SSI install on '79 911SC

[gbman2k]

I'm getting ready to install a set of SSI heat exchangers on my otherwise unmodified '79 911SC, and I want to know what gaskets and oil lines to use. I've read a few threads about people using various types of gaskets, and from what I can tell the consensus has been to use the 1974 and earlier original style gaskets. Is that right? Also, to complete the build off nicely, I am looking for a sport muffler, any thoughts on which one to get?

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by gbman2k

I'm getting ready to install a set of SSI heat exchangers on my otherwise unmodified '79 911SC, and I want to know what gaskets and oil lines to use. I've read a few threads about people using various types of gaskets, and from what I can tell the consensus has been to use the 1974 and earlier original style gaskets. Is that right? Also, to complete the build off nicely, I am looking for a sport muffler, any thoughts on which one to get?

gbman,

You would need these oil lines for your SSI conversion. Plus the muffler of your choice.


Tony

[James Brown]

There is a ton of muffler choices, mostly depends on how much you want to spend. It goes from a few hundred to 1500! My choice would be the M&K or the Dansk sport, 2-in-1 out for the most noise reduction. Flowmax and other "car" mufflers require a 3rd party to weld something up but the sound is great and there cheap. See the thread for sound bites of peoples exhaust. Oil hoses are available from our host and so are the gaskets. Just get the ones that fit your car and the other end that fits the muffler

[kidrock]

Dansk and M&K seem to be the popular choices...I really like my M&K sport muff.

[WIL84911]

don't forget the special barrel nut tool, extra bolts, washers, muffler gaskets. and how about a picture of your car?

[G450X]

I put them on my '82 SC last year. I only broke 1 exhaust stud - and I was very happy! I used propane heat (although many say it's not hot enough) and aerokroil to loosen my original '82 HE nuts. I was lucky that the broken stud was flush with the flange (an advantage of thick flanges) and I had plenty of material for my stud puller to lock onto.

Good luck, it's a nice performance boost, and very rewarding when you're finished.

[gbman2k]

Thanks everyone for the info so far. WIL84911, I will post a picture as soon as I get my camera working again, the paint is a bit rough but I'm going to make her go like hell and then look great. Anyway, as for the SSI's, I am trying to make a specific parts list for the things to buy before I get to work removing the old heat exchangers and installing the SSI. Can someone help me with this list, G450X maybe since you have already done yours? I am still new to this and any help would be great.

[brads911sc]

Dansk Sport 2 in 1 Out is a great choice.

[WIL84911]

How bout if I start the list...

- crossover hard line
- oil tank rubber line
- barrel nut removal tool
- header washers (6)
- barrel nuts (6 to replace old ones)
- 13mm nuts (6)
- muffler gaskets (2) because mufflers do not come with them
- 13mm nut removal tool (optional)

[G450X]

I've only done the job once, and was trying to recall my efforts whilst trying not to make an error - verboten on this forum!

I'll add a few more tips though. I had a compact nut splitter and used it to crack a few of the accessible nuts rather than going the torch & aerokroil route - I strongly suggest this route to save both time and frustration.

I sourced some copper exhaust nuts from a local P-car mechanic's shop, but they were 12mm (standard for most European cars I think) versus the factory 13mm nuts. I may have this back-wards, but I just checked my SSI tool and it's a 12mm.

On the oil lines, I also used propane heat and aerokroil and a few light hammer taps on the line wrench to break them loose. Clean the t-stat threads before installation. Make sure you get the inside T-stat line really nice and tight before installing the outside line. I had a slight leak at the t-stat housing upon the start up check, and it's a PITA to access once the outside line is installed! Soak everything you want to remove (nuts, oil lines, etc..) with your favorite penetrant overnight before you start the job.

If you order parts, I'd pick up a few exhaust studs for that "just in case" scenario and to possibly save on another shipping cost (plus they don't cost much). You might have a few studs that are just too deteriorated to reuse as well. I even considered trying to replace all of them, but that's foolish if they're still serviceable - given the time/effort involved (you'll see). I'd certainly do a pre-inspection of the HE's/exhaust to make a preliminary assessment. I also broke my 02 sensor plug in the engine compartment (forgot to unplug it), but you don't have to worry about that on the older SC's.

Have a cold beer and a good cigar on standby for completion - you'll have earned it!

[gbman2k]

Thanks everyone, I think I have enough to go on for now. I'm going to try to document the whole thing and depending on the quality I will post it for future fun-seekers.

G450X, are we talking about Cubans, or will any old cigar work, .

[G450X]

when I worked in the Bahamas. I really can't tell the difference between a good Dominican and a Cuban - I think a lot is hype. I'm not really a "cigar aficionado," but Romeo Y Julieta Cedro Deluxe No. 1's are what I usually indulge in when I have a smoke - usually once or twice a month after a big job completion. If I get my SC calipers rebuilt tonight, I'll burn one for sure!

Have fun with that job. Oh, and if you drop the whole shebang (both sides + crossover & cat) at once, remember it's heavy! It did it that way mainly because all the bolts were pretty rusty.

[gbman2k]

Good luck with the calipers, and thanks again for the advice, much appreciated.