Welding turbo elbow on compressor outlet

[p5150]

Due to the cramped space for my turbo outlet, I have ordered a 90 degree cast aluminum elbow for my GT42. Have any of you guys ever welded one of these on?

I have a wire-feed aluminum welder w/argon but I dont want to warp the compressor housing when I weld it. I was thinking about going slow - maybe an inch at a time to let it cool to avoid warpage.

Any tips?

 

[Nick M]

GT42 huh?

Why would you weld it? Do those units not have the mounting for a V band clamp?

 

[bwest]

sounds like he is talking about the comp side, not the turbine side

 

[QWIKSTRIKE]

My friend did mine but cut the 90 on a angle so the turn wouldnt be so sharp say like 60-70 degree angle, and welded it on.

 

[supra90turbo]

P5150: It is fairly common practice to do so. I would suggest going slow, maybe .5" at a time, and going to the opposite side of the comp. outlet for each accompanying weld. Think torque sequence on lugnuts to give you an idea as to what I'm talking about.
That should keep the heat fairly even.

 

[MDCmotorsports]

If you have an experienced tig welder and a tig machine handy - have them do it.

If the welder has done aluminum before, he/she won't warp the comp housing.

Ive done it plenty of times.

If you do go tig - run the 5356 rod. It likes the cast material. Also, CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN!

Make sure you DO NOT sand blast the aluminum, and make sure you hand sand the welding surface before you start.

 

[Ric]

Turbine compressor housings are forged... the elbows are cast. If your not a good welder, i would suggest bringing it to one. The aluminums melt at different temps.

I mig welded mine on with aluminum wire, came out fine. Not as "pretty" as a tig weld, but it gets the job done.

 

[p5150]

I know a guy that will tig weld it on for me. I plan on cutting off the vband flange and re-welding it on the elbow once I have it pointing the right direction.

 

[NashMan]

cast aumin = gay ness

 

[p5150]

Yeah cast sucks but its the only way I could get a tight enough bend without a crushed radius.

 

[MK3Brent]

Post up some pics of how you're mounting the 42.

Which manifold + spacer are you using?

 

[QWIKSTRIKE]

I have a fabricator that cuts the exhaust manifold mount, and re positions it to accomodate the turbo and makes the pipes with a v band to match. That is the bad ass way to do it. It looks like it came from the factory with it done like that

 

[MDCmotorsports]

cast aumin = gay ness

Exact reason why I stated to use the 5356 rod.

Using the 4043 rod is a PITA with cast!