[flatsixcrazy]

Hello all,

I have rcently acquire a project 78sc and i am looking into upgrade the leaking heat exchangers. I understand from the search that SSIs is the way to go. I have around $1500 to play and l am looking for a few recomemdations. A few questions concerning the SSis.

1) does anyone have a few pictures of their SSI setup in a 78SC I can have a look?,

2) are they directly bolt-on to the engine?,

3) what cat and mufflers do you recommend?

4) will i have problems getting it pass smog inspection?

Thanks for all your help. I am sure these won't be the last questions as I progress through the project. AN

[Charlie Stylianos]

1) does anyone have a few pictures of their SSI setup in a 78SC I can have a look?



2) are they directly bolt-on to the engine?

Yes. But getting the old HE's off may be a chore.

3) what cat and mufflers do you recommend?

SSI's are replicas of the HE's from the pre-cat days. If you want a cat, you'll need to fabricate an inline cat with inline muffler. Don't think you'll need this. See below.

Mufflers are a subjective choice due to tone. Many like Dansk or Monty.

4) will i have problems getting it pass smog inspection?

I'd double check, but in VA, after 25 years vehicles are emissions exempt. 2004-1978=26

[flatsixcrazy]

Charlie,
Thanks for the pic and the information. It's beautiful. Where should I order the SSIs?. I know pelican parts and vertex has them, but I am looking for a local company and economy to support. Also, my oil sump is leaking and thinking about replacing the stock cover with the one that you have in the picture. Could you please tell me who makes them?. Thanks again. AN

[Charlie Stylianos]

Andy,

From an earlier post:

As much as we all probably want nothing to do with Motor Miester, they can and usually beat any lowest advertised price you can find on the web. Call and speak with Roy.

They sold me a of new set of SSI's (w/ O2 bung) and a Dansk Sport 2/1 for less than 1K. Believe it or not.

BTW: Your 78 was pre-lambda, so the O2 bung is not needed unless you'd like to install one for monitoring AFR's.

The billit sump plate is made by Mainely Custom By Design. You can order direct from Bob or from Pelican.

http://www.mainelycustombydesign.com...components.htm

[William Miller]

Andy, a few other things:
You will probably will have to replace your oil lines. As you can see in Charlie's picture (Maybe didn't notice.) The old style exhaust has the cross over pipe that crosses in the front of the motor instead of the back.
(It's the shiney pipe you can see below the engine stand adapter and between the two heat exchangers. There is another line that connects to the end of this one and then goes to the extermnal thermostst in the front of the right rear fender well. When you get to that piont ask for help because sometimes they are a bitch to get off.

Another small project that goes along with this is connecting the air hose at the rear of the heat exchanger up to the air hoses comming from the heater fan if you still have one or the takeoffs. I think there are a few variations of this depending on the year and the engine tin.

I ended up using one of the elbows that came off the old heat exchangers and modifying it a little.

Let us know what you find out about current prices.
I doubt you will find them locally and if you do there will be a premium.
On the other hand you might compaire that to shipping and don't forget about sales tax.

I ordered mine thru vertex. The SSI's came right from SSI's wharehouse and the muffler from vertex.

Good luck! If you need help with the exhaust studs let us know.
The tools and the talent are on this board.