Rutnick

Ok...I have a 1980. It has the thermal reactor and the heat exchanger setup. To my knowledge, this is not a CAT but a heat exchanger. If I disable my air pump, I don't run the risk of clogging the cat because I don't have one. Doesn't the heat exchanger just act as a source of extra heat for the thermal reactor?

Anyway, I have my header for the car and I am trying to figure out how to install it on my car and get rid of the heat exchanger. The bolts look beyond what penetrating oil can do.

Also, I am looking to install a magnaflow muffler on my car. The smallest diameter is 2". Isn't the stock setup of the car less than 2"? Something like 1 3/4"?

Dual tip or single? What does everyone think?

Wankelguy

The heat exchanger heats the air that is injected into the exhaust ports.
The air pump also supplies cooling air to the thermal reactor's outer jacket, preventing the thermal reactor from overheating.
For that reason, do not remove the airpump unless you are installing a header.
Racing Bleat makes a header specific for the '79-'80 models that bolts right up to the heat exchanger, or with the addition of a mini-presilencer, the heat exchanger is omitted and the outlet of the mini-presilencer bolts right up to the stock pipe.

Rutnick

well, I have the header. The airpump has been disabled for about 2.5 months but the weather has been cool. The airpump actually locked up so I just installed the dual belt pulley and belts. I guess I better address the lack of an airpump on the thermal reactor. When you say overheat, will it warp the housing or just cause the thermal reactor to crack?

Hmm...if I install the header to the heat exchanger, I will have to plug the tube coming from the exchanger won't I? Those bolts look like they are beyond what penetrating oil will do. Cut them off? The exchanger won't have any restrictions will it?

Wankelguy

If the thermal reactor overheats, the inner element can break up. In addition, when the engine is shut off, heat can wick back into the motor, possibly damaging an apex seal spring if an apex seal has "parked" itself in the exhaust port window.

Just cap off the hole in the intake manifold and cut off the return pipe from the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is mildly restrictive and does act to help quiet the motor somewhat. I have the mini-presilencer on mine, so the heat exchanger is not used.

Rutnick

Thanks for the info wankleguy. I'm just going to keep the heat exchanger for now. I have a plate for the intake alreay so I'll cap it off. I guess I need to crimp the return from the exchanger. I'm still concerned about the exchanger bolts. I may just have to cut them off. Hopefully, the exhaust manifold bolts won't be a chore.

I guess I need to get the exhaust gasket for the header and the gasket for the exchanger and bolt it up. Do you know the torque on the mainbolts of the header? Do you recommend the RB gasket or will any be ok?