Backdate exchangers not clearing shock

calling911 · 03-26-2010, 01:15 PM

Trying to install early heat exchangers on my 76. Problem is the exchanger portion is not clearing the shock with the suspension unloaded and as a result I cannot align up the studs to the flanges.

I thought this was a bolt in deal???? I searched and found some ref. to the POSSIBILITY that exchangers off of SWB cars might have issue..

Anyone solve this with anything but a BFH?

teenerted1 · 03-26-2010, 02:21 PM

the BFH is the prefered tool that i believe the PO used to install my SSI

calling911 · 03-26-2010, 03:19 PM

So thats the drivers side.. now when I go to do the passenger side there is NO WAY to get 2 of the nuts on.. Are there some exchangers with real short pipes on them going from the flange down? This has turned into a real mess.

Aurel · Aurel's Garage

I suppose that if you used those plastic ramps to lift the rear of your car, the suspension would be loaded and there would be no clearance issues. That is how I plan on doing mine when I get to it.

calling911 · 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aurel

I suppose that if you used those plastic ramps to lift the rear of your car, the suspension would be loaded and there would be no clearance issues. That is how I plan on doing mine when I get to it.

Yeah but that will only help with the drivers side.. the pass side the chain tensioner case is in the way and you cannot get at the nuts.. cant even touch the studs with my hands let alone get the nuts on.. Im gonna have to extend the pipes by 1/2" or 3/4"... real project now!

EDIT: Im guessing the HE's I purchased are off a 2.0 l and do not work on my 2.7.

Jeff Higgins · 03-26-2010, 04:43 PM

Can you post pics of the problem area? This really should be a bolt-in deal, with the exception of the "adjustment" Ted mentions above.

calling911 · 03-26-2010, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins

Can you post pics of the problem area? This really should be a bolt-in deal, with the exception of the "adjustment" Ted mentions above.

I'll take some tomorrow.. but it aint pretty..

calling911 · 03:49 AM

You know, I doubt I can take pictures.. the simple fact is the heat exchanger on the pass side required major massaging to get it to pass the chain tensioner housing.. also the angle of the outlet that connect the hose to the engine right in that location is all wrong..

there are two nuts that I just dont see how Im gonna get even STARTED... it seems like the whole thing needs to be dropped 1/2".. BUT THEN whats gonna happen to the connection to the muffler?? I have no idea at this point..

The next question is how do I drop it 1/2" new studs and spacers? Cut the tubes off my thermal reactors and weld them on to the HE's? getting the straight would be a work of art on my part...

ugh..

EDIT: I see now I will be needing to make a special tool to get to the nuts.. looks like SSI's come with a special tool.. can someone speak to this?

calling911 · 03-27-2010, 04:13 AM

So now I see that the tubes going thru the exchangers are so you can put on the nuts.. LOL.. I AM STOOPID!

brads911sc · brads911sc's Garage

How did you get the old one off without the special tool?

Here is a link. Our host sells it. Its worth it... Its basically just an 8mm allen on a long extension. Make sure you use Anti-Seize on the nuts. The hardest part of this job for me was laying on my back drilling out three broken studs with a drill and a jig. the install is pretty easy by comparison. Get a couple nuts on there that you can see to hold it before you do the ones through the tubes. Also, you can jack up the suspension so that its loaded and maybe youll gain some clearance.

Pelican Parts - Product Information: PEL-TOL-P243

calling911 · 03-27-2010, 06:34 AM

Thanks.. the beauty of thermal reactors is clearance... once I got em red hot they spun right off..

I'll make my own tool if need be.. its going on this weekend..

My only concern now is how bad I needed to crush the heat exchanger to slide under the chain tensioner.. getting a hose on for the heater is going to be fun.

Quote:

Originally Posted by brads911sc

How did you get the old one off without the special tool?

Here is a link. Our host sells it. Its worth it... Its basically just an 8mm allen on a long extension. Make sure you use Anti-Seize on the nuts. The hardest part of this job for me was laying on my back drilling out three broken studs with a drill and a jig. the install is pretty easy by comparison. Get a couple nuts on there that you can see to hold it before you do the ones through the tubes. Also, you can jack up the suspension so that its loaded and maybe youll gain some clearance.

Pelican Parts - Product Information: PEL-TOL-P243

brads911sc · brads911sc's Garage

I dont remember having to crush it for the chain tensioners.

I did have to pound down the lip at the shock.

If you buy a 1/4 drive 8mm allen socket and a 12 inch extension, youll have what you need to do the job.

calling911 · 03-27-2010, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brads911sc

I dont remember having to crush it for the chain tensioners.

I did have to pound down the lip at the shock.

If you buy a 1/4 drive 8mm allen socket and a 12 inch extension, youll have what you need to do the job.

I dont know why Id need an allen socket.. dont have any allen head bolts..

I have no idea why I have that clearance issue.. something to do with the thin flange?

Everything is coming together though.. Im about to bolt on the drivers side after some persuading for the shock clearance.

I took pictures of the persuasion.. I post later.. I cant wait to hear what it sounds like compared to my thermal destroyers..

E Sully · E Sully's Garage

I'm curious why you chose HE's from a SWB. Is the tubing diameter suitable for the exhaust flow from a 2.7. I would think heat exchangers from say a '73 work better?

wowzer911 · 03-27-2010, 08:04 AM

On my 74, barrel nuts are used for attachment, and there are through holes in the tin to insert a hex wrench up through the exchanger to tighten the barrel nuts,. The same holds true with an SSI system. Sounds like SWB exchangers are different?

wowzer911 · 03-27-2010, 08:13 AM

Barrel Nuts

Pelican Parts - Product Information: 999-085-001-02-M260

wowzer911 · 03-27-2010, 08:17 AM

Could it be that his 76 needs thick flange HE's? Or are the exchangers just not made to fit a 2.7?

calling911 · 03-27-2010, 08:28 AM

I dont think it has anything to do with SWB HE's.. I dont know what I have.. but since they have the little MFI pipe on them Im guessing 70's now..

Bottom line.. this is NOT as easy as what seems to be thought here in all cases.. BUT they are going on.. drivers side is nearly on.. nuts are hard to get to on the far drivers side.. easy thru the holles though.. lucky I ordred 12mm nuts!

calling911 · 03-27-2010, 01:23 PM

OK boys and girls.. they are on... the reason for the problem with the chain tensioner area is cuz the damn pipe was/is bent.. So disregard that...

Now onto the results:

Exhaust note: Deeper but still not what my 69' T sounded like.. so now the muffler gets replaced.. but definitely a nicer lower note. HOWEVER: I fixed some leaks with all these new gaskets.. so who knows...

Power: Yep, I could feel it... I'll report more as I drive it... sometimes this seat of pants satisfaction can be a result of wishful thinking after hours of hard work.. so let me report back on power.

I had to use spacers to be able to tighten up some nuts on the flanges because I HAD to use a box wrench (I which I had to make by bending a wrench)... sockets would not work.... no big deal.. the reason for the spacers is to clear the heads when you turn the box end wrench.. capish?

I dont think I would have had to mess much with that shock area to be honest.. ofter the nuts were snug I had plenty of clearance.. Im thinking just the flange had to be tweeked.. I'll send a pic of the modification.

Be ready for lots of smoke especially with old headers... take your time and warm them up SLOW or you will get a fire...

Lets see.. thats about it except I did this on a mid rise lift and my neck, back, legs, arms..everything pretty much hurts. However Im 44.

brads911sc · brads911sc's Garage

congrats!