M&K SSi install

mickey356 · 03-17-2010, 05:53 PM

Hoping to get my SSI's and M&K put on next week and was wondering what I need for gaskets. Just good ol fashion exhaust manifold gaskets for the SSI's? And being that I'm going from a stock set up to M&K 2 in 1 out, I'll need TWO muffler gaskets, yes? Anything else I'm forgetting? Thanks

Oh Haha · 06:24 PM

I think Ben includes the gaskets for the muffler. New bolts/nuts in SS will ease the removal for repairs/maintenance.

Yes, stock exhaust gaskets are all that is needed for the SSI install. Which version did you purchase? Thin flange or thick flange? Are you replacing the oil line that runs "behind" the muffler with the old style version?Oil line question, installing Bursch headers 82 sc (pic)

mickey356 · 03-17-2010, 08:18 PM

Thanks Wayne.
I ran across a local Pelican with a 2 in 1 out that he just bought but is going back to his other muffler. I spoke with Ben (M&K) about exhaust options and he recommended a 2 in 1 out and suggested I get the "used" one (20 miles on it) so I won't be getting the gaskets with it. I had my current muffler off a little while back and the straps and bolts are fine so they'll be OK, but a set of SS hardware will be added when I can get them. I'm fortunate to have a friend with a shop so I'm going to have him put everything on (while I watch and hold a cup of coffee). He has some electro magnetic gismo that will heat the studs up red hot which hopefully will give us some ease and no broken exhaust studs.
The SSI's are brand new thick flange along with the oil lines. The only thing that came in the box was the funky wrench which I don't think I'll need.
So, two muffler gaskets, stock exhaust manifold gaskets and I'm good?

Craig_D · Craig_D's Garage

Hey Mickey, please let me know how it goes, and how you like this install. I am close to pulling the trigger on this exact set up, and the only question I have is the M&K 2 in, 1 out sound versus a Danske sport muffler.

I want a nice enhanced sound, but not too much. I realize "too much" is subjective, but I'd love to hear what your impression is once you have the system installed. And of course how you like the added "go"!

Good luck on the install!! Please take pics and maybe hit me with a private message with your impressions of sound quality and power.

Cheers!

- CraigD

G450X · G450X's Garage

I just pulled mine off last weekend and will install them this coming weekend. I had a hard time getting to the oil line at the T-stat, so I removed the return line as well to gain access and ordered a new one as 28 years of service had caused the old one to leak at the tank. It came in (thanks PP) today, a day earlier than it was supposed to. That T-stat line was tight!

I hardly ask new questions on this fantastic forum (search is your friend). I only broke 1 stud, and it left plenty of above head material to work with. I only used propane heat and Aero Kroil and a full length Matco stud remover and it came out no problems. With the fancy gizmo you described, you'll have no problems.

Be sure to chase the threads before the install, wire brush them, and anti-seize them back. You'll need the strange SSI wrench for the one (12mm) nut you need to source (I had to visit the local P-car mechanic to source it). I like the PP M8 13mm copper self locking nuts (PP as well) for the nice wide base, but the SSI wrench is for a 12mm (at least mine is). I also used the Dremel to clean up the exhaust port bottom where the SSI's insert to aid installation.

I did not even try to remove the easily accessible nuts - I used a compact nut splitter and/or my Dremel to cut those suckers off. As soon as the barrel nuts groaned and turned I shot more Aero Kroil at the joint and waited 15 minutes.

It's a good time to replace the oil return tubes if they leak as well.....

Good Luck with it, it's tedious, but very rewarding. I can't wait to crank her up!

Oh Haha · 03-18-2010, 01:48 AM

Yes Mickey, just the exhaust gaskets are needed now. Post a before and after on the ultimate exhaust thread if possible.

WIL84911 · WIL84911's Garage

You're going to love the sound of M&K 2/1 specially between 3 & 4K rpm !!!!!! Good luck with the install and enjoy !!! Don't forget the barrel nut tool when you go to the shop.

deshetlr · deshetlr's Garage

You know, if you held a camera instead of the coffee you could create a very useful thread for this board. Just say'un.

mickey356 · 03-18-2010, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deshetlr

You know, if you held a camera instead of the coffee you could create a very useful thread for this board. Just say'un.

