Aluminum FMIC Tubing.

[motorhead]

I know most like to use the aluminized exhaust tubing to create a custom FMIC (ie. the PowerStroke) due to cost savings.

I am more interested in weight savings (want to get as close to a 50/50 WD in the Buick as possible) so the added cost isn't an issue.

The situation is that I can get either:

.125" thick wall 2.5" OD AL tubing.
or
.083" thick wall 2.5" OD AL tubing with a T6 condition rating.

(both are assumed seamless)

Will the .083" wall and the T6 condition rating be enough to withstand 20-30psi of boost?

EDIT:
Intercooler pic (that is a 26" OD tire in the background ): http://www.xceedspeed.com/forums/files/53_1037626713.jpg
& I am having the 3" outlets relocated to the bottom (fat part) of the tanks.

 

[strikeeagle]

Mike,

The supplier of the tubing should be able to give you a pressure rating for it. I can't believe it's not a catalog item - and if it is - it's got to be spelled out.

If he can't, suggest you go to the code books, which provide formulae for calculating such things.

 

[Doug Jacobson]

The .083 should be fine, the trouble you'll run into is trying to bend it if it isn't pre-bent. AL is really bad for ductile hadening meaning when you bend it the metal gets harder and will snap. It takes alot of bending to get a steel peice to break compared to AL You might have the expensive pipe break or crack if you try to bend it.

I have the exact same intercooler. I think the neck location is just fine as is. The end tanks are wider at the spot where the necks come in. This is a very heavy intercooler compared to others. I'm not quite sure what it's made of that makes it so heavy but I think if you want the weight savings you would be ahead to get a different front mount and use their steel pipes, I think you would come out ahead weight wise that way.

It is a large intercooler though. Mine has part of an International sticker on it leading me to believe they are taken off some International over the road truck. I haven't stuck mine in the car yet so I really can't help you with piping, mounting and whatnot.

Good luck, Doug