Early Exhaust System Question

MRM · 10-12-2002, 02:15 PM

Can an exhaust system from a 2.2L engine be used to retrofit a 3.2 Carrera to the early exhaust style? I have a chance to buy one in reasonable shape (will need to be media blasted) for about $500. Is this a good deal?

pwd72s · 10-12-2002, 05:52 PM

Beware of the media blasting...the outer metal of factory heat exchangers is VERY thin. Don't ask me how I know this...

Tyson Schmidt · 10-12-2002, 08:49 PM

No, it is not a good deal. Unless, of course, they are real SSI's.

For a few hundred more you can buy a new set of SSI's and have a lifetime exhaust system, rather than a set that is probably nearing the end of it's useful life. (assuming they are stock 2.2 heat exchangers.)

MRM · 10-13-2002, 07:46 AM

Thanks much Tyson. Tempting but I'll pass.

Brad Roberts · 10-14-2002, 01:41 AM

MRM,

Just out of curiosity ...

Is it the SSI price that keeps you from buying a set for your 3.2 ?

I know of several places that sell them for 800$ shipped to your door.

I promise a set of SSI's will warm up 5 times faster than a stock HE will.

B

pbs911 · pbs911's Garage

I went with the pre-74 exhaust system over three years ago for my 78SC. They have held up great and absolutely no problems. Sanded them down and applied some good heat paint. I paid $350 for the exhaust and OEM two in one out muffler. Definately a very good bang for the buck, but you have to find a set in GOOD condition. But at at $500 for just the exhaust it is too much $$$. $400 w/ a muffler is about right.

Oldporsche · 10-14-2002, 09:41 AM

A lot of early heat exchangers that I see for sale are over priced. This is because they are often early original equipment with the cars. The originals, that came with the <'75 cars were made of mild steel. The later factory replacement heat exchangers were made of stainless. One would have to consult someone like Bruce A. to find the year that Porsche was placing these in their replacement parts. When I have seen these stainless replacements, they had sort of an "olive drab" color to them.

Good luck,
David Duffield

MRM · 10-14-2002, 05:46 PM

Thanks everyone. Yes, the reason I was looking at older original equipment was cost. I was looking at an entire exhaust system (including the muffler but minus the exchangers) from one person and a set of just the exchangers from someone else.

The SSIs are obviously best, but you have to buy the exchangers and then all the plumbing. I was hoping to get the whole thing done for less than the cost of doing SSIs. It will be a long winter. I'll be sure to wait for the right combination to come by.