2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Copper intercooler tubing?

[JFlagg]

I was bored the other day at work(gov't empoyee) and got to thinking how I could dress up the engine compartment of my truck. I have a new valve cover I polished and painted that needs to be installed and I plan on getting some new intercooler boots, but I figured while I was at it I could do something to my intercooler pipes... . Then I remembered an International Scout II I saw at the MCS shop that had a small turbo diesel in it and all the plumbing was the larger copper tubing( not the soft copper of course). And I was wondering, it is made to withstand some high water pressure, so boost pressure shouldn't be a problem I would think. I figured I could polish it real shiny and then clearcoat it so it wouldn't turn green. Not sure what size I would need right now, guessing 2. 5-3"? I was just wondering everyone elses thoughts on this? I figure it would give some color to my underhood area for minimal dollars. Guess I'll have to look under my hood and see what I'll need and go down to the plumbing supply store, or ACE, and see what trouble I can get into... . Did I mention I love the look of polished copper?

 

[JFlagg]

That sure seems alot more expensive than what I expected, guess I should start looking around at the job sites, there are scrap pieces laying around most of the time if you can get to them before everyone else...

 

[DBohl]

Copper can be purchased much cheaper than the above listed prices, but it is still expensive, especially when you go above 2 inch dia.

 

[tony597fitter]

You need to go to a NEW (being built) grocery store. All of the refrigeration lines are ACR (type L) copper.

The shop I worked for earlier this year did grocery store refrig. , and they scap a ton of copper (Literally). I would see if you could get some of of them for a couple of bucks. They just scrap it and copper in the Chicagoland area is around $3. 00 a pound for scrap.

Those prices are VERY high.

 

[JFlagg]

Thats what I was thinking, I mean, come on, 300 bucks for 4" of 4" pipe? That would scrap for 50 cents... . I might even go to a metal salvage yard down the road, they might be willing to cut me a deal since they only pay a few bucks a lb. and what I'll need will be drops in their bucket.

 

[tony597fitter]

Just make sure you get type L, type K or ACR. Stay away from DWV and Type M.

 

[GHarman]

Just some Info, Copper is at its highest prices ever. Thank China for that. Its in high demand. Scrap is the way to go. If you can go to Home Depot or Lowes and price it there. Just be aware that the O. D and I. D wont be exactly the same as your OEM charge air tubeing. See post #2 and check the I. D. /O. D, listed. Its a "Pipe vs Tubing" thing. GregH

 

[tony597fitter]

Copper tube runs I. D. + 1/8". Thats how its sized in the piping field.