G-Down Exhaust

[The Inspector]

   Anyone using this new forward exiting exhaust system?

           I think it,s a pretty Bitchen set-up.

  Wonder what it cost,s?

[stealth67vw]

I think it sounds like a Subaru running on 3 cylinders 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e3hdOjZyFM

[Mark Harney]

Yeah, I can't really tell from the video, but it does sound kinda....rough.

[64Red]

I emailed the guy back and forth a couple of times, he seemed pretty cool.

Sounds good.. but what about going over speed bumps with a loaded car?

[Jason Young]

ya he gave me his card in the lanes of irwindale and asked me if i wanted to give the exhaust a comparison test for my combo. he said it would make more power but by after looking at his website i never got around to it.

[John P]

   Anyone using this new forward exiting exhaust system?

           I think it,s a pretty Bitchen set-up.

  Wonder what it cost,s?

Claudio is a really nice guy. You can reach him at claudiogiovanni@msn.com

Cheers,

John
http://Cal=Look.com

[The Inspector]

I recieved a reply from Claudio, he gets $399 for one of these systems for a Bug....

[Marty]

I think it sounds like a Subaru running on 3 cylinders 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e3hdOjZyFM

Thats sound AWEFUL!

[robprince]

Probably just a cheap video camera 

[jeff68]

I would think it would sound like those Phoeniz dual glass pack systems.  The one that exits through the rear apron cutouts on a bug.  I watched the video but couldn't tell what it really sounds like.  I just wonder how well a typical N/A hot street engine would run with this system?  Would it scavenge the exhaust well, would it flow well etc.  I'm curious but I don't have $400.00 to find out.

[volksguy]

Looks like crap to me, and i think it should atleast have a balance tube on it to conect 1,2 to 3&4 somehow.

[turbotype1]

Thats sound AWEFUL!

X2

[vwbyoy88]

I think part of the problem may be the balance tube, or lack of; but also we're only hearing one side at a time. So, in essence; you're only hearing half of the engine running. It doesn't sound that great, I'll admit; but I like the fact that someone is pushing the envelope to develop SOMETHING new. With time and feedback, it'll get better.

[jeff68]

I think the original "Hot to Hotrod VW Engines" book talks about the difference in having a 4 in to one collector versus having two or even four separate outlets.  I think it kind of makes VWs like our sound like motorcycles.  Back in the 70's my Dad's '72 Super Beetle had a set of those phoenix duals and I always thought the car sounded more like a motorcycle with dual pipes.  But I was ten years old and I thought it sounded cool at the time.

[scott s]

 What the heck IS a G Down exhaust? I can't see anything in that vid. Any pics or a link?

[lugnuts]

Here ya go http://www.gdownusa.com/Home_Page.php 

[Contevita]

After looking at a pic on the website, I would think those would get crushed, dented or broken on some high speedbumps.  Although I like it when someone thinks outside the box on a classic, I would prefer the rear exhaust set up.  I'm running the A1 and I've yet to have any speedbump issues so far.

[fiatdude]

Holy crap -- $400 for that -- I'm about to go into the exhaust system business -- anybody want one LOL

[bo]

i would de curious t hear them with a turbo i have thought about a dual exit with boost but hearing it i dont know how i feel

[claudiogdown]

Guys, I’ve got thousands of miles on the G-Down system and never bottomed out the tips on any speed bumps, in fact when backing out of a driveway too fast once I hit the lip of the oil screen plate  and the exhaust did not bottom. I haven’t received any requests for balance tubes yet but it’s easy to do. I ran one on the first prototype and will produce production units with them when requested. The G-Down Bug videos on YouTube give you some idea of the sound but you have to view several to get a feel. On video G-Down Bug 4 for instance, when I’m accelerating past the apex of the turn the car sounds like Steve McQueen’s Mustang in the movie Bullitt. On other videos the mic of the camera gets overwhelmed as the megaphone shoots a pulse at it. Overall, those who have purchased a set absolutely love it and these exhausts are making their way all over the states. As far as the price, who can compete with 45 years of the same bullcrap? This is a new, American made high quality system that will be proven to outflow your merged header and single Phat muffler. Anyone that has really studied exhaust science should know that scavenging is a myth. Merging all four cylinder exhaust gasses does not speed up the flow. If it were true, you would see an 8 into 1 exhaust in Formula One. Nascar merges their exhaust for packaging and ballast considerations. As the forward dual exit exhausts make their debut at drag strips around the country and up- coming dyno tests are revealed, G-Down exhausts are here to compete with the established exhaust systems on the market. Claudio G-Down

[NewportBug]

will you, or know of someone, who will be displaying this setup at the upcoming bug-in? i would like to see and hear this in person. Its a difficult read on the sound in the video. I know i wouldnt mind trying something different.

