Cross Post - Repairing Newly Purchased 951 - Some Questions

[Dan in Pasadena]

I just bought 951Fevr's non-running '86 (Thanks Michael) and have now purchased a VERY good condition used K26/6 turbocharger for it. It will start being torn down tomorrow. It has some exhaust piping "issues". One of the pipes is cut, flanged and capped. The remainder of that same pipe (it appears) looks to have been sawn off and left open/unused. Until I get it on the lift though, I cannot yet tell what is happening.

I also picked up a stock used exhaust system from front to back in excellent condition for a low price. In fact, these parts are off the awesome black 951 that is the current subject of a nine part series in European Car - some of you are aware of it. Many thanks to Pablo for your help and generosity.

Some "While-I'm-in-there" Questions - Is there much to be gained from wrapping the exhaust headers or other exhaust piping with insulation wrap on a stock (chipped only) car? Brand recommended? Source? Cost?

I have access to cheap powder coating. Don't know if they do anything equivalent to "Jet Hot" coating, but if they do, should I do this? Insulation wrap afterward advised/necessary?

While I am having the turbo replaced and all the exhaust plumbing is out, what else should I do?...within reason. Someone suggested switching from exhaust studs to bolts...agree? Grade 8 type or other? Source recommended?

My wrench advises the studs frequently pull out when this work is done, agree, advice? What else is down there that Ishould consider changing since it will be all apart? Cycling valve? Other PITA-to-get-to-later stuff?

All advice appreciated, thanks guys, Dan

[ae1969]

Originally posted by Dan in Pasadena
I just bought 951Fevr's non-running '86 (Thanks Michael) and have now purchased a VERY good condition used K26/6 turbocharger for it. It will start being torn down tomorrow. It has some exhaust piping "issues". One of the pipes is cut, flanged and capped. The remainder of that same pipe (it appears) looks to have been sawn off and left open/unused. Until I get it on the lift though, I cannot yet tell what is happening.

I also picked up a stock used exhaust system from front to back in excellent condition for a low price. In fact, these parts are off the awesome black 951 that is the current subject of a nine part series in European Car - some of you are aware of it. Many thanks to Pablo for your help and generosity.

Some "While-I'm-in-there" Questions - Is there much to be gained from wrapping the exhaust headers or other exhaust piping with insulation wrap on a stock (chipped only) car? Brand recommended? Source? Cost?

I have access to cheap powder coating. Don't know if they do anything equivalent to "Jet Hot" coating, but if they do, should I do this? Insulation wrap afterward advised/necessary?

While I am having the turbo replaced and all the exhaust plumbing is out, what else should I do?...within reason. Someone suggested switching from exhaust studs to bolts...agree? Grade 8 type or other? Source recommended?

My wrench advises the studs frequently pull out when this work is done, agree, advice? What else is down there that Ishould consider changing since it will be all apart? Cycling valve? Other PITA-to-get-to-later stuff?

All advice appreciated, thanks guys, Dan

Not sure what they could have done with the current exhaust until we see pics

If you have a complete exhaust just swap it over.

I ceramic coated my header/crossover/and the hotside housing. It works well.....but its STILL hot under there. Wrap works well. Its gets dirty easy/oily and smokes if you have any oil leaks so its a bit of a nuisance (considering 99% of 951's leak oil)

The exhaust studs can be replaced with exhaust bolts from Saturn of all places. It would definitely make the job easier.........but that being said I just used a new set of factory studs....... I really don't see what the big deal is either way. Its not a job I will be doing every weekend.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Alex, Thanks for the advice. Saturn? As in Saturn cars? They're metric? I didn't know that. Yes, definitely planning on the swap over to the complete exhaust system. Hadn't thought about the idea pf the wrap smoking from oil leaks. And you're right, its not like I will be taking the system apart regularly so I suppose less need to be concerned about switching to bolts. Thanks, other opinions?

[1.2gees]

I would use factory studs as well, especially over any "bolt" for the exhaust (even though I think he meant to say Saturn studs).

The studs should be installed properly in the head first, if that is done prior to tightenning the nuts, a problem is not likely to arise in the future.

As for the heat, I think unless extended track use is planned for a dual purpose car, underhood heat's not something to worry about on a mildly modified 951. Wrap will contain heat much better than coatings.

And not all 951s leak oil, I've had some that didn't leak ANY. If you've got one already leaking though, it's usually quite an adventure to get it to be dry...
Ahmet

[88BlueTSiQuest]

I wouldn't wrap a turbo header. Do a google search on exhaust wraps, it has been found that a wrap will shorten the life of the exhaust manifold due to too much heat, and that's normally on an N/A car, a turbo manifold gets much hotter.

If I were to coat any manifold, be it turbo or N/A, it would be with ceramic coatings.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Thanks Ahmet and Jack. Sounds like good advice....and it'll save me money too!