I'm using some 3" 16ga aluminum pipe i got off ebay and besides being almost oval it's just to soft to use

what are ya'll using for your cold sides???

i didn't want to use 16ga mild cause of rust but i may have to and just have it powdercoated

 

16ga stainless on mine.

 

You could use Aluminized steel instead of mild steel...

http://store.racing-solutions.org/mandrelbends.html

 

Can i weld Aluminized with a standard tig

i can't afford a High Frequency for aluminum lol

 

I weld it with my Mig w/gas... It is just a thin coating that is on the outside of the steel... If you grind on it the coating will come off...

 

A little info from the website I posted above

 

IMO aluminized steel does not weld very nice. it is very similar to welding galvanized steels. don't expect fabulous looking welds out of this stuff.
I could see using it for the Hot exhaust side but it wouldn't look great for a cold side application. The coating acts like a contaminate when welding, it would need to be cleaned throughly.
I would go with stainless and not look back.

 

I Probably will end up with stainless since i can tig that and reduce the amount of Clamps to explode at 20lbs

****'s Just expensive lol

 

I would disagree, I have no problems welding it, all I do is angle the edges with a table top belt sander and that is it...... Also the majority of the Catback exhaust systems sold are with aluminized steel...

 

But it was mig welded, completely different procedure.
Tig welding aluminized will be a headache.

Tig welded stainless is gorgeous.

Mig welded aluminized is not near as cosmetic but will work.


I would go mild steel or stainless, if you go mild just paint it with DEI's HI-temp silicone coating.

I just believe it should look as nice as possible, you've already spent loads of cash, dont skimp on the cold side.