underpsi

I'm looking into getting a set of new headers or even getting some custom fabbed, i noticed some manufacturers uses ss304 and some uses ss321; can anyone enlighten us as to which material is BEST regardless of cost? I know for exhausts Titanium is the no comprimised material of choice but how about for headers??? Any discussion would be appreciated.

38D

Inconel is the best material for headers, period. But a custom set will run over $6k.

underpsi

Any idea which grade Inconel ? What about the hype with titanium?

125shifter

www.burnsstainless.com

kens911

inconel alloy 690 or 800 alloy 600 cracks

underpsi

thx, that burnsstainless site was great. Anyone have an idea how much more is Inconel vs. say ss 304 for reference? Also are they any companies out there that makes Inconel systems for Porsches??

125shifter

I haven't priced tubing, but from what I've bought at work I'd guess 2-3 times as much. Inconel is a nickel based alloy so it's very pricey.

Kevin

Titanium gets brittle and cracks, and typically isn't recommended for a long term option. But if you want to through a ton of money at it go with Ti and build a spare set when the first cracks.. Money no object. 321 is a good alloy because it does have Ti in it.. Inconel is very good for high heat. If one needed a practical system build it using 321 and bump up the wall thickness.

underpsi

thx guys, so i guess Inconel would be top choice then followed by heavy gauge ss 321.

Geoffrey

My Holcome headers were 321 and lasted over 15 years before they started to crack.

underpsi

can someone post some pics of the infamous menzie and holcombe headers that ppl often talk about?? what price range do they run??

Falk930

On my opinion Inconel is not the material for "standard" or basic track cars.

The advantage of Inconel is for sure the ability to widestand higher temps then
stainless steel.
From that, the wallsize can be lower then stainless steel.
The material weight is slightly higher then stainless steel.

On proffessional race cars, every small weight is important.
With inconel headers you can save few gramms.
That why inconel is used.

But how that big price difference for a 930 Inconel header
will pay out?

I mean, for sure its fancy to say:
"Inconel headers" :-)


Falk

Geoffrey

Holcombe headers run in the $4k range. One of the issues with headers cracking is that there are no slip joints to allow expansion of the engine case so the headers get stressed. I'll look for a picture of mine.

38D

I didn't say is was a standard material, but that it is the best material. But for pro teams, they use it because they know it won't fail.


I think they are more now. Mike Trombly's old set (now Dave Vacarro's car) ran $5500. They are really nice though, especially the wastegate design.

sonny1

321SS without a doubt, make sure they purge the tubes when welding, also you can use slip on collectors from Burn's, they work pretty good., best, Sonny.