Hi All,

I'm in the process of deciding what exhaust system to use on the 1916 going in the back of the Beetle. I'm not bothered about heater boxes. Basically I'm of the mind to do it once and do it properly, so that brings it down to two systems:
* CSP Python
* Vintage Speed

I know that via DAS Resto Parts the CSP system will cost about $1,500 including J Pipes, and I need to call VVDS for a price on the Vintage Speed, so that might help me make my decision, but I was wondering what people's experiences were.

I've seen quite a bit on here recently about the Vintage Speed kit, and everyone seems to think they're great, but I'm wondering if anyone has feedback on the Python?

Volksworld did a comparison late last year on exhausts, and the page relating to them is below:



The test was done on a 2332cc engine with 48mm Dell'Ortos and 1:4 ratio rockers that had previously dynoed 150hp.

Their summary was:

"Vintage Speed: It is impossible to fault the quality of this system, but it is very expensive and was only able to match the power of the more budget offerings. But if you want a stock look for a big motor, this is a good option.

In the end, though, the numbers don't lie - CSP Python made more power than all the other exhausts, boasts excellent build quality and has a price between the top and bottom ends of the market"

If I really want, the CSP will also let me use heaters.

So what do people think??

Thanks

I can't comment, as I don't have either. I think I would go the CSP for myself if I had the money.

But how much woulc it cost to get a custom made set done? I know CES in springwood do a few VW exhausts up here. WOuld you be able to get them to copy the CSP and get it done cheaper and have it custom made to your setup? $1500 is allot of money....

I have just fitted a Vintage Speed single outlet to my car its great and the sound is the best i had for years
I fitted bigger V / S J pipes into Stock Heater boxes as well and then had flanges welded to the J Pipes

the V / S mufflers and pipes are well made can not fault



The CSP is extreamly well made BUT VERY expensive thats the only problem

I've got a VS on my Kombi and also getting one on the bug. My kombi is only a 1800 stock so i didn't notice really any difference except it sounded better. As for the bug i'll let you no in a few weeks, but i'm not running a real big motor in the 62 so maybe it will just improve sound and look.

Will your engine justify either of them, i took of a gene berg 1 3/4" merged header of a 2110 with 48DRLA's and replaced it with a 1 5/8" side winder from wolfsburg automotive, immediate improvement in driverability and picked up a lot of bottom end without a lose at the top end, you can buy three of these for one CSP, i even think that they are better built, i seen the welding on the CSP and it was very average. i also have a vintage speed on my convertable.

I have a csp and the welds are perfect. Actually the whole thing is quality. Heater boxes are trick too

I like the idea of heater boxes.
Can you get VS with boxes rather than making them?

So even without having called VVDS I can guess that the VS is cheaper than the Python judging by what David is saying!

I'm just looking at their 2012 catalogue (which I think came in a box from VVDS with other goodies) and there does seem to be a system available to attach to the heaters, but it doesn't seem to be a full merged system (but I could be wrong).

Is your beetle lowered? Sometimes this can play a part as some systems don't have good ground clearence and if your slaming may want to keep that in mind.

Vintage speed to have an exhaust that connects to heater boxes thats what I intend installing on mine

VW Heater Style Exhaust Systems For BUG BUS single and twin tips

Got my first VintageSpeed exhaust over 2 years ago, I wouldn't use anything else now.

new flange

new heater box big J Pipe

rear beaver

rear view

Craig

I think you will have to sit down when you find out the price of the CSP system
yes there really nice and even if you bring it in yourself the taxes n shipping will be over the top

The comparisons above are only part of the story, and actually not giving a fair comparison. The Vintage Speed recommeds their 48mm system for outright performance on 2.3 and larger engines. That test above is using a 42mm system. We found on Col's 2332 with the 44mm system that on the 1/4 mile we picked up around 5-6mph with the same engine/chassis combo and only the exhaust changed from a 1 5/8 fully merged with Fat Boy muffler to a VS full merge competition system as pictured in the pommy article. But in my mind this isn't the biggest improvement, the big winner is fit, reliability and ground clearance. The stock style design is so far superior in the way it supports the weight of the system, there is much less stress both on the heads and on the individual pipes than you get on the regular 4-1 design. Also the ground clearance improvement is a huge bonus, this also takes the stress out of the connections and tubes as each time a conventional 4-1 is dragged on the ground, the heads and pipe connections get stressed which promotes failure and /or leaks. Also the VS needs no removal for servicing, with mechanic's hourly rates where they are these days, saving 1/2 -1 hour each service saves $$$, if the exhaust lasts for 10 years......that's a big saving, if it lasts indefinately you tell me how much you save......

To run heaters the cheaper and lower performance systems are used, but all of the above benifits are still realised.

The retail price for the full competition VS system is $1290 +gst including freight to anywhere in Australia (depending on where you buy it )

Hi Matt, with the VS Comp system can you adjust for a narrow (high comp 1915) motor ? I'm currently building a street motor but the width will be narrower than a stock 1600.

They are certainly a great (simple) looking option for perfomance and ground clearance.

Any pics of it on Cols car from underneath ?

I like my VS Type 4 system in my bug. It does seem loud but not as loud as the harley that goes up my street everyday.

OK - this maybe a dumb question....... but here goes.

I have had mufflers blow out before. I have seen stainless systems get holes and die in under 5 years.
Certainly stock exhausts and also Phat boy style.

I have a custom that is very similar to the CSP set up.
Any muffler problems and you just cut the old one off and weld a new one one... easy.
The header is there for life.

Like a stock system - if you get a hole in the VS system, you are vitrually up for a whole new system

""" Like a stock system - if you get a hole in the VS system, you are vitrually up for a whole new system"""

put a patch on it with tig welding carnt see a problem

there does not appear to be any design problems like a stock exhaust where moisture and dirt get trapped cause things to rust

What's inside the side part of the system, is it a resonator or is it an expansion chamber ?

Also has the benefit of the side bung (VS), which correct me if i'm wrong is used for tuning purposes??

yes - you can put a sensor in there

Anyone got a pic of a CSP system bolted on a bug, just want to see how it sits compared to the VS

as per here