[alfa] re: Shankle Headers - Flexible Exhaust Tubing

["Leslie Wong" <lesliewong@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I'm reporting back on my question about flexible exhaust couplings, Shankle
headers and my California emissions test on my 1979 Sprint Veloce. (And
thanks to Stefano and Biba for their experiences).

I installed NOS Shankle headers, the air injection rail, air pump and used
my existing catalytic converter. My muffler shop welded a bracket to support
the assembly at the rear of the bell housing. I asked the shop owner about a
flexible coupling and he said the clamps will allow for some movement. I'll
just wait and see how it goes. I still have the US and Euro cast iron
headers.

My county in California only requires an idle test. The car passed. I did as
I think Eric Storok said, and made sure the catalytic converter was hot (by
running at 5000 rpm on the highway for a few minutes before going in for the
test). The results

559 RPM	9.5% CO2	7.2% O2	127 PPM HC
2288 RPM	8.8% CO2	8.2% O2	68 PPM HC

Unfortunately, when I got home, I had the characteristic rattling of loose
catalyst material from the catalytic converter. My muffler shop guy says
backfiring causes the support material to break out. He welded a pipe to a
flange from the downtube to the center muffler. Now the car is actually
quieter than before (20 year old ANSA twin tip rear muffler still in good
condition!) The honeycomb in the converter is still in one piece. 

Before I buy a new converter, does anyone know of a high temperature
adhesive that might hold it? I found a bush repair here:
http://www.rangerovers.net/repairdetails/catalytic.html

Thanks,
 
Leslie Wong
Pacific Grove, CA
1979 Alfetta Sprint Veloce
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