a bit in the rules about replacing a factory manifold if it was tubular from the factory, with another tubular design? or was that in the SP rules? Meaning could I replace the heater boxes with "J" pipes of the same size as the boxes. I'm not near my home computer and my rule book for another several days. Thanks guys.

[lagunamiata]

You're probably thinking about SP. Anything goes there...
The section I posted is all thats in the rulebook about the exhaust.

I've seen plenty of VW engines, dad was a road racer and we helped a Formula V driver friend from time to time.

I'd say that if you replace the part of the exhaust that bolts to the exhaust outlet on the jugs (we always called the cylider "jugs") it should be the same diameter as stock with the same shape as stock.
If you can then go back to a point where something bolts to that tube, then you could replace from there back with anything.

But again, contact SCCA for official clarification. Doug Gill - [e-mail]
Get specific and provide links to the part you want to use.

[volksman]

I think I'll leave well enough alone for this year and wait till I move to FSP next year. I've been talking with a FSP Karmen Ghia down in the Buccaneer club and that sounds lke a ton of fun for not much more money. Carbs, lowering, exhaust, more power and not much more multiplier on the pax. Thanks again, Greg