SSI vs Headers

Hello, I am looking for some opinions regarding updating the exhaust on a '78 911. I have read about using the exhaust configuration like that on a pre '75 911. If having heat is not a priority, car driven during warm months, what would be the pros and cons of using headers and a dual inlet muffler vs the SSI setup? The car is used for street, autoX purposes. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks, Dennis.

There may be others out there, but the 'headers' I am familiar with are made by Bursch and plain, painted steel, at $380-$400 per pair, versus SSI's at $450 and up, per side. To me, the painted headers are drastically overpriced, and I will be glad to tell you why! I have had many vehicles with painted headers, and the continuous fight against rust is a real pain! Under the best of circumstances, they need to be taken off the car twice a year and cleaned and repainted with Sperex high-heat paint, if you don't want them to deteriorate badly! While I am sure the SSI's are not totally corrosion-proof, the difference is orders of magnitude! You can make your own choice, I don't happen to think saving $500 or so is worth all the extra work, expense in both time and money, and pain! If the Bursch headers were made of stainless steel it would be a different matter!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

[This message has been edited by Early_S_Man (edited 02-19-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Early_S_Man (edited 02-19-2000).]

I had a set of headers on my '73, picked them up at a swapmeet for $150 (new = $400). They are lightweight, simple, and clean but rust. I've got a set of SSIs on my '78SC. Purchased them barely used from my mechanic for $600. I live in the midwest so heat is nice to have. If you can get a set of headers cheap and have them coated it might be a good deal for you. Otherwise I agree with Warren on the rust issue. Also, I think that SSIs are very desirable in terms of resale for your car.

What a coincidence - I was just contemplating the same issue today. Just got my 70 911E back from an extensive rebuild, and now my original old heat exchangers stand out like a sore thumb. AFAIK the actual pipes are not perfed (yet) but the heater boxes have holes, splits and dents in several spots.

I've had Bursch mufflers before, and same issue - paint burns/peels off immediately and rust ensues.


Does anybody make SS headers that are the same build quality and cheaper than the SSIs? (Never seen 'em -- why not???)

Otherwise, SSI's seem like the way to go. Are they as simple to install as they seem (barrring seized exhaust studs which I know I don't have at the moment.)

The factory has/had offered some 42 mm/ 1 5/8" headers that 'appear' to be stainless as illustrated in Bruce Anderson's 'Porsche 911 Performance Handbook' and intended for 3.0 engines. Oh, yeah, you said ... cheaper ... oops! And, the matching megaphones and 'sport' muffler with 3" inlets and outlets look mighty good, too!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

Dennis,

When I went down to SSI to pick up the Heat Exchangers I had ordered, John, the owner gave me a tour of the facility and showed me how their exhaust system is made. Believe it or not underneath the shrouds are an extremely nice set of headers. I believe he told me the tube lenghts were all within 1/4" of each other. My personal opinion is that for a set of stainless steel headers like B&B or Flow (something) you pay significantly more than the SSI's and with the SSI's you don't have to sacrifice the heat exchanger. I also believe that going with the stainless over the regular mild steel like the Bursch is a plus as they will last for darn near the life of the car. Just my $.02.

Mark
'74 911S Coupe

Thanks everyone for your replies.

Mark, Do you have a contact # for SSI.

Thanks, Dennis.

Dennis:

Sorry, I do not have a contact. I ordered the exchangers through Europroducts (829.90 a pair) and within an hour of ordering John from SSI called me because he noticed that the shipment was to Napa and they are located in Novato. I picked them up that day. It was pretty cool. So you can try information or one of the online yellow pages for SSI, Novato CA, area code is 415.

Mark
'74 911S Coupe

Yep, that's right -- all the heat exchangers are basically headers with sheet metal boxes around them. Soooo...wouldn't seem like a big deal for SSI or somebody to just sell the headers without the sheet metal at maybe 60-75% the price???

Would anyone know if they happen to make a set for the lowly 914/6????

we've bugged SSI to make them from time to time, but the demand is not high enough to make it worthwhile. Tooling is real expensive!

B & B (Tri Flow) makes a pair of stainless
headers(with or without heater boxes).
Hold on....$1800 for the 914/6 w/boxes.
Probably lots cheaper without the boxes...like $1500(?).
JPIII