I'm in the process of putting together my new block and new setup and will be needing new downpipe and intercooler piping. I want to make these myself so that I don't have to depend on anyone doing the work for me. Some of you feel me right. Yeah yeah. So yeah, I'm in search of a good welder for making downpipes and IC piping. What is a good and affordable welder and where can I get them? Thanks

-engz

Get a small 135 amp MIG. You can get cheap ones at Home Depot or Lowes or eBay. Don't use flux-core, use gas.

Yes, I recommend the cheapest gas mig welder you can get from harbor freight (http://www.harborfreight.com), probably will be a Chicago Electric welder. Harbor freight ships for free.

to add another related question to this, what are the options to make bends in the piping?

buy pre-bent IC piping.

http://roadraceengineering.com/mandrelbends.htm

I get all my ubends from ubendman on ebay. His 2.5" bends have a 3.5" CLR which I think is pretty good for the price. http://motors.search.ebay.com/_W0QQgotopageZ1QQsassZubendmanQQsosortorderZ1QQsosortpropertyZ1

I agree with the gas mig welder thing. I've never dealt with the flux core - my welder can do it I just never wanted to deal with the slag. But yeah, I got a small one on ebay. It works great. Here's some shots of my upper IC pipe.








95 Eclipse RS : 5 speed
15.7 @ 87.9mph
Jeep TB writeup - http://www.dimensia.com:81/jimbo/JeepTBfor2gnt.html

Uhhh is it just me or is there something missing in that picture like a turbo maybe?

yeah oh my god howd u get that blow off valve on that intake???? is it the chirp or the psssh i want one for mine. holy shit!

Originally posted by chopedtobits
yeah oh my god howd u get that blow off valve on that intake???? is it the chirp or the psssh i want one for mine. holy shit!

Ahahahhahahaha.

kids.

these days.

search for metaljim if you want to get schooled. I find it some what funny.

Originally posted by plshrk
Uhhh is it just me or is there something missing in that picture like a turbo maybe?

Some people might disagree on how a custom turbo system should be built. I decided to build the motor(high comp CP pistons, Eagle rods, yada yada), install the fuel system(8-injector w/034, 30lb secondaries, 3/8" feed and return lines, yada yada), the intercooler, the gauges, and fabricate what I could before actually putting the turbo on(upper IC piping, catback, mbc, wg bracket, yada yada). I just thought it would be best to have all of that other shit together before hanging a snail on it. It cuts down on the actual install time. I still have to finish the catback, but when it comes time to install the turbo the only thing I'll have left to fabricate is the downpipe.

Originally posted by chopedtobits
yeah oh my god howd u get that blow off valve on that intake???? is it the chirp or the psssh i want one for mine. holy shit!

The intake pipe is the one that feeds the compressor inlet. Whats pictured is the upper intercooler pipe - where you want to install the blow off valve. All the piping is mild steel. TurboXS ships 2 different weld on adapters with thier valves aluminum and steel and so of course I just welded on the steel one. It wasn't that difficult. After fabricating the actual pipe I test fit the BOV in the engine compartment. I put it where I thought it would have enough room and still be visible, cause yeah its pretty cool lookin and its Really Fucking Loud like its name suggests(RFL). I used a hole saw the same diameter as the weld on fitting to cut the hole. Then I welded the fitting onto the pipe.


95 Eclipse RS : 5 speed
15.7 @ 87.9mph
Jeep TB writeup - http://www.dimensia.com:81/jimbo/JeepTBfor2gnt.html

A chicago Electric Welder is good?

Lincoln electric! TIG!!! I would suggest looking around auctions and stuff or businesses going out of sale or upgrading equipment. Yes a lincoln or Miller Electric MIG welder is the best way to go. And for gods sake invest in the helium or argon!! Flux core is ok but not the best. Nice pipes Jim! :)

TIG? He said inexpesive, I doubt he would even want to know the price of a Licoln Electric TIG.

