Fake Pipes

[Merv and Sharon]

Rather than hijack Hogster's thread, I am thinking about fitting some side pipes. They would be entirely fake, as I have an underbody system, and I wanted them to be simple and matt black. They are there for some degree of visual effect obviously, but also for stone protection. Something like:



Are there any others with similar setups? Also, for a single pipe as shown what diameter is best (80-90mm)? Finally, I can get them fabricated locally here by a mate, but I was also thinking about weight. Could they be done reasonably in aluminium?

[jcraigau]

How about carbon fiber? That stuff is light!

[Merv and Sharon]

Good thought but shaping the curves could be tricky?

[boxhead]

Not my cup of tea.

[Merv and Sharon]

What Dave? Carbon?

[BJ's Snake]

Hi Merv

I went for the single pipe look and used 100mmm Stainless. The difference is they are LIVE .



Cheers

[Merv and Sharon]

Seriously tough look BJ. Like the single pipe look.

[suthol]

Once again ice to eskimo's, a side pipe on the right is legal under the ADRs and the powers that be seem to overlook the fact that the exit must be 40mm behind the last continuous join in the floor pan.

ie. a Cobra is like a clubbie and the right side exit legally would be through the middle of your wheel.

[Merv and Sharon]

Thanks for that. I am still keen to hear how others have made up non-active single pipe systems - diameter, mild steel, ally, ...

[Tenrocca]

I would actually be surprised if there were too many fake "single" style pipes out there. The more correct look is the 4 pipes exiting the guard with the collector on the outside. The single pipe is probably a simpler setup if active - however if you are putting them on for "the look" only, I would go the more correct style. My one cent worth.

[Merv and Sharon]

There are a few, but you are probably right Andrew. I like the simpler look as in IMG_1427 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

And also with the collector pipes showing, Mick's looks pretty good and not too bulky



Still interested to see if there is any reason that this can't be done in aluminium.

[mic n gill]

If your going to do it Merv, keep the 4 into 1 look---Mic

[Zedn]

Gday Merv,

I cant see any reason why it cant be done in Alloy. But the following come to mind:

- Alloy dents much easier and might not hold up as well to rocks and kids standing on them.
- If you are using matt black, the paint probably wont be as durable as if paint on steel due to difficulty bonding to alloy.

Otherwise there is no reason why you couldnt save the weight.

[Merv and Sharon]

Thanks Liam - yes someone else also said that today. The ally would pit more and be less likely to show adherence with the coating. Steel it is. Getting some estimates this week on 4 into 1 system and single pipe.

[Treeve]

I might have misunderstood, but why not make your side pipes real, with a fake side exit, and tuck them back in at the rear (similar to what the harrison daytona does)? There's pictures on the harrison site, and that way you're not jugging extra weight purely for looks - it's 90% functional.

Just a thought, anyways.

Treeve

[sjelby]

Hi Merv,
How much weight do you expect to reduce by using alloy?
And is the extra weight by using steel really going to be a big factor in performance of a little tiny car with a big V8 motor in it ?
I say if your after savings in weight , dont put fake pipes on to start with.
But saying that, i doubt you would feel the difference with steel ones on.
Stan.

[Merv and Sharon]

Stan, the ones I have seen that are quite chunky and made of thick steel, chromed or stainless and felt quite heavy. Someone may have a figure on that. I am now thinking that I will go for a thinner mild steel with a simple pipe, or even a smaller 4 to 1 system, if necessary. I was also trying to reduce the bling effect as that seems to suit my build better. They do reduce stone chips as well.

[boxhead]

Sorry Merv, it is the single pipe look I dont like.

I can understand them being fitted if running live (easier and cheaper) but if your fitting them purely for "the look" then unless your car is a 2000 series FIA that had the small single pipe that popped up from under the sill and ran down the side, then any single pipe will not only be fake, but really look fake.

I realise everyone has different tastes, and yours is obviously one that does indeed like the look of a single pipe.
In regards to what material, well your adding weight anyway (since there fake) so a couple of Kg difference between a thin wall steel of thicker wall alloy will be marginal (I doubt you would go with thin alloy as it will dent easily)

[guye]

If weight is really a problem, couldn't you just use PVC pipe and carbon fibre contact or alfoil :-)

[sambo]

Merv, how about an aluminium engine block instead.