Thermal reactor on a Canadian 1977 911S ??

[Nico911]

Guys.

Would a 1977 Canadian model 911S have a thermal reactor ? It seems like it was fitted only on US models.

And where should I look for to see that thing ?

Cheers.

[Nico911]

Just got my answer thanks to Mr Google : seems like yes. US, Canadian and Japanese models were equipped with that wonderful innovation...

[JJ 911SC]

[paddict]

Nico,

Check this thread out:

Are these thermal reactors?

Look under the car, it should be pretty obvious if the thermal reactors are still in place.

[RWebb]

if you see them, just nuke them from orbit

[Komenda Fan]

My 1977 930 was a Toronto delivered car, and until I got my hands on her, still had her thermal reactors. Not particularly fun to get off, but a bit of heat and ingenuity later, and your engine will be all the better for their removal. Having my car on the track for 20 to 25 minute sessions, there was no way I wanted the heat build up from them to cook my engine.

Here they are before I removed them...



I actually have a set of unused shorty pipes to replace them with if you are looking to replace the thermal reactors.

[sean m]

Here's a different picture that might shed some light on the Thermal Reactors.....

[Targalid]

Sean M,
What's that finned gizmo where the oil pan usually sits? Better cooling? Easier draining?

[Nico911]

Well thanks a lot guys. I really like this community !

[rwest]

Targalid,

Looks like it is available here on Pelican- cool looking!
Pelican Parts - Product Information: MCD-930-107-001-00

[john walker's workshop]

that drain plug would make me nervous. lots of high manhole covers around.

[sean m]

Targalid,
Got it from Pelican. My sump cover didn't have a drain plug. I had to remove the entire plate every time I changed the oil ( at total PITA)

John Walker,
It's no lower than the "dreaded thermal reactors" or the heat exchangers. Never had a problem with a manhole cover.

Supposedly the finned metal will help reduce heat. I've not noticed anything......then again, I still have the thermal reactors on my car. 240,000 miles on original engine, and going STRONG!

[Targalid]

Sean M,
Those "thermal reactors" look like fake ones to me. Real thermal reactors are about 4 1/4" in diameter and have a contour on each end. They are lined internally with a white catalyst mat. Fake thermal reactors are heavy gauge steel, about 3" in diameter, and were fitted by owners who had to pass inspection but who did not want to cook their motors. Fakes are simply pass through pipes which superficially have the appearance, for inspection purposes, of thermal reactors. Have you had the car since new? Otherwise I suspect your high mileage engine has not suffered the tortures of true thermal reactor heat. How do I know? My car had the fakes on it too. When I took them off I was puzzled because nothing was inside. Then the previous owner gave me the original parts which had been sitting on a shelf for years. I can send you photos if you want.

[sean m]

Targalid,
Bought from original owner that bought the car in '77 brand new. Everything on the car is original. I even have the bill of sale and the owners manual from '77.

[Komenda Fan]

Targalid, I had no idea such things existed. I actually considered cutting the ends off my thermal reactors, gutting them, and welding the caps back on to keep the stock appearance, before deciding to go with the shorty pipes.

There is a gentleman in the area who has a '76 TurboCarrera he has owned since new, with 600,000 +miles on it. He relates how he was pulled over after a track day, and the cops were actually looking for the original emissions equipment! These would help the case immensely, although I don't think it's a serious concern.