Stainless steel swept back pipes

Status
Not open for further replies.
Some of the guys in the aircraft industry make exhaust systems out of Hastelloy. It is lighter and will not discolour. If you take them something they can copy, they might be able to help you. At Moorabbin Airport in Melbourne, Australia there is one guy who is right into it. One day I will give him my 2 into 1 to copy. Whenever I do anything different to my bike, I always think of the aircraft industry first. On some airports, there are hangars full of interesting stuff. That is where my titanium engine bolts came from.
 
Last edited:
robs ss said:
Have a gander at these: http://www.vikingexhaust.com/products.asp-cat=Norton.htm - fifth item down are sweptback

I haven't bought from them yet but they seem to get good marks from other forum members
Click to expand...

Are they stainless? Couldn't find any mention on the site, only that they also offer them in "black chrome", which would make one think they are chrome plated, not stainless. Nice looking, though. They also only fit if you are using rear sets.

Ken
 
Viking headers work perfect with normal footpeg placement. They are hand bent and pre-fitted prior to going off to the chrome shop. Mine fit my 73 850 perfectly. I'd shoot Viking an email and see if he will do them up in stainless. Never hurts to ask. Paul always got back to me within a couple of hours whenever I sent an email. I was also kept informed as they moved along the build process and were finally shipped to little old Whidbey Island. Spendy but damn if I'm not worth it.
 
Thanks for the comments! Just emailed Viking couple of questions. I reckon they could be stainless steel because the price is NZ$510.00 which is 336US$. Bit high for regular pipes?
The reason I want to go for stainless steel, is because I have 270 crank and some horrible vibration in lower revs and I think pipes made of stainless steel are more stronger, and I can do some welding on them without ruining the chrome... Definitely I need to develop my exhaust mounting as well because I already broke left pipe....
 
eskasteve said:
Viking headers work perfect with normal footpeg placement.
Click to expand...

From the Viking web site:

"I bend these swept-back pipes to "plug in" to the stock Peashooters mounted in their stock position.

These will fit either the 750 or 850 Commando's.

Rear set footrests are required to fit these headers.

These are also available in "Black Chrome".
 
As far as I’m aware Viking do not do stainless... it’ll be interesting to see his reply.
 
Last edited:
I don't have rear set footrests, but I think I can manage to fit them.... Yep let's see what he replies.
 
Chrome plated steel.... but I found some other stuff that I need later though. Excellent service have to say.
But it’s great to be able to make these enquiries e.g. in New Zealand ;-) Small world.

Still looking. I know a guy who could do this but I hate to bring this to him, because he’s not after money and is very busy... I’d rather pay to someone who does it for ”work”.
 
I THOUGHT that stainless steel was harder, therefore more difficult to cut and machine etc, but had less tensile strength and was more liable to fatigue.

But, as I say, this is only what I thought. Perhaps best to seek the views of someone who has a more qualified opinion than I.
 
Fast Eddie said:
Are you sure that stainless is more durable in this application than steel?
Click to expand...

Stainless is less forgiving than steel under strain or vibration, rust will get steel but not stainless.

So which one is better depends on mileage, mounting and environment eg near the sea.
 
That’s what I thought Kommando.

As the OP is suffering vibration related fatigue, not corrosion, I’m thinking that stainless wouldn’t be a better choice of material.

Perhaps better to find a heavier gauge mild steel?

Definitely a good idea to ensure a really stress free fit and good flexible mountings.

Possibly worth considering painting rather than chroming, I believe the chrome plating process weakens mild steel?
 
Hydrogen embrittlement is possible but not an issue I would have thought as it is known and should only occur if the plating parameters are wrong and induce it.
 
I've seen to a lot of repair work in HRSG's and mostly 316, 310, 308, etc. is found in them. It varies by manufacturer spec for heat requirements, and as stated above none handles vibration well...even less so when red hot.
I've kind of wondered from time to time what an exhaust made from P22 or P11 would be like over time. Boiler tubes are pretty tough & tolerate high temp, as well as a modicum of vibration. A bit heavier but just talking. Right?
 
Good points here. Maybe I should reconsider. Steel pipes are easily available and prices are low. In any case I need to concentrate on mountings, so....
 
The only catch to P22 & P11 is they are specialty items containing 2 1/4 & 1 1/4% Chr. respectively. Tough stuff. Harder to bend, welding a tad more specialized, nice to preheat & anneal. Thickness could perhaps be an issue. Carbon steel heater tube is excellent also. Have had that in around .105" wall. Worth researching anyway, but SS headers not for me. Mufflers okay.
This could become a search which leads down the rabbit hole.....
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top