crazy copper exhaust

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Jul 22, 2008 | 08:42 PM

mainevent223

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crazy copper exhaust

ok, this might be a stupid idea but tell me why it wont work. copper ehuast coming off the headers. i know it would ex*****ive but i have the albility to get it and bend it and how cool would that be copper duals. why wont it work. if i bolt it right to the headers.

Jul 22, 2008 | 09:32 PM

triton_2002

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Isn't copper too soft? Wont it will turn green?

Jul 22, 2008 | 09:52 PM

kens64

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From: Rio Rancho USA

If I remember correctly from chemistry class copper will give off some nasty vapors if heated that much.

Jul 22, 2008 | 09:58 PM

triton_2002

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From: South Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by kens64

If I remember correctly from chemistry class copper will give off some nasty vapors if heated that much.

what about those copper-bottom pots and pans. They are supposed to conduct heat alot better, so maybe all the heat will be conducted across the copper?

Jul 22, 2008 | 10:30 PM

JesterPgh

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Man, with the price of scrap these days, someone would end up stealing your copper exhaust anyways. But, they do make copper exhaust gaskets, so it must not be too bad to use.

Jul 23, 2008 | 12:21 AM

Kuskoal

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From: Sparks, NV

not to be rude, but, why would you want copper? sure they look cool raw/patina'ed and oxided, but they will be so soft because you will have heat on them all the time, no work hardening. They may droop because its structure is very soft. I would keep steel for the exhaust but dont mind me i'm just ramblin'...

if ya do it send pics and dont dent them

Jul 23, 2008 | 09:52 AM

Bear River

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From: Salt Lake City, Utah

Quote:

Originally Posted by triton_2002

what about those copper-bottom pots and pans. They are supposed to conduct heat alot better, so maybe all the heat will be conducted across the copper?

Do you know why they often use heat shields on an exhaust system? You do not want a good conductor because you want the heat of the exhaust to stay inside the exhaust. If the heat escapes, the exhaust will slow down and create backpressure and performance will be lost. As mentioned by everyone here, such pipe would be very expensive. It is a material totally unsuitable for such a purpose. And everyone is correct, under such conditions exposed to weather, heat, and salt, it would quickly turn green.

The reason copper gaskets are used is because the metal is soft and easily formed, and is more durable than graphite in a lot of applications.

From a performance standpoint, stainless steel is desirable because it traps heat better, since stainless is a poor conductor. The performance gains are measurable, which besides its corrosion resistance, is part of the reason why it is a desirable material to use in exhaust.