HA! You're right though, it's the least I can do for all the help I've recieved on this forum. I'm in a position to help others and I promise I will do everything I can to write and photo document the install, and anything else that comes along. I'm shooting for early next week so I'll keep you posted. As I discovered with my previous car, things come up and waiting on parts can sometimes slow things down, I'll keep my fingers crossed that anything that is needed can be gotted from Worldpac for quick delivery.

On a side note. I replaced the CV boots on my half shafts yesterday, one of them was spitting grease. Not to bad, messy, but not as bad as I thought.

WIL84911 · WIL84911's Garage

I hope you resolve that oil leak on your other thread. That will mess up the SSI's nice stainless steel. I had the same leak and it turns out it was from the valve covers.

mike monde · 03-18-2010, 11:09 AM

Mickey,
You will have your MK by tomorrow so I look forward to seeing your install and thoughts. They do look sweet with the SSI's. Craig PM sent on your question.

mickey356 · 03-18-2010, 01:47 PM

Looking forward to getting it Mike, thanks.Give me a buzz when you know what time we can meet up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WIL84911

I hope you resolve that oil leak on your other thread. That will mess up the SSI's nice stainless steel. I had the same leak and it turns out it was from the valve covers.

Yeah, about that........... I'll be updating the situation on that thread in a bit.

mickey356 · 03-22-2010, 10:33 AM

Just a quick update - Got the M&K from Mike the other day, it's gorgeous! My buddy has a RR Silver Spur in having a MAJOR brake job done ($6500 so far - yikes!) so my engine drop / SSI-M&K install probably wont get started until later in the week or next week. It may be for the best as one of my key employees is on vaca this week so my time is tight and I'd like to be at my buddies to take pics as much as possible. And a little icing on the cake - I scored the heater back date parts I need so I'll be able to knock that out as well.
Man, SSI's, an M&K, heater back date, fixing oil leaks (hopefully), and new CV boots all in the spring time before the real driving season starts. (the previous statement being made on the assumption I don't end up curled up in a corner in the fetal position wimpering like a baby because my head studs are broken and the leak down #'s suck)

Arnoud911Targa · 03-31-2010, 11:57 AM

Last weekend I installed a set of SSI's with a M&K exhaust. I really love the sound of it.

Next weekend I will reconnect the heating again. I like to drive my targa with the top of, but here in the Netherlands this is only doable with some heating capacity. I'll go back to the SC solution, because I want to keep the blower.

WIL84911 · WIL84911's Garage

Arnoud, Great pic! Also a matching Steve Wong chip will make it even sound/perform better if you don't have it already.

Arnoud911Targa · 04-01-2010, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WIL84911

Arnoud, Great pic! Also a matching Steve Wong chip will make it even sound/perform better if you don't have it already.

That will be the next step

mickey356 · 04-01-2010, 05:56 PM

Ironically today we started work. I'm already probably looking at valve guides at the very least. One broken stud but thankfully there's enough to grab on to so it should be too hard to get out. That said if I have to send the heads out I may as well have them all replaced. I had to leave so I don't know how much further they got. If they didn't get the engine out it'll most certainly be out by tomorrow. I'm already feeling the "while we're in here" thing coming on and we haven't even gotten the valve covers off to look at head studs ............. yikes!
I did take pics so I'll post everything as it progresses. Obviously there is a bit of a road ahead of us here so it may be awhile but I'll keep you posted as things progress.

mickey356 · 04-01-2010, 05:57 PM

Oh, and Arnold911Targe, I hope my engine looks as good as yours does when I'm done.

mickey356 · 04-02-2010, 01:52 PM

Well, it's out. No apparent oil leaks up top from the usual culprits. It's looking like its from the oil cooler. Also it's looking like the heads will have to go out for a good once over, there's enough play to warrant at least valve guides. Too soon to tell what else we'll find (broken studs - yikes). On that, one exhaust stud brole but theres plenty left to grab on to and besides, I'll replace them anyway since I'm having the head redone. I'm hoping this doesn't get too brutal

Anyone looking for a stock exhaust from an 83 SC?

(Cat bypass is spoken for)

Arnoud911Targa · 11:15 AM

I just reconnected the heater blower. I do like the clean look of a backdated heater configuration, but as I life in the Netherlands I do need the extra heating capacity of the blower in the back. Therefore I changed it to a kind of 911 SC heating setup. It is working really well.