I would think a plugged exhaust would be more likely to cause a serious lack of power than a leaky one. A 2-stroke may be more sensitive to exhaust leaks, and that might be what your mechanic friend was thinking of. If you exhaust system is really rusty a piece of it may have flaked off the inside and blocked a passage.
I would do the cheap diagnostics first, a compression test, ignition dwell and timing, then valve clearances. If everything checks out O.K., then spend the money on the exhaust.
My $0.02
Kevin
'66 Fastback, assorted Beetles
>From: "Everett Barnes" <everettb@thesamba.com>
>Reply-To: type3@vwtype3.org
>To: "Type 3 List" <type3@vwtype3.org>
>Subject: Re: [T3] exhaust questions...
>Date: Thu, 24 Jun 2004 15:04:45 -0700
>
>The 4-tip sport sound exhaust you linked to is loud. And it is
>garbage.
>
>I am not familiar with the other exhaut you linked to but it appear
>to be lacking some important pieces like the upper heat exchangers
>and other factory heater connections.
>
>The true factory-style exhaust is the best choice for a stock
>vehicle. I see them on eBay fairly regularly. There was one on
>there just a couple days ago.
>
>There are several quality aftermarket exhausts, I'll let a darksider
>person speak on that.
>
>I might have an extra stock exhaust right now, if you don't find
>something else more desirable.
>
>- Everett
>
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