When I smooth out the welds inside my jdm type r 4-1 headers, do I need to weld the outer tube for extra strength?

 

You don't have to as long as you don't dremel off too much of the weld. You could always weld the outer for added security.

 

how much gain are you getting with all this trouble anyway? shrugs

 

its a good idea to add welding on the outer areas.
then go to town with your dremmel.
a ported itr header ive seen gain 6hp up top.

 

I have no personal experience with welding the primaries (perhaps Dave at SMSP could offer his knowledge here), but all the information I've come across indicates that the flange should be bolted to a jig before being welded to prevent warping.

 

Would it warp if you welded the outside before dremeling away the old weld?

 

Yes, it is the flange itself that would be warping from the heat of the welding - having it bolted to a jig would keep it true during the welding and as it cooled. Either way, you would probably want to complete the outer welds before griding the factory inner ones.

EDIT: Again, I'm not saying that the flange would definately warp, I'm simply stating what all the information I've seen has indicated.


[Modified by Padawan, 12:11 AM 1/27/2003]

 

after this u could also pump out or cut out the inner pipe of the collector.

 

Just smooth it out..

 

If you have access to compressed air, go to Wal Mart and buy you a cheap air grinder that accepts 1/4" shanks. Go to a welding shop and buy a carbide burr. Do it with these tools and you'll save yourself a couple of hours versus the dremel. Ask D

USE SAFETY GLASSES!

Then just "clean" up the welds. Use common sense, don't go crazy just get the bumps off that look like they would be in the flow path. If you don't start cutting into the tubing you shouldn't have to do any welding on the outside. I did this to Robert's header 2-3 years ago and I guess it hasn't cracked yet and he's even been in an accident or two . Just remember the weakest part of a welded joint is the thinnest piece (assuming all the material is the same spec).

 

Thanks SMSP! I wanted to sand mine out like this.

 

heh, that's my wheel!

more pix up on our site of D's kuzt0m dremel job.

 

just touch it up dont go all out and remove everything..if you want a header with no inner welds buy a dc sports jdm 4-1 header it comes pre what your trying to do to the honda header

 

I did it and I think its a very good mod , besides its cheap.

 

 

Did not bother with mine...........

 

when I get one I'll do it...

 

For the jig would it be alright to bolt the header to a peice of 2x4 wood and then start welding it?

thanks