I've been searching through archived posts and came across a couple of threads that recommend staying away from mild steel mandrel bends for intercooler piping. I understand that aluminized steel, or even better, stainless steel, is the way to go. With this in mind i went to JC Whitney, summitt, Jegs and other places and came across some pretty steep prices. My question to you guys that may have, at one point, used mild steel for piping. Is there a way to prevent "quick" rusting? Could i buy it and then seal it? One last question, how long will mild steel last before i have to replace? If it'll last me a couple of months, then i'll get them and save up for better quality. I'm about 90% finished with my project, but i'm lacking intercooler piping and down pipe. Any advice or comments on this matter will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Luis

 

You can use the mild steel but you will have to protect it from corrosion. They will last if you protect them properly. Quick rusting can be helped if you spray a light coat of WD-40 during your fabrication. When fabricated, sandblast the pipes if there is any rust and coat with your choice of the below suggestions.

Charge pipes: powdercoat, Jet-Hot coat, or paint
Downpipe: Jet hot coat

Good luck


[Modified by SLPR, 6:37 AM 3/11/2003]

 

Thanks for the advice. As far as the downpipe is concerned, i'll be getting that pre-fabricated so i don't think i'll have to worry about that. It was just the charge pipes i was concerned about. I guess some sanding, primer (?) and painting, will do the trick, huh?

 

A really positive benefit of using stainless steel for intercooler piping goes beyond just corrosion protection, Mild steel conducts over 200% more heat per foot then stainless does...thus the stainless piping keeps the cold air in your pipes and the hot air of your engine compartment from transferring through...

Regards,

Dave

 

Nothing like worrying about a increase of 2-3 degrees intake temps from the piping. Mild steel is fine, every piping kit that comes with revhard, drag, fmax, etc are mild steel. I would recommend getting the piping coated with something. I am going to try powercoating mine with an argent silver color to have some luster in the engine bay.

 

Sweet, send some pics my way when you get it done.

 

I'll be fabricating the piping (from intercooler to throttle body, using full race set-up) probably next week on spring break. I should have pics up of my entire build up posted within the next month.

 

Well then, i guess i'll be ordering mild steel tubing from Summitt for temporary use. Thanks guys for your input


[Modified by silverG2, 6:05 PM 3/11/2003]

 

Just curious, how good/bad is aluminum?

 

Air does not stay in an intake pipe long enough to benifit from a pipe material made from a sertain metal. Its like like an intercooler where it has fins to slow the air down long enough to cool it. The only benifit from aluminum I can see is the weight savings. Or if you like the shinny look, aluminum has the ability to shine up real nice.

 

I have run mild steel charge pipes on my race car for 3 years. Yes they rust on the inside, but it is minimal surface rust. If you are a bucks down racer.....use mild steel.....if you want the best and have money burning a hole in your pocket, use stainless or aluminum.

Later,

ZEX Man

 

Three years with mild steel. Wow! Well there's no turning back now cause i just order the piping from Summitt to arrive tomarrow.

 

The reason I asked this is because that's what came with my Greddy kit. I was just wondering if they were being cheap or if there is actually a benefit other than weight. I have noticed that in the summertime, the charge pipe before the throttle body is hot on the outside from soaking in engine heat, so I was planning on painting it with ceramic high heat paint to hopefully deflect some of that heat. Is this a waste of time?

 

I think it might be a waste...once again like I was saying. Even if the pipe is hot, the air does not stay in the pipes long enough to pick up the heat.