Back dated headers.

[SLR]

I have read a lot on this as I'm dropping the engine to replace the clutch. so as the engine is out I was thinking of back dating the headers. I have a Dansk 1 in and 2 out muffler so will fab a new inlet at the other side. There seams that there will be no to very little differs and others say there is a big difference. The car has a SW chip and K&N filter. It is well maintained at 114000 miles. Uses no oil and runs well. It dose fell down a bit on hp, I have done all the obvious stuff, leads, plugs, etc. So should I go ahead and do the header thing, I do like the idea of doing that, and is there much difference in brands. I hear that SSI has been bought out by Dansk.
Thanks Steve.

[silverc4s]

It sounds like you have a fairly stock 3.2 with Motronic, K&N filter and a SW chip installed. I guess it's a Euro version, as you are in AUS, but maybe not. You can tell us for certain what the engine type number is on the rear of the block, close by the serial number.
Headers, are kinda like speakers in a stereo system, IMO, pretty subjective unless you have access to a dyno to do before/after runs, which most of us do not.
A good SSI like system will sound better, give a better low end and mid range, and be slightly restrictive at high rpm's due to the 1 5/8 diameter plumbing. Really, they were designed in the 2.0 to 2.7 era, and are a bit tight for 3.2 and up.
Having said all that, I have the exact set up on my 73 targa with 86 3.2 installed. Backdated heat, SSI's, SW chip, K&N, and a lightweight stainless 2 in 2 out silencer made by M&K. I love my setup, and it feels like 250 hp to me, even though it is probably less. It runs smooth at all rev levels, makes lots of low to mid range torque, and as I have the 73 915 box, it has the 7:31 gears which makes it go like stink right up to where the body runs out of aero.
If more were needed, and you still wanted to retain heat, I understand that there is a way to use 993 exhaust by re-indexing the flanges 90 degrees - giving you late diameter plumbing and heat at the same time.
I am sure there are other choices out there, especially if you just want headers with no heat, but I still use my car year round, so I need the het and defrost once in a while.

Good luck with your choices.

[SLR]

Thanks for that bit of info, that is what I'm looking for. I don't have a lot of money to throw around, so what I do has to work. But I want the best.
I posted the inside of the log book Porsche in Stuttgart know the caras I live in Germany. The car was a UK delivery. I drive it most days summer and winter, so I need heat. if I get a Set of headers with a slightly larger dia I should be ok?
I'm also thinking of going to 3.4L but that seams to be a can of worms as well. I' m looking for low to mid range power increase.
Thanks Steve .

[Joe Bob]

The 3.2 "heat exchangers" are pretty good from the factory. Headers usually are bare pipes...you lose the heat.

The UK and the EC have been getting snotty about cat less vehicles. If you are on a budget and appreciate heat stay with what you have. Big money and hassle for little gain.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by SLR

... I'm dropping the engine to replace the clutch. so as the engine is out I was thinking of...

Danger Steve Danger... Engine out, while I'm in there, slippery slope... Danger

Better get an extension on your line of credit.

BDTD , engine out every 2 years... could have retire a while back but

Lots of fun

[SLR]

Haha, yep I know the felling. I've had the car just over 10 years and have spent very little on it other than normal running costs. But now living in Germany and having to convert it for rh driving, I started on replacing the brakes, all of it they are all new. Then suspension, that list is getting longer!,,. Hens a little more power, I know that a little more is going to turn into more and you know the rest.

[Joe Bob]

Have to convert? Sell it, start over .....import one from the US.

[SLR]

When I seed convert I didn't mean steering and pedals and all that stuff, I only have to change the lights and have the infamous TUV cheque for driving in the EU. But that leads to hmm I think I will replace that and while I'm there, I'll do that as well. I will keep this one and take it back to Australia when I leave here.