<VV> ? what to use to model header pipes?

[Lacki, Allan V]

Hi Chuck,

This past summer, I designed a simple 2-into-1 crossover pipe for my Corvair, (much like Matt Nall's "Big Singles" exhaust system), and I considered many alternatives before I simply modeled the pipe in hard PVC plastic before having it fabricated in steel.  But you'll need something more sophisticated to mock up a set of headers, especially if you want your finished product to make use of mandrel bends.


For Modeling Your Header Pipes:

Some guys model their headers using flexible swimming pool pipe and "Great Stuff" foam insulation as shown on this webpage at GrassRoots Motorsports.com.

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/any-tips-for-making-headers/22855/page1/

I tried it, and in my opinion, the plastic model turned out to be too delicate for an exhaust shop to copy in steel.  For a more sophisticated modeling method, you might want to visit this company's web page:

IceEngineWorks, Inc.  
Precision Exhaust Header Modeling Systems
http://www.icengineworks.com/


For Fabricating Your Headers in Steel:
 
I've found three vendors on the web who offer wide assortments of mandrel-bent tubing, flanges, and exhaust collectors that can be welded together to fabricate a system:

MEGS Exhaust Builders Warehouse at Cone Engineering
http://www.coneeng.com/

SPD:  Specialty Products Design, Inc.
http://www.spdexhaust.com/

Columbia River Mandrel Bending, Inc.
http://www.mandrel-bends.com/catalog/

I have purchased parts from the first vendor- MEGS - and found them to be helpful on the phone, quick with shipping, and the least expensive of the three.   But I have also corresponded with SPD and Columbia and found them to be helpful, too.


For Racing Mufflers:

Check out Car Chemistry's "CC Inserts"

http://www.carchemistry.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=76

Al Lacki


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