Another SSI Question

So

As a Califonia owner...I know this upgrade is difficult...

So what is wrong with my SC exhaust...?

I am assuming the header are not equal so I am getting a loss in power

why are they unequal?
Is it because of the cat?

So if I do upgrade will I still retain a cat?
Or is it that I lose this and make my car a polluter (by calif law?)

And I will have to upgrade to a two in, one out muffler
and new oil lines?

Is this all correct.

Thanks
I would love to hear any advice and suggestions, especially from people who did this upgrade


and those getting away with it in califonia...no I am not an undercover EPA guy

thanks everyone

So
As a Califonia owner...I know this upgrade is difficult...

>>Not really, the hardest part is not breaking studs when removing the bolts....lots of penetrant, heat and then slow turning then retightening....

So what is wrong with my SC exhaust...?

>>Well besides the cat pipe's minor restriction, the SC does a couple of turns and the exhaust gasses are funneled into one pipe into a quiet muffler and then let out another single pipe.

I am assuming the header are not equal so I am getting a loss in power why are they unequal?

>>No room....there is a cross over from the passenger side to a manifold that joins with the driver side then into the cat pipe.

Is it because of the cat?

>>Partly, the cat has to go some place. Not really any room for two of them.

So if I do upgrade will I still retain a cat?

>>Nope.

Or is it that I lose this and make my car a polluter (by calif law?)

>>Yep, the SSI installation is for "off road and racing only" unless installed on an exempt pre 74 vehicle.

And I will have to upgrade to a two in, one out muffler and new oil lines?

>>yes on the oil lines, any two into one or two into two Porsche muffler will work.


and those getting away with it in califonia...no I am not an undercover EPA guy

>> If you car retains the stock FI, you should not be nabbed by the road side smog police....if you are in proper tune. They are only looking for the gross pollutters.

The biggest hassle will be the removal of the system every two years to be able to pass the visual part of the test. Be sure to put plenty of anti seize on the studs.



[This message has been edited by mikez (edited 12-12-2000).]

If interested and not dead set on stainless steel heat exchangers, I know of a buddy that has a couple of sets of stock 74 style heat exchangers. They are in great condition.

He wants $300 for a set. The only down side is that they will eventually rust, but they will increase HP for a fraction of the cost....