SSI exhaust

[pope]

This is my exhaust system. It's the stock exchangers and silencer (as far as I can tell) for a carb setup on a 1970 2.2E.

While I don't have any technical issues, both the exhaust and the silencer look really bad (compared to the rest of the car) and perhaps towards the end of their life.

I'm looking at what options I have to make things better, an upgrade to an SSI not being out of the question.

Is there some way I can fix things up so they look better? Will there be any practical difference (performance, sound) if I go to SSI? Is the Dansk silencer close enough to the stock one I have?

[jpnovak]

SSIs are a copy of your current factory setup. You would not see any improvement switching systems.

If you do not like the appearance I would have them bead blasted and ceramic coated. This would likely be lighter on your wallet too!

[93nav]

What jack stands are those? Do you like them?

[Jack Stands]

Take a careful assessment on the state of the envelopes on your heat exchangers. If they are solid, I'd also recommend having them sandblasted and ceramic coated. I did that to a used set of 914-6 heat exchangers years ago, and they're still holding up beautifully. However, I always carry a carbon monoxide detector in my car as they are old and it's best to be safe. Check with the companies ( I used Jet Hot Coatings for mine) for current pricing.

However, if they're marginal, the SSI units are works of art. Other than lightening your pocketbook, there's no downside to them whatsoever.

[daniel911T]

I just installed a set of the "new" SSIs made in Denmark. I noticed that it's a bit quieter (I think due to thicker tubing) and fit great.

My only complaints about the install were:

1. They come with a special tool instead of one of the holes in the originals - that isn't a big deal, but the tool is an oddball size. It isn't an M13 like it should be. Because of that the tool is useless. It will require some creativity to get that one nut on.

2. The heater tube connections are just a tiny bit larger than the originals - I couldn't get OEM paper coated foil heater duct to go over the heat exchanger side no matter what I did. Eventually I gave up and got some aircraft style hose - it fits, but I prefered the OEM stuff.

I'm happy with mine. I understand that they add to the value of the car pretty much at a dollar for dollar rate, which is nice, but mostly I love no longer worrying about rust in my exhaust system.

OEM steel that's been properly preserved should be of equal quality and longevity. I would have gone that route if my originals weren't already rusted all the way through and repaired once.

Good luck!

[dicklague]

I have a very old set of stock heat exchangers, I just keep patching them up by welding crack and brackets, and putting on patches. I use a mig welder and it is a great way to maintain these things,

I have a Bursch muffler and occasionally I take it off and paint it.

I would love to put on SSIs, but am worried about frozen studs and big problems getting the old stuff off.

[Flojo]

unless you have no obvious damage to them or a real personal urge to adress them, I'd not touch them, because unbolting them often results in the PITA of broken studs.

for optical retouch you can semi-drop the engine, crawl under it, wirebrusch it best you can and paintbrusch them with some silver heat resistant paint.

but yes, fresh stainless steel SSIs with a Dansk sports muffler looks and sounds awesome!

[pope]

93nav: the jack stands are by a tool company called Draper. I'm quite happy with them and most other tools I've bought from them. I think it's a UK company.

[Bill Douglas]

Even SSIs look ugly after a while.

Exhausts are such a PITA I would leave it as long as possible.

[93nav]

Pope,

I just noticed that you are in Romania, I don't think I will find many Draper products this side of the pond. How are things in Romania? Very many Porsches around? Especially early ones? Just wondering.

Thanks

Originally Posted by pope

93nav: the jack stands are by a tool company called Draper. I'm quite happy with them and most other tools I've bought from them. I think it's a UK company.