Can supercharger plenum be welded??

[jbpace]

While my engine is on a rebuild stand I'm fabricating a Laminova-based Air-Water intercooler. I'd hoped to use 4 tubes, but there simply isn't room in stock form. But....if I cut the top off the plenum chamber and weld on a mounting flange I'd have 2" additional working room!!

But before I go cutting bits off I've tried confirming whatever alloy it's cast from is weldable - without luck.

Does anyone happen to know (or even want to offer a guess) what the alloy is and/or whether the plenum can be welded?

Thanks,
Jon

 

[Pin_Head]

Chances are it is weldable, but if you don't know the alloy, you want to find out first before you cut on it. Test it by welding on non-critical area that doesn't show.

 

[jbpace]

Chances are it is weldable...

That's part of my dilemma - I don't own a TIG. If it could be welded, this was my excuse for for finally buying one.

Since it sounds like it probably can be welded - and the aluminum I'm building the intercooler from is weldable - I guess it's still a good enough excuse to buy one!

Test it by welding on non-critical area that doesn't show.

Will do.

Anyone ever tried "welding" with HTS 2000? Right now that's my fallback position if the alloy won't weld.

Thanks,
Jon

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

While my engine is on a rebuild stand I'm fabricating a Laminova-based Air-Water intercooler. I'd hoped to use 4 tubes, but there simply isn't room in stock form. But....if I cut the top off the plenum chamber and weld on a mounting flange I'd have 2" additional working room!!

But before I go cutting bits off I've tried confirming whatever alloy it's cast from is weldable - without luck.

Does anyone happen to know (or even want to offer a guess) what the alloy is and/or whether the plenum can be welded?

Thanks,
Jon

Being cast it will be difficult, tig it will bring out all the impurities in the aluminum.