Installed SSI's on the SC today!
 

I took today off and installed the SSI's on the SC today. Used oxygen/acetylene on the HE nuts and they came right off in no time. Even the oil lines connections at the thermostat came off with no problems. Thank God for PB Blaster. I soaked the oil line fittings twice a day for four days in a row.

The sound is pretty cool, very different from the stock configuration. Seat of the pants dyno says 5-10 hp gain. Would have been interesting to have done an actual before and after dyno run. I just can't waste good money on cool stuff like that.

Here's a few pics.

I'm glad I did it. I can't wait for it to get cold again, the cabin heat is unbelievable.

Total cost was $1,070.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1146256057.jpg http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1146256077.jpg http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1146256094.jpg http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1146256106.jpg http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1146256125.jpg

The increase in cabin heat was most impressive to me. The sound and HP gain was expected but I did not know I'd be able to toast marshmallows.

Nice job.

Two thoughts (worth not much more than $0.02):
1) You should be able to sell that euro pre-muffler here on PParts to recoup some of your costs
2) Have you thought about a less-restrictive muffer? I think it would really make a difference. A Steve Wong chip might also be in order. ;-)

I have a pre-muffler sitting on the floor in my garage waiting to be installed. The bolts are rusted to hell. How much did the torch cost? Is it possible to rent one?

PV,
Unless John has swapped out his 3.0 for a 3.2, he does not have a chip to replace.

Do you just have air blowing through the driver's side HE? I'm considering something like this but saw that a lot of people were backdating their tin and fan shroud.

I borrowed the torches, no chip in an 80 SC, air goes to both HE's, heater ducts and tinwork are backdated too.

The pre muffler and other stuff will be listed soon.

That's a fair price for that upgrade... wish we had the SSI's for a price like that over here...

over $1,000 for a 5-10 hp only? doesnt seem worth it, does it?

I was gonna do the same thing.

There's just something very satisfying about replacing brown, flaky, rusty, parts with SS parts that are, and will, stay shiny.

on-ramp

I did it becasue my HE's were beyond their useful life. The increase in HP was a bonus. How's 15-18 hp sound? I was being conservative becuase the car was not dyno tested.

I would have to think it is more than 10 HP. Fabspeed quotes "up to 11 HP" with their CatByPassTube. Also, BA says SSI's are good for 17-22 HP depending on which year model.

That said for $250 and an hour or so of labor I can do, I am leaning toward the Fabspeed solution.

Even if it is "only" a 10hp net gain, the throttle response is better with SSIs, and the engine revs much faster toward redline. It's not cliche: the engine really does breathe much better. Then there is the weight benefit, the nicer exhaust tone (muffler dependent, of course), and the fact they will never rot out. If one does not have to deal with smog compliance, SSIs are a great upgrade.

Edward

I noticed some clean mid-range torque.

I dyno tested my 79 before and after SSI's. Added 10HP, felt faster at midrange.

I'm a dope! Ah, well. You learn something every day.

Can someone explain why the cabin gets hot w/ SSI's? So does everyone w/ SSI's put up w/ heated cabins all the time? What about guys who live in warm climates?

What the difference in sound tone w/ SSI's? deeper? louder?

thanks

Mike,
If the flappers work correctly, no extra heat will get into cab unless they are opened. SSI's did speed the heat delivery and intensity on my car when I wanted it.