SSI Heat Exchanger Question...

Yesterday I ordered a pair of SSI Stainless Steel Heat Exchangers for my 73 911 w/mechanical injection from Vertex Auto. The guy assured me that they were 100% stainless steel. I have read that some only contain stainless steel tubing. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone has purchased this modification, and if so, were any installation problems encountered? I also asked the guy if he could tell me the number of inlets/outlets on the left exchanger, so I could verify that everything(mechanical injection outlet, etc.) was correct. He could not give me an answer. I ordered them anyway. Thanks in advance for any tips...

Bill

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William Armentrout
1973 911T
2.7 carerra rs specs
www.geocities.com/william_armentrout

I ordered a pair of SSI's for a '72 S w/ MFI from EuroProducts. They were drop shipped to my house from SSI in an SSI box, so I know they're the real thing. They appear to be 100% stainless.

The left exchanger has an 1" outlet for the hot air tube which goes to the MFI thermostat. It did not have the 2" outlet which comes up through the front engine shroud to the MFI regulator housing. I wasn't too worried since my car no longer has it's regulator housing, and the hole in the shroud has been blocked with two very large washers. According to Warren the regulator housing is only there for smog control, where as the thermostat hot air hose is critical.

I'd be interested to know if they send you the right hardware: 7 copper nuts and 5 barrel nuts. Do yourself a favor and go to Sears and pick up a 12mm and 13mm pivoting socket w/ 1/4" drive. It makes very easy work of getting the old ones off and the new ones on.

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Greg
72 911S

Greg,

Thanks for responding. I'll let you know if the required hardware is included. I just ordered a set of heat exchanger bolts a few weeks back, so I won't need new ones. It's a shame that the warm up regulator outlet is not on the new SSI unit because I just repaired my old one and it is functioning as it should now. I was able to get the left heat exchanger off easily(I ordered the removal tool from Perf. Products), but could not get two of the bolts off of the right heat exchanger. It looks like the exchanger is off center and I can't get through properly to center my socket on these two bolts. I may have to do some cutting, but I really don't mind because my original exchangers are starting to rust. Thanks again.

Bill

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William Armentrout
1973 911T
2.7 carerra rs specs
www.geocities.com/william_armentrout

It'll be a while before you receive your goods, if your Vertex experience is like mine was.

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'83 SC

I have had real good luck with Vertex. Usually receiver orders within 2 or 3 days.

I ordered through them a few time before for small items like door scrapers and e-brake boot. They sent the goods pretty fast. I have my car torn down now. I found an oil line that needs replacement too, so I figured that I would order one of those too while I have my exchangers removed. It is just my luck that the line that needs replacement is the most expensive line. It is the one that goes from the oil tank to the bottom of the engine(the one that is mostly metal). Does anyone have any recommendations as to where the best place is to purchase this line? I have seen it in catalogs and it usually runs around $130.

Bill

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William Armentrout
1973 911T
2.7 carerra rs specs
www.geocities.com/william_armentrout

By the way, what kind of horsepower increase should I expect with the SSI's on my car? My 2.7 was dynoed at 223hp immediately after rebuild with the original heat exchangers. I think the SSI's should be good for at least 5hp...is this reasonable?

Bill

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William Armentrout
1973 911T
2.7 carerra rs specs
www.geocities.com/william_armentrout

I kind of doubt much of a power increase ... smooth tubing inside without rust or carbon deposits will flow better, but whether that is worth any power that is measureable, I don't know!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa