Euro Header Collector, to weld or not to weld? Options

[jhadler]

Hey all,

My other question... I ahve a European Header that I've been long planning on putting back into the car. It looks like the collector is designed to just bolt up to two of the primaries, and that's it. Is it better to weld the collector to the primaries? Or just clamp it? Welded would prevent any axhaust leaks, but welding would also make it more rigid, and may stress something under thermal expansion. Thoughts? Suggestions?

Reason being is that I'd like to try using a different collector. I'd like to try the Flowmaster scavenger collector, effectively getting me an additional 18" of secondary and making the system a 4-2-1 instead of a 4-1. The class I run in doesn't allow internal engine mods, so I need to go with the strong suit of the engine, and that's mid-range torque.

Thanks again!

-Josh2

[ChrisFoley]

I strongly recommend against welding the primaries to the collector. Using the tabs on the two pipes should be plenty to keep everything in place. The primaries should fit tightly enough into the collector that leakage isn't a problem.
I doubt you will gain any power by switching to the Flowmaster collector. If it doesn't connect the correct two primaries together it will cost you power for sure. The primaries of the European header are already too long. Adding secondary length won't help.
I only know of one header design that will help your mid-range. It isn't cheap but the benefits are proven. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smile.gif)