I recommend argon gas for any kind of welding.

Originally posted by WickedESi
TIG? He said inexpesive, I doubt he would even want to know the price of a Licoln Electric TIG. I recommend argon gas for any kind of welding.

Oh yeah...He did say IN-expensive didn't he? Well Lincoln isn't that bad. Only $2200 for the base line :+ I am getting a 140 Amp from Mac (made by Lincoln) for $400 and a Plasma cutter for $500. Of course this is after the first of the year. It's good to get a 50% student discount! :thumbsup

I have used both Argon and Helium for welding and I would also go with Argon but Helium is the preffered alternate.

Originally posted by chopedtobits
yeah oh my god howd u get that blow off valve on that intake???? is it the chirp or the psssh i want one for mine. holy shit!

It's that WooWooooo.

I use a 120volt Lincoln MIG welder. I've welded too many exhaust pipes to even mention with this welder. It's not really cheap, but I paid around 430.00 new. Don't forget you will want a good welding helmet too, which I suggest for a novice(or a pro really) is an autodarkening hood. It makes welding 100 times easier when starting a bead. Depending on the quality of the hood, expect to pay anywhere from 100-300. I use a Hobart auto dark hood, around 250 bucks I believe. One more thing, PRACTICE before you start welding your piping. Get a bunch of scrap piping, preferably what you will be using, and just start getting used to the machine, it's controls for heat and wire feed speed, and the proper welding technique. Other misc tools you may find helpful are: Welding gloves, a file, wire brush, and extra welding wire. Don't forget you will need a gas cylinder, filled with 25% Argon, and 75% Co2. Most welding supply shops call this mixture C-25.

I have 100% co2 and it works just as good. I have no idea if its cheaper...my uncle works for A gas supply company so there you go. Just an option for you

Argon is nice if you want to try to weld Alum stock in the future.

Terry

96 Eagle Talon ESI....Daily driver

97 Eclipse.........

Originally posted by Star Turbo Talon
I have 100% co2 and it works just as good.

yuuuuup :thumbsup

Originally posted by turbo8u

Originally posted by Star Turbo Talon I have 100% co2 and it works just as good.

yuuuuup :thumbsup

100% Argon is more expensive then C-25, and is not needed at all for mild steel welding..although if you get the hook up,then why not..

Originally posted by XtremeRS

Originally posted by turbo8u

Originally posted by Star Turbo Talon I have 100% co2 and it works just as good.

yuuuuup :thumbsup

100% Argon is more expensive then C-25, and is not needed at all for mild steel welding..although if you get the hook up,then why not..

yea, a shielded weld is a shielded weld...as long as its not oxidizing its doing just fine. c25 works good on mild steel, but for mig welding alluminum 100% argon is a MUST

edit: so basically, c25 for the downpipe...100% argon for the (assuming you're using alluminum) intercooler piping

good luck :thumbsup and happy weldin

BTW... Harbor Freight (at least the one in Indy) has a couple nice Chicago welders for HALF-OFF until the 18th. I am thinking about buying one.


1996 Eclipse RS / 5-Speed / Aerogear Body / Coated in Magnetic Red Metallic rev.2 / T3 Turbo Intercooled @ 8 psi / http://www.team2nr.com
Mark Galyan - Indianapolis, Indiana

any of you guys have a tig welder?

We have a one in our shop, and a couple in the university's shop next door. You need something tig welded?

Originally posted by WickedESi
We have a one in our shop, and a couple in the university's shop next door. You need something tig welded?

not really no, i was just curious. i'd love to have my own tig one day..../me *stary eyes* lol

Originally posted by turbo8u

Originally posted by WickedESi We have a one in our shop, and a couple in the university's shop next door. You need something tig welded?

not really no, i was just curious. i'd love to have my own tig one day..../me *stary eyes* lol

Yes, Turby, One day, I too shall have a TIG set-up! That's what I use in the Navy. Most of the aircraft is alum though.