[claudiogdown]

Yes we do have someone running the G-Down exhaust at Bug-in and we will also have the G-Down bug there as well. Look forward to seeing you. Claudio

[58vw]

any dyno comparisons?

[volksguy]

How about taking one of those G Down exhausts systems to AJ Sims PreClassic Dyno fun Day ( http://www.cal-look.com/forum/index.php/topic,29233.0.html ) , and with the same engine running a merged header and phatboy style muffler, someone can swap the exhaust systems on it and see some real Dyno # differences.
Good idea? Ide say so, if what Claudio says its true, then i bet he'de sell alot more of them.
I personally will stick to the traditional Merge and Turbo style muffler.

[Jake Raby]

My experience with any exhaust system that lacks a collector hasn't been positive... Power has always flatlined and BSFC has risen, indicating a loss of efficiency..

I certainly have not tested a G down system, so my statements are not substantiated by anything more than the dozen or so times I have failed when making 2>1 systems myself...

I'd be happy to evaluate one of these systems as a 3rd party on either of my engine dynos, and our chassis dyno on a couple different engines.. I won't charge a dime, just let me keep the system for about 6 weeks to get the data. I'll give you BSFC, AFR, EGTX4,CHTX4 as well as HP and torque.... 0-60 and 40-80 tests are also easy to do on the street with the data logger for field testing.

[J Dotson]

That exhaust kind of reminds me of a exhaust i built for a Thing with lift kit...see pic, pointing the other way tough.Dual turbo mufflers and sounded pretty good.Good to have G-Down as sponsor of cal-look but i would not like a exhaust like that myself...Nice offer of Raby..maybe go for that...

[turbotype1]

Anyone that has really studied exhaust science should know that scavenging is a myth.

That statement is pure bullsh!t !!

If you have done any research at all about exhaust design, You would not be making such a half-azzed statement.

Sniff around hear www.elstonheaders.com if you want to see what real exhaust technology is. 

[stoneloco808]

It is different.  Here in Hawaii, if the vehicle has this exhaust and rear pop-out quarter windows, it wouldn't pass the yearly State Vehicle Safety Check.  In this state the tailpipe must be located past the last opening window.  So a beetle with this type of pop-out windows, the only place for the tail-pipe would be in the conventional location, under the rear fender/rear apron area. 

[Jake Raby]

Scavenging and manipulation of sound waves is what exhaust design is all about!

[David Ward]

I think it sounds similar to the dual glass pack systems that used to be common on Myers Manx buggies, except quieter.  Its the whole 2 into 1 banking of the exhaust.

For whatever its worth, I wish the guy luck and much success.  Its nice to see something new hit the market.  I can see this set-up being popular with the cruiser crowd or someone who wants to be different.     Originality is good.   

He'll know he has something when Empi sends one overseas and they copy it with inferior materials.   
 

[Jake Raby]

I'd like to see it with different phasing, batching one cylinder from each bank into the 2>1 equation.. The firing order of the VW engine is what creates a challenge with the standard 2>1 collecting each bank..

[56Hotrod]

I made an exhaust like this on my car back in 1992. Went to a local muffler shop, had the shop bend the pipe out of the merged collector contouring the rear apron. Ran it back toward the front over the axle, with a muffler angled down on the front side of the axle, then exited in front of the left rear tire. $80. Sure, it wasn't stainless, and the muffler wasn't anything fantastic, but it worked well, and looked good.

[HotrodVW]

I took this pic at Sac BOR on Sunday.  The idea is there, it doesn't look that bad, but I heard it run in person.......yikes.   

[fiatdude]

Wouldn't fit on a Fiat

[HotrodVW]

You're better off......