how to build mid pipes for $20

thrasher · Posted: May 26, 2009, 3:54 am Post subject: how to build mid pipes for $20

i started with a set of chevy headers i found in the dump. they have 2.5 inch primaries and worked great.
first thing i did was cut the tubes up:

then i paid $20 for a set of junk headpipes for the flanges, i used a lathe to clean them up but a grinder would work fine.

i welded the flanges into the new pipe

then i tack welded a bunch of pieces together

finish welding and paint. took me about a day to do the whole thing.

metalredneck · Full Member Joined: Aug 04, 2008 Posts: 308

I like it!

Retiredgentleman · Posted: May 26, 2009, 12:18 pm Post subject: Re: how to build mid pipes for $20

Great work thrasher. These bikes really lend themselves to home fabrication. A fun part of the hobby is making up your own parts.

gordonscott · Full Member Joined: May 06, 2009 Posts: 304

Hi Trasher, NICE job! and I see you got them the same length Wink

thrasher · Posted: May 28, 2009, 2:23 am Post subject: Re: how to build mid pipes for $20

yeah i wanted them equal length, they sound real mean too. if you can't tell by the car in the background, i like to build stuff. i recently changed my exhaust again because i wasn't able to give any females a ride with the current set up. i'll use these on one of my other 650s, i just need to finish this one before i can start the next one.

c1skout · Full Member Joined: Sep 10, 2008 Posts: 29

looks good. Is that a 409 or 348 in the model A

thrasher · Posted: June 1, 2009, 9:06 pm Post subject: Re: how to build mid pipes for $20

its a 348 truck engine, i haven't even tried to start it yet.

nudude53 · Posted: June 1, 2009, 9:09 pm Post subject: Re: how to build mid pipes for $20

If it doesn't start it has another purpose, hook a chain to it and put it in the front of your boat.

borjawil · Posted: June 2, 2009, 12:13 am Post subject: Re: how to build mid pipes for $20

just wondering, but did u cut the flanges out with some of the inner tube still connected from the stock exhaust then insert it into the larger diameter tube or did u cut off the flanges and weld them to the tubing. I believe the stock headers are 1.5 on the out tube, just wondering cause of the larger headers u made

thrasher · Posted: June 3, 2009, 3:18 pm Post subject: Re: how to build mid pipes for $20

no, i did not leave any of the inner tube left on these flanges. i originally intended to so i could get a nice tight fit but it just didn't work out. if fit close enough that it didn't really matter. the biggest thing to remember here is not to slide the tube all the way on when you go to weld it, because then your weld will flow out onto the flat part where your finned flange pushes on it when you tighten everything down (if that made any sense). you'll want to do it like how the original chrome outers were welded on, don't make my mistake.

that 348 would sink my boat, that thing is freakin heavy.

borjawil · Posted: June 3, 2009, 3:50 pm Post subject: Re: how to build mid pipes for $20

[quote="thrasher"]the biggest thing to remember here is not to slide the tube all the way on when you go to weld it, because then your weld will flow out onto the flat part where your finned flange pushes on it when you tighten everything down (if that made any sense).

When you said not to slide the utbe all the way on did you mean the new header piece? and if so i would be welding the header peice to the inner tube and partially the flange or not at all?

thrasher · Posted: June 4, 2009, 12:35 pm Post subject: Re: how to build mid pipes for $20

you need to weld it like the factory one in my second picture. compare that to my weld in the third picture and you'll see what i'm talking about.

borjawil · Posted: June 5, 2009, 9:45 am Post subject: Re: how to build mid pipes for $20

i see. great thanks fo the help!

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