Welding v-bands on truck manifolds
 

Looking to see if anyone has modified a set of truck manifolds from flanges to v-bands. I'm mostly looking for info on the weld of it, and if its something that needs per and post heating like older cast iron manifolds.

Re: Welding v-bands on truck manifolds
 

I have done them with no pre/post heating. The LS manifolds are like a cast steel and actually weld pretty easily.

Way easier than an old cast iron manifold!

I know Wasted Income has also welded some vbands on his. Maybe he will chime in.

Re: Welding v-bands on truck manifolds
 

I read a bunch of threads on LS1tech because I am going to do mine (eventually)

Without pre or post heat it was a mixed bag. Some people had them crack some didn't. Everyone that pre/post heated didn't have them crack. I plan on pre post heating mine when I get around to it.

Re: Welding v-bands on truck manifolds
 

I pre and post heated, mig-welded and I haven't had any issues.

Re: Welding v-bands on truck manifolds
 

I preheated mine, and they've been perfect. I agree with boostedC10 that they weld more like steel than iron....it's like GM knew what we'd be doing to these poor engines...lol.

Re: Welding v-bands on truck manifolds
 

i cut my flange and rotated it to fit the frame rail on the driver side. Gave it to my buddy to take to work where he could preheat it and weld it with inconel filler. When he gave it back he said he welded it with mild steel and i'm not sure he even had to preheat it. I have been driving the truck for over a month now (heating and cooling) and not had an issue knock on wood!! If that was truely the case i could've done it myself with my MIG..

Re: Welding v-bands on truck manifolds
 

I was able to weld a stainless elbow to the manifold to avoid the master cylinder, and it's been holding up great, through much abuse.

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...psbe45c86d.jpg

Re: Welding v-bands on truck manifolds
 

Thank for the info guys, it's looking like per and post heating is the way to go but what are you using to heat them? If your using a oven I can only imagine the GF's reaction if she fond my cooking car parts lol.

Re: Welding v-bands on truck manifolds
 

I plan on using my oven hahah. I have seen people welding cast iron use BBQ's, Fire pits, OA torches, etc. Then either let the fire die down or wrap the part in a welding blanket and cover it in sand.

Re: Welding v-bands on truck manifolds
 

I MIG welded my manifolds without pre/post heating and they have held up just fine. Ive got over 5k miles on my build now.

Re: Welding v-bands on truck manifolds
 

My wife gets a little pissy when she comes home to car parts in the oven.

Re: Welding v-bands on truck manifolds
 

Yours does that too?
I tell ya...some women! :lol:

Re: Welding v-bands on truck manifolds
 

Is there a specific temperature range that the manifolds need to reach for the pre/post heating?

Re: Welding v-bands on truck manifolds
 

just take a rosebud torch and heat the general area for 5-10 minutes before welding. I'd say your in the 4-500* range. Most guys I know that do them in the oven set the oven to "clean " which is max or usually 500*.

Re: Welding v-bands on truck manifolds
 

Thanks. I figured they'd probably have to be pretty hot.