Recently, I read a negative comment about Vetterman exhaust systems in the forum that requires a closer look. In hope of a little creditability, let me say that I have been flying for over 50 years to include F-106s, F-4s, F-15s and F-16s. I have been flying Van's aircraft for over 25 years, built the first F-1 Rocket to fly back in 2000, helped build two others, bought/sold and helped build over 15 RVs, and all but one have utilized Vetterman exhaust. I have never experienced a crack or any form of malfunction of these systems.
I think it useful to newer builders to hear about the evolution of the RV exhaust systems. Early on, when I began this journey with Vans aircraft there was only one source of exhaust, built by Allan Tolle. My first RV-4 had the Tolle system and after sending it back the fourth time for welding cracks, I included the prop for balance. The prop was OK, and I discarded the exhaust system as many others had already done. Problem was the only other option at the time was to have a local shop weld up something that would work. I heard through the grapevine that a guy by the name of Larry Vetterman, who was a RV builder, was thinking of marketing exhaust for the RV. I called and ordered a set of his four-pipe system for my O-320, and the result was a system that fit, never cracked and gave me a 100+ RPM increase on the top end. Twenty five sets of Vetterman exhausts later, I can say I have never had to return a set for repair.
Larry Vetterman is an icon in the RV community at the same shoulder-level as Van himself. He provided a product that allowed Vans to grow, and solved one of the major problems facing RV builders many years ago. Most other exhaust system builders today learned their trade from Vetterman.
Bottom line to this diatribe is that it dismays old time RV builders and flyers like me to see or hear negative comments from individuals who have built one aircraft and now have all the answers. Going negative on someone like Larry who have given so much to our sport shows a severe lack of knowledge.
If someone out there has a better idea about mounting brackets for RV exhaust, please step forward. I guarantee the idea will be incorporated in the Vetterman system. From personal experience I know this Vetterman fellow pretty well. No one is more intent on improving the sport of RV flying and making it safer than Larry. Nor short of Van, no one has given more time and effort to advancement of the sport than Larry Vetterman. Jim Cash
I think it useful to newer builders to hear about the evolution of the RV exhaust systems. Early on, when I began this journey with Vans aircraft there was only one source of exhaust, built by Allan Tolle. My first RV-4 had the Tolle system and after sending it back the fourth time for welding cracks, I included the prop for balance. The prop was OK, and I discarded the exhaust system as many others had already done. Problem was the only other option at the time was to have a local shop weld up something that would work. I heard through the grapevine that a guy by the name of Larry Vetterman, who was a RV builder, was thinking of marketing exhaust for the RV. I called and ordered a set of his four-pipe system for my O-320, and the result was a system that fit, never cracked and gave me a 100+ RPM increase on the top end. Twenty five sets of Vetterman exhausts later, I can say I have never had to return a set for repair.
Larry Vetterman is an icon in the RV community at the same shoulder-level as Van himself. He provided a product that allowed Vans to grow, and solved one of the major problems facing RV builders many years ago. Most other exhaust system builders today learned their trade from Vetterman.
Bottom line to this diatribe is that it dismays old time RV builders and flyers like me to see or hear negative comments from individuals who have built one aircraft and now have all the answers. Going negative on someone like Larry who have given so much to our sport shows a severe lack of knowledge.
If someone out there has a better idea about mounting brackets for RV exhaust, please step forward. I guarantee the idea will be incorporated in the Vetterman system. From personal experience I know this Vetterman fellow pretty well. No one is more intent on improving the sport of RV flying and making it safer than Larry. Nor short of Van, no one has given more time and effort to advancement of the sport than Larry Vetterman. Jim Cash
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