New Heat exchangers, Keep my original or stainless steel?? Options

[Nemo914]

I am back again. After world class help from you all on a backfire on decel problem--I decided to buy some stainless steel heat exchangers (used on e-bay). My thought was that I had a leak somewhere and that replacing the original exhaust system might help. Right before I started the job, I tried the trick of plugging the exhaust pipe to see if the engine would still run. It slowed right down and quit--so no leak?? Anyway, I pulled them off anyway and now can't decide if the originals (30 yrs old) are better than the replacements. The stainless steel aren't as heavy duty. Also, they looked a bit warped where they connect to the muffler. What are your thoughts??

The only other thing I have trouble shot on the backfire problem is the cold start valve. Disconnecting it didn't change the problem.
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Here are a couple of photos...

[Brad Roberts]

I scream daily. You own a 914.. get used to it..LOL

Make sure you take a flat file to the tubes that bolt to the heads also.

Install new copper gaskets in the heads... and make sure you remove the old ones. People have been known to double up on the copper gaskets and cause the ears to break off the SSI's.


B