PART 18 - A1 Sidewinder Exhaust - How to Build a CB Performance 2017cc Builder’s Choice VW Engine

In this clip, which was coincidentally filmed over the course of a month or two, documents me struggling with A1 sidewinder exhaust. There were a few modifications needed to the engine tins, plus what turned out to be a bit of major opperation in painting the heater boxes hahahahahaha.

[@JMC8415]

Consider using brass exhaust nuts. Best I've found for headers on a VW engine.

[@Greeners387]

I would certainly reach out to them. For the amount of time and money everyday VW enthusiasts invest in these projects, quality should be the last thing you need to worry about. Especially paying top dollar. Thank you for providing us with the real life version of an engine build. Definitely not a 30min tv show. Cheers!

[@aircooledanything2415]

I’m just gonna vote with my feet and not buy another.

[@patrickmclaughlin6013]

Dang, busting off a yard for an exhaust you would think it should be cherry. Thanks for sharing your experience. Have to say, CB imho is not looking so hot. Might as well go through cip1

[@a080867]

I have had the paint wrinkles problem you had, in the past. It is caused by the solvents in the paint, reacting with the primer, and causing the primer soften and wrinkle. To prevent this, you can give the primer, longer to cure, or start with a very light coat of paint, and let it setup, before the next coat. Your doing great. Keep up the good work.

[@aircooledanything2415]

Yeah. It was super frustrating. I used the recommend primer. Followed the application instructions. You’re right a dust coat would have helped I reckon.

[@davidkline4372]

Ughhh... surprised to see the shoddy quality control on that exhaust. I've seen videos of CB Performance engines on their dyno running A1 exhaust and they look gorgeous and immaculate. Then, when I ordered my engine kit late last year I was surprised to hear CB no longer carries them... that says something. Sorry you got the short straw. Thanks for keeping up with these updates. I'm following your lead.

[@chrisbegger8684]

Love watching your updates. Sadly, I watch your struggles first so I can avoid, as I plan ( Or should I say "Planned") on doing a lot of the same mods you did. I too was considering selling a Kidney to afford an A-1 Exhaust, as many consider them the Gold standard, but now I am having second thoughts? but after watching your vid, as well as hearing from others about the mods to the tins, I make look a different direction. Thanks again for a wonderful and helpful Vid!

[@aircooledanything2415]

Yeah, I was expecting something a bit better. I recently bought a Vintage Speed exhaust for an old school motor and that was a lot better put together. Also stupidly expensive though. Exhausts are always a bit of nightmare right? My best experiences have been with a bespoke exhaust builder here in the UK called Turbo Thomas. He makes to order and the workmanship is perfect. Will go back to that route next time for sure.

[@chrisbegger8684]

I think The CSP kit is the way to go, my Jaw just about hit the floor though when they gave me a shipping quote to get it stateside. In addition to the great detail and explanations you give, I love your series for the British "isms". I am gonna take a shot each time I hear " RIng Spanner" or "Jubilee Clip", make a drinking game out of it

[@aircooledanything2415]

@@chrisbegger8684 Hahahahahaha. I do love a Britishism. Don't get me started on Aluminium.

[@josephcockerill4423]

Hay well done so far I'm looking on getting a 1970s bug and watching you do this is amazing but also scary as I do want to upgrade the engine..... Can I ask how much was the engine and postege. As I live near Brighton...

[@aircooledanything2415]

I haven't got a an exact figure but off the top of myu head it was around £10K for everything. Expensive.

[@davidkline4372]

Ahoy! Ha ha. I'm looking for an exhaust system for my CB 2017 kit and need heater boxes like you have. CB no longer carries A-1 exhaust and A-1 doesn't have a website(?!) Making research difficult. I've found a few EMPI systems online in the 1 5/8" size but they don't come with the heater boxes. My question is did you have to buy the heater boxes separate from the rest of the exhaust or was it a one unit deal? Do you have any recommendations for me as far as x exhaust with y heater boxes combos? Trying to keep cost down too so under $1000 US would be a bonus.

[@aircooledanything2415]

Ahoy back at ya. H! I feel your pain. When I questioned CB on the A1 situation they told me that A1 had become too unreliable. They suggested I contact them directly. Which is what i did. That in itself was a task. I got through to them through their insta account. The exhaust took months to arrive and when it did arrive the muffler was dented. Not a big thing for me as the bus it's going on is a ratty old thing. I'm sure they would have exchanged it. The welds are good, but I've definitely seen neater / better. I have to say that once I got the A1 guys engaged they were pretty good in helping me decide which products would suit my needs best. They also provided the bigger bore heater boxes. Which were only painted in rattle can primer. So I had to clean them up and paint them properly. The J-tubes inside the boxes are stainless. Pretty well made boxes as it goes. On the whole I'm pretty happy with the product, but it was a pain to get, and they were flakey to deal with. I can see why CB has cut them loose. Next time I'm going to try CSP. I've heard great things about their exhaust systems and the welding is way neater. Also not the cheapest, but I think they might actually be a bit cheaper than A1.

[@lpz3665]

I paid almost $1800 for my Volkswagen exhaust and it did not come with gaskets from the engine to the exhaust. Vintage speed stainless steel.

[@aircooledanything2415]

Same. I bought a sebring for a different project and it had no gaskets. I emailed them to ask if they could supply some or at the very least recommend their preferred source. Nada. Hahahahaha.

[@calit2a228]

the csp python is 100% better quality especially the heatingtubes!!! Where are the fan shroud Parts from ?

[@aircooledanything2415]

You're not the first person to mention CSP. A good friend said the same. Maybe I'll try that next time. Or at the very least look at one next show I go to. The fan shroud and engine parts came fromn lots of different places. Some were OG parts from ebay, others are after market from Heritage and Just Kampers here in the UK.

[@charliemessenger6537]

From the piss poor packaging to the bird shit welds, A1 should be embarrassed at what they sent you. It looks like the outsourced either the collector or the pipes themselves because they surely didn't come from the same shop. At the bare minimum they should send you a new, dent free muffler. Made in the USA used to mean something. It still does but obviously it doesn't mean quality. So sorry you got stuck with that steaming pile of tubing. The fact you waited 6 month is just insult to injury. On the up side, I know where NOT to get an exhaust system! Thanks for that, for what it's worth. At least you're in reach of lighting the fire!

[@aircooledanything2415]

Thanks again Charlie. Yep closer to the ignition sequence which is great. I did consider conatcting them about sending out a new muffler, but I couldn't be bothered with another six month wait. 😂

[@charliemessenger6537]

@@aircooledanything2415 You shouldn’t have to send the old one back. Especially given all the other shortcomings. I’m not be for making a big deal out of things with a vendor but in this case, it’s ridiculous. Besides, how else are they going to learn customer relations! 🤨