Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Building TWINS worth it to build my own pipes?

[IC Smoke]

Im poking around to build a set of twins. Is it worth the effort to build it myself or just spend the $2000 and buy someones kit? I was at a loss of words when I heard the price just for the pipe and other misc items. yeah the piping was tacked together.



I have access to a machine shop and can run a mill so the flat stock steel stuff is easy from what ive see, and the piping you can buy pre-bent and chop it up with a radial saw... Im not seeing where they can get 2K for steel..... I guess its the price jump in steel lately?!?!



heck the hot pipe was almost 500 dollars!!! talk about a kick in the



any info is appreciated!



Ian

 

[GDMRTN]

If I had it to do over again I'd probly make my own boost lines. The exhaust side is a little more tricky so would buy that. But if you have the ability to do it yourself... it'll be cheaper. It takes lots of time. Just make sure your boost line weld seams are free of all weld spatter. It has the tendancy to ruin the charger wheels if it comes off. Best of luck!!!

 

[V-Metalworx]

I think its worth the time if your like me you save a doller anyway you can I am also going to build my own twin setup and I like to do stuff my self when I pay a lot of money for someone else'es product I end up getting upset cause they did'nt build it the way I wanted it done anyway and no steel prices ar-nt that high It's just like everything else they are taking advantage of the market tell me why you can buy a complete engine stud kit for a big block chevy at about half the price as just head studs for a Cummins tell me it takes more time or better material to cut metric studs for us Cummins oil burners sorry to go off but this market really gets my blood boiling good luck and keep us posted O and what type of turbos are you planning on running?

 

[IC Smoke]

my price of steel comment was a joke :-laf

HTT 62/13 ss on top and a HTT Super Dave on the bottom 80mm



it was 1700 for a setup that was just tacked together so I would have to finish them myself. #@$%!

 

[Bob4x4]

If you have the time,can cut tubing(square) and tig go for it. How much is your time worth ? You will have plenty invested to get it right.



Bob

 

[JTroiano]

I've built two set ups and can do the hot pipe in an afternoon. A mig works better because there is less heat. I use the tig for the cold tubes. I take the gasket for the small turbo back and take it to a lazer cutting service to make the back plate. Have them make it about and 1/8 inch bigger and also have them cut the big hole. I drill the holes for the bolts myself to save money. I think the plate cost about $40 bucks. I use a weldable steel 90 degree pipe and add a little extension then cut the flange with a cutting torch for the other end. After its all welded I have my friend surface the two ends. I didn't even use a gasket for the big turbo. For the cold pipes I use mandrel bent exhaust pipe and tig it together, so it looks nice. Then I have a do-it-yourself powder coater and and old oven.



Jon T

503-519-5366

 

[IC Smoke]

How are you guys making a hx-40 flange for the hot pipe? I see source has one that you can weld on to the pipe.



Im thinking its pretty capable to do. Im going to try and call a few places for prices on piping.



anyone have a few spare pipes sitting around?



Ian

 

[JTroiano]

If the 40 has a flange that bolts to the back, just trace it out and cut it out with torches or take it to a laser cutting service and have them do it.