SSI's = more distinct valve noise
 

I recently had the engine out, adjusted the valves (my first time doing it on a 911) and added SSI's, with an M&K 2 in 2 out. While running, with the engine lid up, it seems like I was hearing a bit more valve noise than normal. And the noise seemed to be dissimiliar when comparing the passenger side to the driver side of the engine, by ear.

Anyone notice differences when adding SSI's, etc.? perhaps a bit more noise?

I am trying to delineate is this a valve adjustment issue, or a SSI issue? When I adjusted the valves, I went through them all with the 4 /1000ths feeler, and then triple checked everything.

Thoughts on this?

I have to say I am impressed by anyone who can do this while the engine is in the car!!

I noticed more valve noise for sure when I put my SSIs in. It was really bad with my Dansk 2-in/2-out muffler under hard acceleration. I took that muffler off and went back to a stock 2-in/1-out and it was much better.

Thanks - I am also thinking about the noise factor... I like it, but the drone is a bit tough, and I would like to be able to bring the kids along occasionally... right now... I don't think they would do well with the sound

that drone is the muffler, not the exchangers.

When I installed my SSI's and Dansk 2in/1out muffler, accelerating on the highway with my window down and Jersey Barrier on the left, I could hear what sounded like my valves out of adjustment. I found out that it was the seal between the SSI's and muffler. They usually aren't very good and you are hearing an exhaust leak. I ended up using a little muffler paste between the gasket and the flange and re-torquing everything back together. Noise gone.

Agree. A couple of those nuts are hard to access and one of mine was just loose enough to cause the annoying tick. Now fixed , the valves are no noisier than before, not that mine are noisy, just "there" :)

if that was your first time adjusting the valves, you most likely left them loose.

Beat me to the punch

yeah, that was my concern.... It's going to be a nightmare to adjust with the engine in... anyone do this successfully without draining the oil?

Have you checked the SSI manifold nuts?
Yes if you jack the car up on one side the exhaust valves can be checked.
Check the intakes first as you don't need to drain the oil.
Valves aren't hard to access if you don't have all that plumbing stuff in the engine bay!

SSI Valve Sound
 

My last 3.0 (1980) had the stock heat exchangers so my 83 euro 3.0 with SSI & Dansk 2in/1out (SS stock type) has the sound like the valves may be loose at idle RPM. This may explain my own concern about my valve lash. However, I did notice a lot better pulses coming out and a nice soft rumble at idle with the SSI. You may not be alone but I have to wait for the oil change & valve adjustment to be sure. Side Bar: I get a small drone exhaust tone under load in the 2500 to 3000 range but nothing severe. If you want the special valve adjusting tool, Stomski makes the SR097 (add your own dial indicator) that you should be able to get through Pelican. I do not know if it fits in car applications like the 0.004 inch feeler gages. Maybe your lash verification could do a lot of explaining about "valve noises" for the SSI crowd. Best of Luck.

Thanks for the help and suggestions. Here is what I found.

It was a lot easier to get at the topside valves than I imagined. I focussed on intake valves 1,2, and 3 since I could at least check those without jacking the car up, or removing the A/C, and that's where it sounded like the most valve noise was coming from.

Valves 2 and 3 were probably at 6-7 thousandths (guessing).... not sure why... but I tightened them to 4 thousandths, and put the valve cover back on.

I checked the manifold torque as well, and found one nut on cylinder 5 was not even seated. I tightened it down snug, and rechecked the manifold to muffler bolts as well. They were pretty loose as well, so retorqued them.

Took it for a drive to get coffee.... sunny day, but cold, here in Seattle....no traffic, moon roof open, fantastic !!!

Thanks
 

Thanks. Now I need to get busy adjusting valves & changing oil.