Finding Exhaust Solution

[Ricks911s]

I have a 1976 2.7L Targa, and it’s a California car. I am rebuilding the motor and keeping things stock, but I’m looking to delete the thermal reactors yet still smog. I understand that later (3.0) exhaust parts won’t fit onto my exhaust studs. So I am wondering if I can make up a hybrid system – possibly using the upstream components of my exhaust to fit the studs, and welding different downstream components – or later exhaust with catalytic converters. I've acquired some earlier heat exchangers (without the thermal reactors) that could be used in the mix.

I don’t really have any idea of which parts to combine to make this work. I also can’t afford SSIs, but there are lots of inexpensive used parts out there right now due to the financiapocolypse. Can someone help me cobble together an exhaust? Thanks!

[RWebb]

sell off all of the exhaust system

do you need heat?

if so, find a used early set of heater boxes

[felixcontour]

Originally Posted by RWebb

sell off all of the exhaust system

do you need heat?

if so, find a used early set of heater boxes

OK, but replace it with what, exactly? I think OP's question is what exhaust to put ON the car, not how to get rid of what he has currently.

[Ricks911s]

I'm not sure I understand your response.

(1) I have to somehow smog this car
(2) I figure if I can find an exhaust system from '78 or later that it might (a) fit on my exhaust head studs (?) and (b) make it so my car can smog

[RarlyL8]

If I understand, you are looking to use a set of pre-74 exchangers on your '76 but need catalytic converters to pass smog. If so maybe you can install the early exchangers and fab up a set of cats in a configuration like that shown in this picture.
Would that pass smog for you?

[mnmasotto]

Do a search for my custom exhaust Ben McFarland (M&K Exhaust) made for my 1987 Carrera. He took a set of SSI's and cut the short enough to fit a pair of after market 300 cell cats. The cats bolt directly to a M&K 2in/1out muffler. Performance, construction, sound are great. The car passes smog without a problem.

Search (mnmasotto)

[stlrj]

In 76 they also made a 49 state version of the 2.7 whose exhaust was similar to the 3.0 system with a pre muffler instead of a 2-way cat. That's what I would install in place of the Cali thermo nuclear exhaust.

49 state versions also reside in Cali and don't seem to have a problem passing smog here. And installing that system would make it appear stock even with the pre muffler which could fool them for a thermal reactor.



Cheers,

Joe

[RWebb]

had no idea you neede smog compliance - forget about anything but stock

or drop in a 3.6

[911st]

Would a 3.2 Carrara system fit?

It might have thinner flanges. You can often pick up a set for about $250.

[Ricks911s]

Thank you all for your responses. The idea train is now moving . . .

mnmasotto -- I love your setup. Frankly, I don't think this is something in my price range.

911st -- the below set up is from a 3.0 -- Do you know if it fits?

stlrj -- I've never seen this 49 state set up. It seems counterintuitive that the 49 state version would have a better smog/emissions set up than the California set up with thermal reactors. Have you seen any of these for sale? A cursory search yielded nothing.

I found a guy who has a '78 SC exhaust set up for sale (http://sacramento.craigslist.org/pts/956834756.html).

By the comments so far I'm don't feel confident (one way or another) that this setup will work.

Being at the end of the rebuild, I'm very money conscious and trying to avoid the mistake of buying something that won't work.

You guys are great. Thanks

RWebb -- the 3.6 idea had occured to me. When funds permit, this may be a project I embark upon.

[911st]

Someone needs to verify the flange thickness. Otherwise you would have to replace all the exhaust studs.

I think the Carrera HE's are thin and the SC is thick.

If you are going to be taking off your old system, get under there and spray the nuts it to start braking things loose. Messing with exaust studs it a high probability for problems.

[Ricks911s]

Thanks 911st. The engine is on a stand toward the end of a rebuild. So I just to verify somehow that it'd fit.

Funny no other Pelicans have tried this before. I'd assume it'd be a fairly common upgrade for people in California who have to deal with the smog-heads.

[Ricks911s]

Here's a pic I found from another nice pelican of what I want to fit to my 2.7 (1976) from a 3.0