Forced Induction Superchargers | Turbochargers | Intercoolers

Intercooler piping

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Old May 21, 2008 | 10:15 PM
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Default Intercooler piping

What are most people using for the intercooler piping?

I have heard some people use mild steel, some others use aluminized steal.

I will be having the make all the bends to get it to connect to my turbo so I will also have to weld it or use couplers.

Im trying to build this kit without going overboard with the cost.
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Old May 21, 2008 | 10:27 PM
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3" stainless or aluminum. Both polish up nicely, but need to be TIG welded. Mild steel is cheap and easy to MIG weld. Looks good powder coated too.
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Old May 21, 2008 | 10:32 PM
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THanks for the quick reply Josh!

Now i have an excuse to learn how to weld. I think I will get the mild steel and pick up a welder.

Is there a big loss of HP by using mild steel?
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Old May 21, 2008 | 10:49 PM
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You can mig aluminum...just use 100% argon and take your time. I'm using 3.5" aluminum for my cold side.
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Old May 21, 2008 | 10:49 PM
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Originally Posted by Monello
THanks for the quick reply Josh!

Now i have an excuse to learn how to weld. I think I will get the mild steel and pick up a welder.

Is there a big loss of HP by using mild steel?
No loss of hp, just weighs more.
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Old May 21, 2008 | 10:57 PM
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You can MIG stainless with Tri Mix Gas. MIG welding aluminum is not hard with a quality push pull gun. Its all in the equipment you have.
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Old May 21, 2008 | 11:22 PM
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Now since I am new to welding. And this will be my first project =).

Will this welder work? If not, maybe I can use this to just get the pieces together, a few welds here and there. Then I will have my buddy weld everything up at his work.

90 AMP FLUX WIRE WELDER


Specifically designed to use self-shielding flux-cored welding wire, eliminating any need for gas and regulators normal MIG welders require. Includes: 4'' spool of flux-core wire and spare 0.035'' welding tip.

Wire capacity: 0.035'' or 0.030''
Duty cycle: 10% @ 80 amps, 18% @ 60 amps
Welding current (2 settings) 63 to 68 amps (low), 79 to 90 amps (high)
Self regulating feed control
Thermal protection with warning light
Carry handle on lid
Input: 115 volt, 15 amps, single phase

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94056
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Old May 22, 2008 | 12:30 AM
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Yikes...please no. Do yourself a favor and get a 220v to start with. Don't make the same mistake I did.
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Old May 22, 2008 | 12:31 AM
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do not use flux core. it is junk. kind of a best of both worlds that doesnt work worth a crap. you can go to the community colleges and take a welding course. or borrow one. get some pieces and start practicing. thats all they have you do in college. lol they have cheap 110 welders at harbor frieght also. dont need a 220, just get a 110. just my .02. ive had bad expieriences with those.
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Old May 22, 2008 | 12:39 AM
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also regarding the piping. wouldnt mild steel hold in heat alot more than alluminum? of course the mild steel could protect the inside charge due to being so dense but once it got hot, hold in the heat. couldnt this be true due to how much faster alluminum desipates heat? i dont know if it would be enough to make a difference. i dont know either way. if anyone had any info. that would be neat to see.
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Old May 22, 2008 | 02:25 AM
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First off, yes, do get the 220v. When you need to move onto bigger projects it will handle them no problem. As far as getting into the debate of which holds more heat, it's a moot point. Take the weight break with aluminum. The majority of people pig these cars out so bad that they need any pound they can drop.

Marty
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Old May 22, 2008 | 08:38 AM
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Ok, I will get the 220v.

Martystone, did you still end up getting the flux or did you buy a true mig welder?
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Old May 22, 2008 | 01:01 PM
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its all on what you want to do. i was just curious on the heat part of it also. if your trying to do everything on a budget. i would save the money and get a 110. ive completed the auto collision repair program at my community college. im i-car certified to weld on cars. have replaced and fabbed up custome pieces for my old drag car. in the 7 years ive been doing all this. ive never had to step up to a 220. 110 worked fine. it is true there are somethings were a 220 is needed but if your wanting to try and save as much money as possible. go with the 110 and you will be more than happy. im in the same boat. i have to get myself a new welder. personaly i reaaly like the lincoln welders. ive had great experience with them. just my .02. not trying to cause any arguments. its all on what ya need and what ya want to spend. thanks guys!
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Old May 22, 2008 | 01:44 PM
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Chub406, thanks for your input.

That is good to know that a 110 can still handle a lot of things. I am able to pick up a 110volt for only 150 bucks from Harbor Freight. The 220v is a little more expensive.
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Old May 22, 2008 | 02:10 PM
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thats not flux core?
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Old May 22, 2008 | 02:26 PM
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it is flux core. Is there a big different between flux core and mig? I know that one uses gases and the other is just electric with the flux core.
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Old May 22, 2008 | 02:33 PM
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there is a big dif. on paper the flux core looks good but with out the shielding gases. my experience has been i wouldnt use one if it was given to me. they are that bad. at least the experiences i had.
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Old May 22, 2008 | 03:19 PM
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I definitely got a gas welder. The only mistake I made was not getting a 220v welder. When it comes time to weld the bigger stuff it makes life easier. Yes you can get by on a 110v, I just prefer the 220v.

And definitely skip the flux core and get a real welder. If you're honestly worried about spending 500 bucks on a decent mig, then maybe you can find a box of bends that will work with just silicon couplers. And if you have a piece or two that needs to be welded, just mark it and take it to your local welder.

Marty
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Old May 22, 2008 | 08:36 PM
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.... Hmmm. Ill get you that link you pmed me about. Anyways. as far as piping, yea ss/alum look pretty. Alum is lighter, mild is cheap easy to weld.

Flux core is a type of wire used on a mig welder. Or you could get a stick welder...(dont do it) I would highly suggest getting a mig welder.(or tig if you got the money) You then will need to pick up a small tank, like 20-40 cu ft. If your gonna do mild, you will need a argon c02 mix gas for welding. You will probably want like a .023 wire for 16 gauge steel.


As far as the 220 goes, what are you going to weld thats over 3/16-1/4 of an inch thick?
You can easily get 3/16 of a inch penetration off 110 volt welders. If i were welding up a structural beam id use a 220v welder. In a car, i dont think you really need it anywhere.

What i would say is defiantly buy a name brand. Miller/hobart or lincoln are the only welders i would use. Stay away from cheapy's and clarkes, and crap.

Im an electrician, so if i needed 220 in my garage it would of been there, i just really didn't see the need.

The welder i got is from northern tool. Its the hobart handler 140. Its 459 from them, and a tank with a fill will run you about 100-120 bucks. You will also need to pick up some new tips for the smaller wire, cause the .030 that it comes with will be on the big side.


Chris
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