Advice on Buying SSI Headers

[KMoore68]

Hi,

I'm looking to buy SSI headers for my 1977 911 S with a 2.7. The thermal reactors aren't on the car anymore I believe I want the thin flange header.

I am curious though as it seems there are a lot of knock-offs and I'd appreciate any thoughts on how I can tell they are original SSIs.

Also, would a knockoff header be ok? Should I get the name-brand?

Thoughts? Comments?

[fanaudical]

I've got a set of thin-flange SSI's on my 2.7 and they've been there ~11 years. No issues. I was fortunate to pick those up gently used from one of the engine builders here on the forum for a reasonable price. The SSI's are a quality product.

[shoooo32]

Are there a lot of knockoff stainless heat exchangers? Other than SSI (currently owned by Dansk), there are Eisenmann out of Germany. Otherwise, Bursch and Fabspeed make headers with provisions for heat but they look much different from the factory design.

[Showdown]

Where were all of these knock offs when I paid full Dansk prices for my SSIs

SSI do wonders for 2.7s, if you require heat, there’s really nothing better you can do. If you don’t need heat, the world is your oyster. And if you kind of need heat, then talk to Tony (Shooo32) about his nifty smugglers box gas heater.

[drtyler]

You state, "...I believe I want the thin flange header."

I would make double sure by looking under the car and verifying which one your car requires. If you are uncertain, snap a photo and post.

Originally Posted by KMoore68

Hi,

I'm looking to buy SSI headers for my 1977 911 S with a 2.7. The thermal reactors aren't on the car anymore I believe I want the thin flange header.

I am curious though as it seems there are a lot of knock-offs and I'd appreciate any thoughts on how I can tell they are original SSIs.

Also, would a knockoff header be ok? Should I get the name-brand?

Thoughts? Comments?

[catuck]

Correct, the 2.7 requires thin flange. Also, you will need an oil line kit to clear the headers, the stock oil lines interfere I believe. Too bad, just sold a set of original SSI's. I don't think there are any knock-off SSI's though?

[drtyler]

The original 2.7 in my car has the long studs and thick flanges, which is why I mentioned to verify which one his car needsd.

Originally Posted by catuck

Correct, the 2.7 requires thin flange. Also, you will need an oil line kit to clear the headers, the stock oil lines interfere I believe. Too bad, just sold a set of original SSI's. I don't think there are any knock-off SSI's though?

[catuck]

Originally Posted by drtyler

The original 2.7 in my car has the long studs and thick flanges, which is why I mentioned to verify which one his car needsd.

It's possible someone changed the studs, though Porsche is known to have interchanged parts, so your engine may be a later build.

I swapped the studs on my engine to fit thin flange SSI's on my 3.2.

Regardless, good advice to check. If you find used SSI's at a good price, the studs can be swapped out.

[KMoore68]

I ended up ordering some SSIs from Sierra Madre and got a good deal!

[drtyler]

I believe if the 2.7 had thermal reactors, it would have long studs for thick flanges. Some 2.7 engines never had thermal reactors, so those would be short studs for thin flanges.

Originally Posted by catuck

It's possible someone changed the studs, though Porsche is known to have interchanged parts, so your engine may be a later build.

I swapped the studs on my engine to fit thin flange SSI's on my 3.2.

Regardless, good advice to check. If you find used SSI's at a good price, the studs can be swapped out.

[eastbay]

Originally Posted by drtyler

I believe if the 2.7 had thermal reactors, it would have long studs for thick flanges. Some 2.7 engines never had thermal reactors, so those would be short studs for thin flanges.

Right on.