69 L78 Heat Riser

[Bigfish45]

I'm getting ready to remove the headers and order all the parts to install exhaust manifolds on my L78 car. I would like to hear some of your opinions on the heat riser, because I'm undecided on whether to install one or not? Are there any pros or cons on having the heat riser in place? They make a spacer to go in it's place. I can remember having one on a BB 70 Chevelle back in high school and the thing rattled. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

[x66 714]

My car has it's original. The car has 157k miles. I cleaned it really good & put it back in during restoration. Same with my smog....Joe

[bertfam]

Depends on where you live. If you're in an area that gets cold (or you plan on getting the car judged) you'll need it. If not, you can either get the spacer or an original riser and REMOVE THE FLAPPER.

Ed

[rich69rs]

The main points have been covered.  I had bad luck with current product offerings  getting stuck in a relatively short time.  I replaced mine with a spacer.  If you go with a spacer or remove the flapper, you’ll probably need to let the car warm up some (15-30 secs or so) if it is cold . 

Throwing my heat riser out in the snow was one of the best reliability improvements I made - judging considerations were not an issue for me.

Richard

[BillOhio]

I cut the flap off my Z and left the rod.  Looks right but nothing in there.  spacer probably cheaper tho