Well I need to build a header for my inline 6 that is going in the dragster for Comp Elim. this coming year. Of course everyone says make out of stainless. OK, since I'm going to machine my own flange, Why not aluminum? I can't seem to find any info if it has been done, which I'm sure it has, so there must be some major negatives?? In my minuscule mind I can't think of many cons but see a lot of pros? I can build a thick flange to cut down on warpage, say 3/4 or 1" thick, Maybe go with a little heavier wall on the tubing so I'm not blowing holes when welding it up. It would cool faster, look neat all polished? Someone tell me why steel or SS would be better?
they did work for about a minute, after that they turned to mush ... even when someone tried the TO coating inside of them which made them last a little longer .
( I seen the effects on a set they slumped real bad and often melted at the exit port . and the casting was heavier than stock in thickness )
as for tubing , take a propane torch to a beer can and it will answer your question .
Titanium has been used for racing exhaust systems for decades. But it's a pretty high dollar solution. Aluminum would have problems with the heat generated as well as cracking from the vibrations. Inconel is also very popular.
well i guess thats out, alumn has a melting point of around 1200 deg. were steel is like 2500 deg F. I originally thought, hell- pistons and heads are alumn. why not headers? oh well- Stainless it is..
Guy Forbrook ran some on Jac Haudenschild's World of Outlaws sprint car back in '98, I think. Dynatec may have built them. Only used for two time trial laps per night, then steel back on for racing. Don't think they lasted more than 10 races or so. Probably just to due cracking. Appeared to be coated, too-very shiny, even for aluminum.
The heat cycles make the aluminium brittle and prone to cracking. I have seen a set of simple zoomies last OK, but normal headers with multiple bends would be a nightmare for cracking.
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