How about an Aluninum log manifold

I'm planning to build a 4 or 6 carb log manifold for the 354 hemi thats going in the roadster. ( thats when I finally find a 26-27 body for it). What I am wondering is why I have never seen a log manifold made out of aluminum. Seems that it would be a logical choice , tubing of all sizes is readily avalable. In fact I have a chunk of Fluted 3 inch dia tubing that was once a decorative lamp post that I think would be sharp looking main logs -- more so if the high parts of the flutes were engine turned.
Is there something I'm missing as to why Aluminum has not been used for log manifolds?

Dave

 

Maybe just that steel is easier for lots of DIY'ers?

 

I guess that could be it. I was just wondering if anyone had tried it & found some shortcoming with Aluminum as a material for this type of application.

 

i just got a cast finned aluminum 6 port log from north west speed equipment and it pretty cool 35.00 cast finish or polished for a little more

 

fluted tubing? thats gay.

 

Damn, you guys been living under a rock? the majority of 4 & 6 carb log manifolds are aluminum. Ever heard of Eelco? Aluminum is by far the easiest way to make one.....no welding...

 

Er, excuse me, while I wipe the egg off my face. I just realized allyall are talking about a 6 log intake manifold and not a 6 fuel log. Even at that if you tried to use aluminum as thin as it's steel counterpart you would have a really flimsy manifold, and back in the day when these U-Fabs were createdfor gas and arc welders tig was just a though in most people's minds.

 

We got the same one-first one available. It sure beats the hell out of the plain hex. ones everyone else sells.
-Dean

 

Aluminum would make a FINE choice! They were cast that way - so why not weld one up!!!

 

Weiand did make the manifoold you speak of but it was made of unobtainium. Thats a rare form of aluminum! Aby how I see we are talking of 2 different items here. One is a manifold and the other is our 6 port fuel rail. Glad to see you guys like them.

 

i dont think they were sold as kits because most diy'ers can't weld aluminum. If you can weld aluminum i say go for it. I think it would clean up alot nicer than a steel one anyway because its alot easier to clean up and file aluminum welds and make the whole thing look real nice.

 

So long as your flanges are thick enough i don't see a probem with using the aluminum. Since it is a softer metal, it might me more suseptable to warpage, and you'll need a TIG machine to get a leak free seam. If you've never welded aluminum, this would be the wrong time to learn. It is a BITCH. Considering the design of the manifold, being mostly tubing and all, I doubt relatively negligible weight savings of aluminum would be worth the hassle.

 

No reason not to use it.
The biggest problem for most of us back yarders is not owning a tig setup, although it can be wire welded.

You're flanges are going to need to be pretty thick and I might even consider t-6061 for flanges.

if you're in a position to do it its as good a choice as any.