SSI's or Save My Money?

[arbita1]

My question is...are SSI's really worth the expense and the headache of installation?

I have an SC, so I know they are a little better for the SC's than other cars, but is it worth it?

Even used with all the components you need you're in the $ 1,000 range for everything.

And what about the nightmare of worrying about breaking a stud when you are removing the old heat exchangers.

I should add, that I am planning an engine drop next month to replace the transmission, seal up some oil leaks, and replace some CIS components. So the engine will be out when I would install the SSI's which I assume makes it easier.

Any opinions on what I should do?

[sc_rufctr]

Yes it's painful but do it anyway. It is worth it.

With the engine out it's easier not to break a stud but even if you do you can get them out and install new ones without to much effort.

Get the engine on a stand and invert it. Soak each stud with PB Blaster or WD40 for days.
An idea I haven't tried... Make little rings from modelling clay to surround each stud so you can soak them good.
Maybe paint the clay to stop it absorbing the PB Blaster... It may work. Worth a try at least.

[89911]

You will find "should I do it or save my money" argument will go for almost any upgrade on 911's. They basically got the car right coming out of the factory. There is no major "chip" or reprogramming that can done on a turbo car that will unlock an extra 100hp on a normally apirated 911. That being said, many of the improvements are easy, help you to understand the car, and as a total will improve the car. Notice I left out inexpensive. My 911 is a testament to the statement. There is not one part of the car that hasn't been altered, from suspension, brakes, engine, transmission, wheels, etc, etc. Some things done twice. As a investment, its a money loss all the way. As a car that is customized to my liking, I couldn't have a car I enjoy more. Tinkering with them is half the fun of owning a 911.

[johnsjmc]

I,ve done the SSI thing on an SC and unless there are worn out exhaust components already (And you don,t need a smog test) I wouldn,t bother again.

[arbita1]

My current set up is:

stock heat exchangers
Danske pre-muffler (no cat)
Danske sport muffler w/70mm tip

[arbita1]

Originally Posted by johnsjmc

I,ve done the SSI thing on an SC and unless there are worn out exhaust components already (And you don,t need a smog test) I wouldn,t bother again.

Why not? Didn't get the performance you were expecting?

[mholbrook38]

I also have a pre-muffler and an M&K exhaust with stock exchangers. My car runs very free and does not feel at all "plugged" up. There is a noticeable improvement with just the pre-muffler and M&K. Of course, you are going to have to buy a new exhaust in any case but the pre-muffler is really inexpensive, especially if you buy it right.

[KNS]

arbita,

You've already got a pre-muffler and a sport exhaust. The performance improvement that you'll feel above and beyond those with the SSIs, while there, won't be that great.

[arbita1]

Originally Posted by KNS

arbita,

You've already got a pre-muffler and a sport exhaust. The performance improvement that you'll feel above and beyond those with the SSIs, while there, won't be that great.

I think you made my mind up. Maybe I should do the 964 cam upgrade instead?

[brads911sc]

every 911 is a 20k car, most upgraded on the slippery slope like mine (see siganture) are 35-40k cars. resale is 18k at best. In total, yes mine outperforms a stock SC by a very wide margin... each component, didnt really add that much by itself... so dont use a 5 hp or 10 hp gain as your measure of sucess. I do it because I love working on it not because it would make any sense to a non-owner...
The thing that gave me the most gain was the Distributor Recurve. Made it instantly feel like a carbed car.

edit: I love my SSI's.

[RSTarga]

the ssi's are worth every penny when combined with a 2 in 1 out muffler

[mikesride]

I live were you still need heat so had to opt for ssi's with heat (would have loved a nice clean header more!) The pre 74 design with no cat or pre muffler coupled with an M&k two in one out stainless (all from pelican) made a big difference in my 82 sc. On the down side I seem to get more engine smells in the car now than with stock exchangers and the car is a little to loud for an old guy like me! (plus almost everything you do to these cars is a big investment for marginal gain anyway!)

If you want to spend $1200 +/- for less than 10 HP increase, then why not. I did it once. Wouldn't do it again.

[RoninLB]

SSI's are a class act

either you're into it or you're not

[pwd72s]

No smog on SC's in NY?

[RoninLB]

25 year exemption but they just stopped smogging cars in NY as of last Jan 1

[fred cook]

modifications that I have made to my SC are:

1) Bilstein shocks
2) MSD ignition
3) SSI exhaust

I feel that each of these mods was, in the end, worth the time effort and money required.

[racer_X]

Originally Posted by RoninLB

25 year exemption but they just stopped smogging cars in NY as of last Jan 1

???? On old cars or on all cars ????

[Scott R]

Would do this mod again, and again, and probably again.

[RarlyL8]

You need to change the muffler as well so the cost goes up. This was the first mod done to my '78SC and it was worth the effort and expense as it made the car, to me, feel and sound more like a sports car.