What about mild steel headers and downpipe?
09-05-2007, 12:04 AM
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What about mild steel headers and downpipe? Is stainless really necessary? Mild steel is MUCH more economical. How long could I expect them to last? This is just going to be a fun car/weekend car, looking for 700rwhp. Has a t76.
Even if they don't last as long I can probably make up a couple systems for the same price.
What do you guys think? Any input/experiences is appreciated!
Even if they don't last as long I can probably make up a couple systems for the same price.
What do you guys think? Any input/experiences is appreciated!
09-05-2007, 12:16 AM
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You would probably be ok with a mild steel downpipe. You could also probably get away with a mild steel header if you get pretty thick walled piping, and make sure the turbo is well supported. If you make a bracket to keep the weight off the header you should be fine.
-John
-John
09-05-2007, 12:41 AM
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my buddy made a header for a turbo quad-4 with mild steel (16 gauge) but the waste gate pipe rattled loose eventually. It was also unsupported. I think that if you went as thick as you could with some good solid welds and support brackets you may be able to get away with it for a while.
I would be interested in how long it lasts if you do go with mild steel. My friend ended up making a stainless one after the 1st header crapped out. It costs a little more, but you'll probably save $ in the long run by only making it once.
good luck, and I hope others with more experience than me chime in.
-John
I would be interested in how long it lasts if you do go with mild steel. My friend ended up making a stainless one after the 1st header crapped out. It costs a little more, but you'll probably save $ in the long run by only making it once.
good luck, and I hope others with more experience than me chime in.
-John
09-05-2007, 08:13 AM
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Originally Posted by thumpstick
my buddy made a header for a turbo quad-4 with mild steel (16 gauge) but the waste gate pipe rattled loose eventually. It was also unsupported. I think that if you went as thick as you could with some good solid welds and support brackets you may be able to get away with it for a while.
I would be interested in how long it lasts if you do go with mild steel. My friend ended up making a stainless one after the 1st header crapped out. It costs a little more, but you'll probably save $ in the long run by only making it once.
good luck, and I hope others with more experience than me chime in.
-John
I would be interested in how long it lasts if you do go with mild steel. My friend ended up making a stainless one after the 1st header crapped out. It costs a little more, but you'll probably save $ in the long run by only making it once.
good luck, and I hope others with more experience than me chime in.
-John
Anyone else?
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09-05-2007, 08:36 AM
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Originally Posted by Tiago
mild steel all over works for me... never had an issue, just support things like WG and turbos when needed.
09-05-2007, 11:59 PM
#10
Stainless isn’t everything. Although mild steel will rust faster (maybe not if you coat it), it expands at half the rate of stainless which makes manifolds/headers made of it less likely to crack then stainless.
09-06-2007, 06:05 AM
#11
16 gauge mild steel here for everything. Also, my turbo and wastegate are supported by the piping. Been like that for a few years now.
Mild steel is higher strength and lower coefficient of expansion than common grades of stainless anyway.
Mike
Mild steel is higher strength and lower coefficient of expansion than common grades of stainless anyway.
Mike
