I've never personally seen the inside, but I believe they may look to be empty as their function is to retain the exhaust gases and cause them to super-heat to 600-700C for a period of time. That is the heat that kills the head studs on the engine. It is the design of the chamber, along with its size, that determines how hot and for how long.

Here is a diagram I found showing the inside:
http://petrolsmell.com/wp-content/up...rol_engine.jpg

Here is a link to an explanation of how they work. Emissions Control: After Treatment Systems - Petrol SmellÂ*|Â*Petrol Smell

Bottom line, removing them is probably the best solution. The likelihood they are gutted is small, and even if they are, the additional heat generated in their location will do your head studs no good.

Hi Everyone,

I'm thinking about starting the removal, but I'm going to do it in stages.

I'd like to do all my SSI oil lines prior to removing the thermal reactors.

My question is: Will I be able to fit the new oil lines that work with my new SSI and still retaining use of my thermal reactor setup? I want to keep the car mobile in case of an exhuast stud issue.

Thanks in advance.

That looks like brand new hardware. How do the exhaust stud nuts look? If the exhaust was just changed over, chances are the exhaust nuts will back right off.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1505873483.jpg

There's always a chance an exhaust stud could break. You should have a backup ride so you can perform more services procedures that require more than a day or weekend.

And I agree, lose the thermal reactor exhaust system. Given enough time, it will kill your engine. A factory stock SC heat exchanger system would qualify as an upgrade. Exhaust system fasteners are always a hassle to R&R, especially if they've been untouched for 30 years. Swivel wrenches are available to make access easier. Do a search - many threads on the subject of removing factory heat exchangers.

Sherwood

Thanks for the replies.

I think I'll have a shop torch the nuts and break them loose for me. Hopefully the exhaust studs on my SC are strong than the old 2.7 ones.

Thanks.

The studs on the thermal reactors were 8mm necked down in the center so removal od the reactors was easier because there was some twist needed when pulling down the thermal.
Bruce

I've got a set of thermol reactor replacement manifolds if you would like to swap them out for your reactors. Cheap, quick, easy, solves the problem. Shoot me an email or PM if interested.

Thanks, but I have a set of SSI ready.