getting the run around about exhaust mods

[twobone]

I live in Toronto Canada and I'm getting confusing answers from different specialists.

I own a US spec 81 911 SC and I had thought a good mod was to install SSI heat exchangers and a Bursch or similar exhaust.

Most shops seem to want to simply install an expensive hand built exhaust system to match up to the stock system and seem to look at me as if I'm stupid when I ask for quotes for replacement heat exhangers.

I assumed that the exhaust routing of the stock SC factoring in the cross over pipe and the CAT meant that replacing them with the SSIs and a sports exhaust will yeild better beathing and a nice improvement in sound.

Who's right and who's wrong?

Mike

[89911]

Your right, there wrong. As long as you don't need the cat, the SSI/sport muffler is the proven way to go. Don't be surprised that some shops will question why you would want to go that route. They may have some financial interest in the recommendations. I've found a shop that I like that will discuss upgrade options and not quickly dismiss any ideas I may have. It helps to have a shop whose owners/mechanics drive Porsches, (and hopefully 911's), to give you better insight.

[Joe Bob]

If you don't have emissions testing or they allow exhaust mods....SSIs are the way to go.....the 3.0 will really wake up once the restrictive stock system and cat are removed.

"I" was able to pass smog in CA with them....I had to lean out the mix a bit for the test and the tech assumed that the SSIs were dual cats....I didn't contradict him...HE WAS the expert....%^B

[Bill Verburg]

I would use SSI's and whatever muffler pleases your ears. Be aware that the oil lines will need o be changed to the '74 style.

[Randy Webb]

SSI is the original and only aftermarket exhaust that I know was devoloped with dyno testing (it looks just like the factory units -- odd, eh?).

I would use a stock muffler unless you want more noise, then i would go to the dual out mod. to the stock muffler. Dansk has copies of the stock and sport mufflers. Monty has a good rep also. There are a number of other choices for mufflers that are less loud than the sport muffler, most of which do not have empirical data to support them. At the very least, listen carefully for resonance if you want a louder muffler. It will be very annou=ying on the hwy.

You might want to visit QUebec and a poster here - Reynald. Other Candians on the board seem to be in BC.

Good luck.

[Jeff Alton]

SSI's and a Triad dual out on my 84 3.2, love it. It is loud but it sounds like no other 911 exhuast I have heard. I have gotten quite a few compliments on it at autox and DE's. Be aware that it does drone a little bit, but I found that cutting the pipes back a little helped quite a bit.

Cheers, Jeff

[Cdnone1]

I use to live in TO. Do not let anyone tell you they need to fab some fancy thing for you $$$$$ I f you are handy you can install the SSi's and a new(or used) exhaust yourself. if the car is from the north east you will want to to a search on this board for plenty of great advice to do the change over. Emmision laws in Ontario excempt cars over 20 years old so you should be good on that. If you buy new SSI's you might want to remove the old system first, that wat if the nuts break off at the top of the flange you can get the thin flanged (83-89) SSi and just rethread the bolts. Check for rust, read everything you can on this board and be patient. You will love the results. You can order the backdated oillines in advance because no matter thin or thick flange headers you will need to back date the oil lines to pre 73
Good luck
steve

[twobone]

I've gone ahead and set up the work at a mechanic in Oakville.

The work to be done over the next few days:

- SSI & Bursch

- Turbo Tie-rods

- Lowering to European ride height

- Corner balancing and alignment.

Total bill ......close to $5000 CDN

Yeah, I know I'm getting fleeced, but you only live once and I don't have the time, patience or apptitude to do the work myself.

I'm also going to order one of those groovy new airbox covers.

I can't wait. She is going to really rip I think


Future work:

- Polish the rims
- Install a duck tail
- replace the US head lights with H4s
- Replace the fog lights
- Maybe put some Carrera badge and scripting



Cheers


Mike

[Joe Bob]

Looks nice...Aubergine?

[twobone]

Took me a minute to clue in....


No , the previous owner had it repainted in a BMW dark blue over the old "ice blue"


It looks nice, but it may get resprayed some year to a stock colour

[john70t]

Another standard "upgrade" is the airbox pop-off valve/cover to prevent them cracking from backfires...(not sure if that's what you are refering to)... and the oil-fed tensioners fron the 88-on. Add ARP headstuds and the motor will last forever with care.

Nice looking car.

[raceman]

SSI`s are great but for the same money you can buy my GHL full stainless exhaust with dual out muffler.No need to change any oil lines either and the pipe diameter is a little bigger then the SSI`s.l was asking $1800.00 because it has less then 1000 miles on it but l can feel the price dropping...

[JackT]

Are the GHL full stainless exhausts heat exchangers or headers?

[Wil Ferch]

SSI's show a bit more improvement for 3.0 SC's than they do for later 3.2's *( about 18 hp vs 13 or so).

However, using the 3.2 as a baseline, you can get nearly the same results with a Euro premuffler in lieu of cat , and a dual-out muffler ( change out or mod). Benefit includes easy capability to bring back to stock *if ever* you need to re-install the cat.

But...I see...you're way beyond that already.... holy smokes $5k Canadian ???

--Wil