I am replacing my chrome "old burnt blue and rusty " split header duel exhast with a new one. exact same system.
Exhaust comes with muffler inserts which i installed on system last time.
I know it will be loud if i do not install but will this extend the life of the chrome from turning blue?
Most importaint question if i do not install the muffler inserts will i not have enough back pressure and burn out a valve or something?
I know that on many cars this would happen.
my engine is a pretty much stock VW 1600 single port .
Thanks
Andy

Nothing is going to keep your chrome from turning blue, that's just the nature of chrome exhaust tubes. And, yes your engine needs some backpressure or the cylinders will be over-scavenged and lean out, you can bump up the size of your main jet or you can put the inserts in and have your neighbours still like you

brad

Or get a nice merged system for better sound control and more power.

Jeff,
I thought of that and in a few years when i destoy this set i wll go that way.
I will aslo go with painted tin then because the chrome these days suck  and rust in a few years
thanks

I've been running a set like this (if not the same set) for over 5 years and it's still not blue.
I've been told that the ceramic coating will prevent it from tuning blue.

http://www.cip1.ca/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=C13-55-3373

Ceramic and chrome are 2 completely different animals. Ceramics won't turn blue, maybe get a little darker but that's it.

brad

Okay, I never had a ceramic exhaust.
Only chrome.
I must have lived a sheltered life.
What s a ceramic exhaust?

Its coated in a high temp ceramic coating. Not as reflective of chrome but all in all a better choice.

Yoy saw ceramic on " Blue Moon Dune " when you were at my house to pick up the Teal Allison, They make them in split exaust also like you would probably want Here is a picture of ceramic on " Blue Moon Dune "

Andy, Here is a link to split dual ceramic coated exaust  http://www.appletreeauto.com/product.php?productid=18629&cat=50&page=1

This is what mine looked like after 2 years, Still looks the same today.

So it sort of looks like chrome??
I am going to have to look into this and decide if thisnisin my future.....

Everyone
Thanks for comments and advice.
I learned a lot and appreciate help.
The other day the e--i chrome ones showed up and they were very poorly bent, straight scraps in the metal, poor chrome job where you see the defects in bending, poor plate job where you see for lack of better terms "fisheyes" in the plating job and last but poor weld job.
They are being returned with apology from place I bought and promise to personally inspect and approve of new ceramic ones being sent to me.
Ron at the shop was great and no issues. All he wants is a happy customer so I will buy from them again. Great customer service.
I will let everyone know what I think of the ceramic ones.
The old chrome ones I had lasted for years and think it was just a bad batch.
Again thanks for comments and advice.
Much appreciated
Andy