GHL EXHAUST CRACKS
01-09-2007, 08:27 PM
#63
Racer
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Ya they have them in hand. If I knew ahead of time no I would of found some one to weld them. I asked what caused the hole and was told not sure but the header looked really used. Well I will update when it is fixed and post pics.
01-09-2007, 11:55 PM
#65
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I had planned on ordering a set of B & B Headers in the next couple of months for the 3.6.
After reading this thread i might look for a better alternative. It seems the only problem with B & B is that it is made from 304, sounds like it would be ideal if it was made from 321.
Has anyone had experience with the 9m B & B copy made from 321 ????
Thoughts.....
Clint.
After reading this thread i might look for a better alternative. It seems the only problem with B & B is that it is made from 304, sounds like it would be ideal if it was made from 321.
Has anyone had experience with the 9m B & B copy made from 321 ????
Thoughts.....
Clint.
01-10-2007, 12:07 AM
#66
Rennlist Lifetime Member
321 still has the issues. At or around 1800 321 becomes unstable. The bottom line is headers will crack from many things. One of the biggest factors is EGTs and cars running to lean. If you think that 321 doesn't crack think again.
Here is the question. On a car that runs lower EGTs and proper AFRs will last easily 10 years. If you buy a new set of hears that cost 1800.00 every 5-10 years break down that cost. That works out to be a small expense.
Unless the headers are 625 Inconel you are going to see issues at some point. 6K or not. So if you get 5-10 years from the B&Bs for a 1/4 of the price you could run them for 3-4 years and sell them on ebay for 3/4 of the cost and buy a new set. FWIW the headers on my 930 are 7 years and 42K miles old and are fine.
Here is the question. On a car that runs lower EGTs and proper AFRs will last easily 10 years. If you buy a new set of hears that cost 1800.00 every 5-10 years break down that cost. That works out to be a small expense.
Unless the headers are 625 Inconel you are going to see issues at some point. 6K or not. So if you get 5-10 years from the B&Bs for a 1/4 of the price you could run them for 3-4 years and sell them on ebay for 3/4 of the cost and buy a new set. FWIW the headers on my 930 are 7 years and 42K miles old and are fine.
01-10-2007, 09:38 AM
#68
Burning Brakes
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Originally Posted by 38D
As for headers, Kevin is right. They all will crack, it is just a question of when. Holcomb/Menzie inconel headers are a work of art and will last, but at $6k/set, it is hard for most people to justify (and 1/2 the time you can't get them to return you calls...I know...I have tried!).
When you say cracked headers, do you guys mean the welds or the pipe itself? I've never had cracked pipes but have seen many cracked welds if not done well
01-10-2007, 05:11 PM
#70
Rennlist Member
Originally Posted by nathanUK '81 930 G50
All the pics I have seen are cracked welds.
01-10-2007, 06:13 PM
#71
Nordschleife Master
Originally Posted by pzull
Any pictures of these mentioned "legendary" headers from holcome, Menzie, Marco? Have never come across them.
When you say cracked headers, do you guys mean the welds or the pipe itself? I've never had cracked pipes but have seen many cracked welds if not done well
When you say cracked headers, do you guys mean the welds or the pipe itself? I've never had cracked pipes but have seen many cracked welds if not done well
Here a set of failed headers that were on my car last season:
And the turbine damaged that resulted...
01-10-2007, 06:54 PM
#72
Race Car
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Originally Posted by cobalt
Actually the weld in this picture is fine, it is the adjacent material that has failed.
I have only done a introductory welding course but I seem to recall you are in the trade ?
01-10-2007, 11:07 PM
#74
Rennlist Member
The problem with welding steel including stainless is when it cools it has a tendency to crack. In the case of headers the turbo engines generate a tremendous amount of heat and when you push a car in race conditions and then shut the car down without a proper cool down I am sure the headers will crack at the weakest point. Odds are this is adjacent to the weld were the metal has been stressed the most.
01-11-2007, 08:58 AM
#75
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Unfortunately, the manifolds have cracked in the heat efected zone (HAZ). Its a known problem as the grain structure changes due to the heat of welding. The real problem is that stainless steel is not the right material for a turbo manifold. It should be inconel but that costs the earth so almost all of us use SS and suffer the consequences!
Richard.
Richard.