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header collector (welding stainless to mild steel???)
Posted: Fri Oct 13, 2006 10:16 pm
by 03blackrt
I am starting to pick up parts for my winter engine build. one of the things i will be doing is replacing the 2.25" collector on my header with a 3" collector. heres my problem. I would like to add a merger collector. the only problem is that the only merge collector that I can find that has 1 5/8" primary tubes and 3" collector is made of stainless steel [hooker super comp 4-1 merge], my LTH is mild steel.
is it possable to weld stainless steel to mild steel?
does anyone know where I can find a merge colector in my required size made of mild steel?
[FYI, the flowmaster scavenger tri-y collector (2.75" collector) is too long for my application.]
Re: header collector (welding stainless to mild steel???)
Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 1:33 am
by turbodudey
03blackrt wrote: is it possable to weld stainless steel to mild steel?
Sure. Not a problem at all. You can weld mild steel to stainless steel.
There are several factors that should be considered though. Primarily the differing expansion rates of the dissimilar metals, which can lead to high stresses at the joint. Just make sure you use a high alloy stainless steel filler metal to offset carbon dilution of the weld metal, and you should be just fine.
Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 2:14 am
by dblsg
^ exactly what i was gonna say.... well kinda.
Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 5:37 am
by BlackRoseRacing
There are several factors that should be considered though. Primarily the differing expansion rates of the dissimilar metals, which can lead to high stresses at the joint. Just make sure you use a high alloy stainless steel filler metal to offset carbon dilution of the weld metal, and you should be just fine
Must fabricate for a living....
Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 2:54 pm
by turbodudey
BlackRoseRacing wrote:Must fabricate for a living....
Well... not really. I'm a mechanical engineer, but I've had quite a bit of experience with welding processes. Plus my roommate in college was a welding engineering major.
Re: header collector (welding stainless to mild steel???)
Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 11:36 pm
by 03blackrt
turbodudey wrote:03blackrt wrote: is it possable to weld stainless steel to mild steel?
Sure. Not a problem at all. You can weld mild steel to stainless steel.
There are several factors that should be considered though. Primarily the differing expansion rates of the dissimilar metals, which can lead to high stresses at the joint. Just make sure you use a high alloy stainless steel filler metal to offset carbon dilution of the weld metal, and you should be just fine.
thats nice to know. the only mild steel collectors i found that would fit my applications were $250 and i wasn't going to be spending that much on a collector when I can get 2 decent hooker super comp merger stainless collecotrs for $100. i might just save a little money and get a mild steel dump collecotr for $30 to save the hassle. who knows...