Factory exhaust systems?? ACK!

[Robert Phillips <r3rfp@dax.cc.uakron.edu>]

Well, here's the specs.  After thinking about Linus's comment about the 
factory exhaust prices, I called my fiendly (sic) Audi dealer and this is 
what I got:

1987 4000S, 1.8L 4-cyl, Front WD
first pipe (extension pipe, right behind the converter)  $54.51
Center Muffler				$136.79
Rear Muffler				$177.85
and he said about $50-$100 for other clamps, hangers, gaskets, etc.  

I realize that this price might be high even for a dealer, but this is 
what he told me.  

So that's a total of   $369.15 + the misc hangers, gaskets and stuff

Is this a deal?!  He said that the mufflers were warranted for life, the 
pipes for 12 months or 12k miles.  This is nothing unusual.  Even the 
chop shops like M*das or Sp*edy will warrant the product for life around 
here. (only the mufflers though)

I don't intend to flame, but I can't see the inherent value in the 
factory system.  If I were to install a factory replacement, I'd go with 
ANSA or something.  Since I autocross my car, I checked with a local shop 
that will custom bend a system for my car for around $160.  This includes 
installation.  I have seen his work before on race cars and he does a 
*very* good job.  This is the route that I will take when the savings 
account allows.

BTW, the system will be 2.25", with only one muffler.  I am running a 
similar config. now and although a bit loud, it's considerably better on 
the top end.  

Robert Phillips
The University of Akron Sociology Department-------Akron, Ohio
1987 Audi 4000S, 1.8L 4-cyl, FWD----------SOLO II  H-Stock