To SSI or not to SSI???

SeaDweller · 11-26-2001, 04:46 PM

I need some third party input, as I simply can't get off the fence on this...........

I just had a rebuilt, '83 3.0L engine installed in my car with the following:

Turbo case
Euro CR Pistons
'78 CIS assembly

The engine has factory, late model exhaust with no CAT or smog equipment. I'm very, very pleased with the power, however the thought of an additional 25HP is intriguing. I'm simply having a very difficult time justifying the $800+ for the SSI's, and pre-'74 exchangers in excellent condition are nearly extinct.

Will I really notice an $800+ improvement in power? I mean REALLY????

Thanks!

rstoll · 11-26-2001, 04:51 PM

Better hurry!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=598209976&r=0&t=0

SeaDweller · 11-26-2001, 05:05 PM

What the heck is that????? Will I still have my factory heat?

NYSCAR · 11-26-2001, 05:10 PM

I'd actually be interested to hear opinions on this as well. My question to compliment this post is, will SSIs make a noticable difference for the early cars, like say for instance a 73 911S? How much hp are they actually worth assuming the car has a freer flowing sport exhaust?

Brad

RarlyL8 · RarlyL8's Garage

SSI units will do little for a pre-74 911, certainly not $800 worth!

SSIs will definitely help post-73 911s, but the $800 part is up to you. I found mine used for $500. Worth that much anyway. If you can find a set of stockers that you can look at and inspect I'd go that route. They can be found, just might take some time.

Jack Olsen · 11-26-2001, 05:37 PM

SSIs on pre-1975 cars = not a significant difference.

Doug Zielke · 11-26-2001, 05:56 PM

Mike,
I thought you were going to move to CA (?)
If so, SSI's might be a PITA come smog check time.

Reg · 11-26-2001, 06:05 PM

I was just thinking if you had just installed this rebuilt engine and all, whats another $800? Go for it, if you have it to spare

My car is a '70 , and it came with them. I wonder if it added anything to my T..surely not 25hp, but I had not driven it before.

It sure sounds neat though!

SeaDweller · 11-26-2001, 06:08 PM

I hadn't even given that a thought........That might just be the anwser I needed to push me off the fence and save me $800!!

The relocation isn't definite, but it's looming out there. I should know something more definite by the end of January. Should it turn out that I head back to CA, I'm quite concerned about being able to "import" my car into CA, being that it doesn't, and never had smog equipment.

I'm still researching that aspect of things, but you're right, the SSI's certainly wouldn't help matters.

autobonrun · autobonrun's Garage

I installed SSI's on my 79SC this summer with a dual in/out Danske muffler. There is a noticable improvement primarily from mid to upper range on the curve. I did not get to finish my HP tests before cold weather set in but I think 12-18 HP will be more representative of what you will see.

I replaced mine because the original exchangers had a few holes in them and they needed replacement anyway. At the price you have to pay for them, I don't think I would do it just to get the HP increase if my present setup was functional. I'd wait until there was a real need to replace the exchangers then go with the SSI's. As mentioned earlier, the emission inspections could pose a problem in certain states. I'm interested in whether mine will still pass emissions (not inspection) with the SSI's. I'll probably find someone with an analyzer that can test for me.

Joeaksa · 11-26-2001, 06:38 PM

SeaDweller,

I have the SSI's on my 85 model 3.2 and really makes a difference. Not just the power but the sound makes it like a real 911, not one castrated by the cat.

The motor revs quite a bit faster, more torque and just plain feels better. The sound when it starts up is well worth the money alone IMHO.

The heat system is better than stock with more heat and excellent air flow, but is a bit of work to get it going on my 3.2 motor. The 3.0 motor would be a lot easier I believe but others would know more about its rigging than I would.

Well worth the money for me. I found my mufflers on Ebay for $700 or so, put a stock "banana" muffler on it as well. Not too loud but just right..

JA

11-27-2001, 02:38 AM

Joeaksa
How do you like the sound when driving at constant speeds? Are you experiencing any resonances at certain speeds? Is your muffler a dual out or single out?

Joeaksa · 11-27-2001, 04:01 AM

Mikkel,

No resonances at all and the sound is very nice, especially at start up and when I accelerate.

The muffler is a box stock "banana" model off of a 73-4 model car, dual inlet and single outlet on the left side. Has a bit of a raspyness to the sound but really sounds nice. Revs a lot quicker than it ever did with the stock exhaust as well..

JA

911nut · 911nut's Garage

If you have access to a band saw and a MIG welder, you can gut a factory muffler, add back in some simple baffles and achieve the same HP result for pennies. Another advantage of this mod is that , for a place like California, it's easy to put your cat back in for smog testing.
The car will be louder at idle (will sound like a turbo on steroids) but will scream like a V-12 at 5000 RPM.

Joeaksa · 11-27-2001, 04:04 AM

SeaDweller,

How far are you from Sarasota? I am doing a month long part time gig there starting 1 Dec. Will fly over at first but have wondered about driving my car there from Dallas. This may turn into a full time job but not sure now.

If I do bring the car and you are not too far, I would let you drive the two, and compare the sound and way they feel... the 3.2 would have a bit more torque in the low end but the sound and such should be the same...

JA

SeaDweller · 11-27-2001, 05:27 AM

Joe,

I'm about an hour from Sarasota. Let me know if you plan on driving into town. It's actually a pretty nice drive from Dallas, particularly this time of year. I'd definitely be interested in listening to, and taking a ride in a car with the SSI's, but I still have the CA emissions stuff to grapple with (that is if my relocation actually happens).

Joeaksa · 11-27-2001, 05:37 AM

Will let you know how it works out. I will be there most of the month and will not be without a car. If the company gets me a rental car then I may just leave it in Dallas, but the thought of being on the beach with the top off sure seems nice as well...

Good luck on the relocation if you want to move that way! Right now I am looking at either Fla or Arizona, and leaning strongly to AZ!

JA

SeaDweller · 11-27-2001, 06:37 AM

Ok, let me know how things go.........

If you're a boater, then Florida is paradise!!!

11-27-2001, 09:35 AM

Joeaksa
Thanks for your opinion. This has reinspired me to replace my stock setup. I was afraid of resonances because, I think it was 82SC, once said that between 2000 & 3000 rpm there would be a resonance. I often cruise at speeds within these rpms so I'm scared of resonance.

You don't happen to have a wav or mp3 recording of your car? I'm having trouble finding a local (danish) owner who has sport heat exchangers. I want to hear how they sound before I hand over a small fortune.

don911 · don911's Garage

Now you've got me thinking about SSI's. I'll tell my wife it's all Joe's fault. Quicker revs and a throatier sound might be worth the $. I'll put them on the list below 17" wheels, race seats, 5 pt harnesses and a new clutch.