Headers vs Heat Exchangers

[BBausser]

Getting a 911 Normal road ready and have some rusty heat exchangers I need to replace. I don't need heat in the winter months. Whats the downside, other than orginality, for using headers? Any recomendations brandwise? OBX, Bursch?? Any feedback welcomed. Thanks...Bill

[JackOlsen]

No downside, other than that the next time you're driving in the rain you'll realize you do need the heat to defog your windows.

It's probably worth reminding some readers out there that the early 911 exhaust tubes are headers. Heat exchangers are just the boxes that go around the headers.

[BBausser]

Good point Jack. I've been looking at this from a cost standpoint. Heat exchangers go for about 3X what headers run. A little RainX should cure the fog if I drive in the rain.

Bill

[MarcS]

No downside, other than that the next time you're driving in the rain you'll realize you do need the heat to defog your windows.

I ran my '87 Carrera for an entire year up here in WA without heat. It rains; a lot. Put a coat on, role down the windows a bit and GO.

[kenikh]

Do what I am doing; install a Webasto heater and run full headers w/o heat exchanges. I have another idea that may replace the webasto, but that will remain untold until I try it.

[BBausser]

Got it running today after sitting for 30 years. The header part of the exchangers are fine so I'm just going to leave them Bought a used sport muffler last night on ebay for $50 bucks. Now have to rebuild the carbs and put in new cv joints, get it sprayed back to its orginal color - Silver Metallic and put it all back together.........hopefully by September.

[RS-GT]

I know they cost big boxes, but I think the SSI heat exchanger are the best of both world, no ?

[richemj]

Bursch headers are still reasonably priced (~$500) and pretty good quality, but the original gloss paint burns off quickly. Nothing that a couple of coats of high-temp rustoleum can't fix. Matte black is more vintage anyway

[sithot]

I know they cost big boxes, but I think the SSI heat exchanger are the best of both world, no ?

Oui!

Tom

[JackOlsen]

As a data point, it never gets colder than the 40's where I live. I went without heat for a winter, and hated it.

But I drive my car a lot.