SSIs vs early heat exchangers
 

How significant is the flow difference between early two out heat exchangers and SSIs?

Almost negligable. The SSI's are extremely similar in structure (excepting very early cars i.e. 65 and 66, possibly later), only they are purportedly slightly more equal length. The stainless steel construction of the SSI's is a great advantage, though. The SSI's design is based around early style exchangers.

SSIs were designed as an early replacement for stock HEs....they also enjoy popularity with engine owners with less than favorable stock systems up to and including the 3.0.

my issue is that as part of my engine swap (81' out 79' in) requires me to give up my thick flange SSIs. My mechanic has offered me three pretty good options:

option #1 $200 - keep the stock cross over exchangers on the 79' and put on a stock one in one out as the existing muffler was modified by the PO and does not fit my car. I keep my SSIs and my Bursch and try to sell them.


Option #2 $400 - he will install good condition early heat exchangers and I can hook back up my two in one out Bursch. I keep my SSIs and try to sell them.

or

option #3 - He will reduce the total engine swap costs by $400 if he keeps my SSIs and we go with option #2 at no additional cost (basically he is valuing the SSIs at about $800)


My current schedule precludes me from trying to sell and ship my own SSIs so I think I'll go with option #3

Option #4...change out the exhaust studs and tell yer wrench to go Fuch himself....

Thanks Mikez - we talked about that and in his words:

" I could cut the tops of the SSI off then change studs but the problem is that the studs never want to come out and usually break, then your drilling and helicoling...nightmare."

I noticed more heat and a slightly louder exhaust when I switched from stock to the SSI's on my '73S. I would go with #4.

Why not get a set of thin flanges from SSI. Or get the thick flanges milled down?

Bullsheeyit.....double nutts and MAPP gas will take them out....if he can't do THAT he shouldn't be a wrench.....

Or do it the Billy Bob way....thick washers.

Mikez,

what do you mean by thick washers. My problem is that my flange is too big, not too small.

Also, does anyone know how I contact SSI directly?

Ooopsie....ya...my last SSI problem was opposite of yours.

A competent welder could re-do the flanges....but I would change out the studs. Things have been in there 25 years.....

you could buy christian's tool and drill out all 12 exhaust studs @ 10-15 minutes each = 3 hours labor ($300) + $150 for the tool. damn, everything costs money. 6 of one, 1/2 dozen of the other.

SSI
800 227-1486
Novato, CA. (about 15 min. north of SF)

I have one thin flange SSI and one standard early heat exhanger... would consider a trade plus $ for your thick flange SSI's. I guess that would be option 7 or 8 or whatever number you are on now. ;)

cnielsen

What side of SSI do you have? Right side of left side?

The Stainless one is the passenger side. The non stainless one is also in great condition. Put some high temp exhaust paint on it and it will look brand new.