[Z06] Titanium headers?

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Feb 3, 2002 | 07:14 AM

LymanSS

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Melting Slicks

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From: Westford MA

Titanium headers?

I was just wondering if anyone knows of a source for titanium headers. I'm planning on getting headers sometime soon, and it'd be great to go with Ti, to go with the rest of the exhaust system, and lose a little weight while I'm at it. Anyone know of a maker? If not....anyone interested in buying them? If I can't find a maker of Ti-headers, I'll have them custom made, but I'd want to sell some to spread out the cost a little. Anyone have info? Thanks

Scott

Feb 3, 2002 | 09:39 AM

wstory1

Race Director

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From: Scarborough ME

Re: Titanium headers? (LymanSS)

I don't think anyone makes them currently. Big $$$

Feb 4, 2002 | 04:03 PM

MitchAlsup

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From: Austin Texas

Re: Titanium headers? (LymanSS)

Nobody currently makes them. And if you obtain a bunch of Ti tubing and try it yourself, be careful that the Ti disipates heat faster than Steel, and this requires the tub lengths and collector volume to be adjusted for similar performance results. This would be a really cool experiment, if you wanted to corner the market in light weight headers. Also note that bending Ti tubing without creases is one tough MF.

Note: however; only F1 guys use Ti headers--and they routinely blow one up per season resulting in a race DNF--witness Shumacher as Monaco in 2000. Cart, ALMS, GT3 all use steel.

Feb 4, 2002 | 04:52 PM

ghoffman

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From: Bedford NH

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Re: Titanium headers? (MitchAlsup)

Actually, it is the other way around, Ti alloys have only about 40% of the thermal conductivity of SS (48.6 BTU-in/hr-ft²-°F versus 113 BTU-in/hr-ft²-°F for Type 304). Burns Stainless in Costa Mesa, CA has mandrel bent elbows and straight tubing meant for this purpose. A really good reference source for virtually any material properties info you need can be found at:
www.matweb.com
Where you would get the header flanges and collectors etc, is another matter though...

[Modified by ghoffman, 4:14 PM 2/4/2002]

Feb 4, 2002 | 04:57 PM

SmokieTheZ

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From: Milpitas CA

Re: Titanium headers? (LymanSS)

I don't have any contacts who could make Ti headers, but count me in if you find someone. I'd buy a set. :yesnod:

Feb 4, 2002 | 10:14 PM

LymanSS

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Melting Slicks

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From: Westford MA

Re: Titanium headers? (SmokieTheZ)

Well, since there's nothing on the marke, I have several contacts who can make ti-headers for us, no sweat. But cost would be high. Probably double that of the high end stainless headers currently on the market. I know I'd pay for that, but I don't know if anyone else would. Just trying to get a feel. I also know a company that could be conviced to bring them out in full production, if there were a demand.

Scott

Feb 4, 2002 | 11:43 PM

OliverM5

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Re: Titanium headers? (LymanSS)

I think ti headers would be a joke - probably gonna be crazy expensive, a few pounds lighter than steel, and have the same power gains. Let's face it.......these are street cars, not formula 1 indy cars that need to shave off every pound to get that extra 1-2 mph at top speed.......not worht the extra $$ IMO

Feb 5, 2002 | 04:38 AM

LymanSS

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Melting Slicks

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From: Westford MA

Re: Titanium headers? (OliverM5)

They would be a bit lighter, and they would also cut down on engine bay heat, because Ti is a lot less conductive than steel. In addition, they may have less corrosion issues. Even stainless corrodes at the temperatures that headers experience.

Scott