[Vwdiesel] exhaust systems

[peter blake]

  The list has been quiet so I thot I'd share one of my happier
adventures w the truck. A few months ago I bot a techtonics 2"
exhaust system. Prior to that I sourced a dual outlet exhaust
manifold fm a mkIII. That's important because the mkIIIs have bigger primaries than the exhaust manifold that I had on the truck. 
  The system included a dual downpipe, piping and a muffler as 
well as new donuts. One fly in the ointment was that the down pipes
had an o2 bung, something I didn't need and they did not include
a plug to close it. So I called techtonics and they were great and
sent me out a plug and I also ordered an additional hanger which
they did not include in the original order because they didn't 
consider it necessary.  Maybe they're right but if the factory
had a hanger at that spot I want one there also.
My local muffler guy helped me install the system and it fit 
quite nicely w just a little tweaking at the end because of the
flipped axle.
  I was underwhelmed w the performance difference and wondered
about all the positive info I had read on "uncorking" the 
exhaust on these little diesels.  
  Just recently I had occasion to put in a new timing belt and
water pump.  After I had set the timing and went for a drive
the difference I felt was enormous.  It was like a whole new
engine in there!  I can only surmise that the timing was off
a bit, perhaps due to a stretched belt?  Having never set the
timing before on this engine I can't really say. But I am way 
pleased w how the truck now performs and sounds.  It was a bit 
pricey but I'm now a big fan of techtonics exhaust systems.  
One last note is that the 2" exhaust actually measures one 
and 7/8" I.D.
Peter