Need merged heater box exhaust advice

[jgerock]

New member here.

I read some older posts about high performance heater boxes, but would like some advice for my car.  My '71 has a 1776cc engine with lots of Gene Berg parts that I built in 1995 and I'm getting ready to install new CB 044 CNC round port heads that have the 40 x 35.5mm valves.  I'd like to keep my heater (edit: and stock thermostat!), so I'm looking for a merged system with the larger heater boxes (flanged).  My current exhaust uses "lightweight" stock-size heater boxes and GB 903DP dual-quiet header system.
Here is the header and heater boxes I removed yesterday


I'm leaning toward the GB 932HB system, but would like some advice on the current systems being offered.   The car sees limited use and will not be raced.

[youngnstudly]

If that's your '71 in the pic, how'd you get a VW engine in it with the original BMW engine already installed?  I bet the 1776 is in the front, isn't it? Probably hauls ass with both those engines (all wheel drive Baby!)!

Kidding aside, I would vote for Berg too, ass-u-ming they have them in stock. Their website shows none in stock, but if you go on thesamba.com and look through the classifieds (search:Gene Berg), they might be listed there. Otherwise, CSP is next in line for a complete system (store bought), or you could go with the A1 heater box exhaust ( this is just a quick link to give you an idea http://www.vwparts.net/A1SWHT.html), but I like the Berg look better, with a traditional design. I think Kymco might also make a system, but I haven't stayed on top of that company at all. Good luck and be prepared to spend some serious dough if you want everything done right the first time. You won't be sorry with parts that actually fit and work!

Andy

[jgerock]

Thanks Andy.

The VW sits to the right of my BMW.
Here is my car with engine just pulled yesterday


My car has the rear support bar, so that won't work with the A1 sidewinder muffler 

[youngnstudly]

Hey that engine looks great! Judging by the calipers and how nice your car looks, you don't skimp on your car(s)-that's a good thing!  Don't quote me on this, but I think Tiger can make his Sidewinder work around the traction bars (like you have). Wait for others to chime in here, as I'm certain someone else one here can give you an answer and probably photos to back the claim up. I know he makes that system for up to 250hp engines, and you know those require a traction bar. I still like Bergs system better since you can use standard mufflers in the "usual" spot though. Call me old school  .....I've been called much worse by women who claimed to love me.

Andy

[John P]

I'm running a Berg 1.5 inch merged header/heater box system with a single Quiet Pack (Old School). I had it sandblasted and HPC coated in grey/silver (unpolished, as I prefer the dull, grey/silver look).

I bought it 10 years ago, and run it on my 2110, and I'm very happy with it. I drive my car year 'round (dry days), and it produces good heat, keeping me very comfortable (with good defrost) down to approximately 25 degrees F.

It fit well, and I run my stock thermostat and all stock tin.

My 1.5 cents.

JP

BTW, LOVE the vintage BMW!

[jgerock]

Thanks John.
I believe you have the Gene Berg 932HB system which is what I'm thinking of purchasing.  My 2004 catalog has a picture of it (website doesn't).  I will contact them to see their lead times and also if they can coat it for me.

I sent my existing GB header out in 1994 to be Jet Hot coated in satin black and it still looks brand new.  The dual Berg mufflers were coated at home using Griot's Garage HT paint (brush on).


Here are two pics of my '73tii (they are very easy to work on and it helps to be a BMW CCA member)

[John P]

Cool, you won't be disappointed.

I was admiring allot of vintage BMWs at the Vintage Racing Festival a month ago at Limerock. I love the classic, German lines. I've always admired the 2002.

[jgerock]

John -

There are many 2002-related events throughout the U.S.  Lime Rock, Saratoga (NY), Eureka Springs, AR, Winston-Salem, NC, etc. The majority of events are in So. California. 

The picture you posted is the Inka-colored 72tii done by the BMW factory.  I must warn you (and anyone else) that the cost of replacement parts for vintage BMWs is outrageous and still climbing. 

See here for the MT Classic article http://www.motortrend.com/classic/roadtests/c12_0612_1972_bmw_2002_tii/index.html

[jgerock]

I contacted Gene Berg's place via e-mail and Al Craig responded that they had (1) 932HB system on the shelf and the welds could be dressed and coated in about 1-2 weeks.  I called him and placed my order, so it should arrive in a couple of weeks.

I still have to "cc" the new heads to check my compression ratio, trim the (2) center head studs to clear the thicker manifolds and install some "windows" in the engine compartment before I re-install the engine. 

[jgerock]

My new exhaust system is on the way from Gene Berg.

Here is a picture before the coating was applied (thanks to Al Craig of GB!)