ok im wanting to start a mani (my first) and had some questions on steel i want to use mild cuz i dont have a tig yet so when i look for mild i keep coming across "aluminized steel" now is this just mild that is finished to look more like alum or ss, or is it an all together different material and whatever it is can it be miged. also ive found some tubing at a few of the parts stores but its not labled well and the people that work there donk have a clue if they cant pull it up in there computers. i was just wondering how to tell the difference between these three materials by sight

 

Aluminized is just mild steel that has been coated to help prevent rust. You can weld it with a mig just fine, you just have to take the coating off where you are welding. If it's piping you find at an auto parts store, it's likely aluminized steel.

 

If this is your first manifold you are better off using plumbing weld els. Just do a little searching in here or aim ACESTAINLESS

 

y is that?

 

because crap you buy from an automotive parts place is the wrong material for turbo manifolds on few different levels.

 

right i wasnt planning on useing that tube for my mani just for practice i was just confused on how to identify that material from sight. but if i get some 1.5" aluminized online from jegs or somewhere in different radii i could use that for a turbo mani just fine couldnt i??

 

Not really no. Some people say you can but I think they are full of ****. Especially if you are migging it. Just buy some weld elds. There are plenty of threads about this kind of stuff in here so if you don't want to listen to me feel free to read about it from other people. I already told you what is going to work the best for you now make up your mind.