Chaz
|
| posted on 22/5/11 at 09:19 AM |
|
|
Where do you buy your metal?
Hi,
Previously i have bought all my mounts for engine/alternator etc. Now i want to make some of my own and i dont know where to buy the metal. I also
want to make an intake plenum for s/charger.
What kind of steel do i need for the engine/ancillaries mounts and what about aluminium for the plenum?
Most importantly, where do you by yours!?
Any help will be greatly received thanks!
Chaz 
|
|
|
|
|
Benzine
|
| posted on 22/5/11 at 10:39 AM |
|
|
hey charlie ^_^ for my engine mounts I used 4mm steel to make a box section, then used 6mm steel where the mounts attach to the engine and chassis.
Other people often use round tube to make engine mounts, not sure how thick they are, but I'm sure they'd work out lighter, mine are
pretty overkill. For ancillaries I'd use 10mm steel
You can see how I made engine mounts here, halfway through one being made.
Welded up:
I used to buy metal from ebay but it's usually overpriced even before postage. I now use a local metal engineering firm who are happy to sell me
anything for a really good price, word of mouth is great for finding such places. If you're ever up here and need to stock up on metal give me a
shout and I can take you there
|
|
|
big_wasa
|
| posted on 22/5/11 at 12:12 PM |
|
|
I found an engineering firm near where I was working. I would often nip up there in my break to get bits. Use the same place and get to know the guy
behind the counter and you will get a better deal and service.
|
|
|
Chaz
|
| posted on 24/5/11 at 05:18 PM |
|
|
I have found a brilliant local metal working company. Thanks for the help.
One more question!
What thickness aluminium shall i make a plenum, needs to hold about 7 psi boost?
What about engine ancillaries, is it all guess work or does anyone know of any reading material which can help me out on this?
Thanks
|
|
|
Chaz
|
| posted on 26/5/11 at 01:38 PM |
|
|
Bump
|
|
|
Benzine
|
| posted on 26/5/11 at 02:17 PM |
|
|
from other forums I've looked at people talk about 1/8" ally for the plenum (3.17mm), that's seems like a good thickness to me
I'm not sure what other people use for engine ancillaries, I've used 10mm but I'm not sure what others use, is it for an alternator
or a supercharger? I'm guessing the supercharger is going to put a lot more stress on brackets compared to an alternator. Hopefully someone
will be along soon with more input...
|
|
|
flak monkey
|
| posted on 26/5/11 at 02:27 PM |
|
|
Minimum 3mm for plenum, any large flat areas need bracing as well. 7psi is a lot over a relatively small area, work it out  and allow at least a 50%
safety factor.
As for anciliaries, either use 1/4" steel as a mimimum or at least 3/8 aluminium. Aluminium is about 3x less stiff than steel (irrespective of
the alloy). Alloys like 6061T6 or HE30 approach the strength of mild steel, but still arent as stiff and will be prone to fatigue if you use anything
too thin.
Personally I stick with steel brackets for alternator and supercharger. OK they aren't as 'bling' but you can make them more
compact and its easer to work with, if you weld heat treated aluminium you lose all the benefits of using it in the first place unless you re-treat
it.
David
[Edited on 26/5/11 by flak monkey]
Sera
http://www.motosera.com
|
|
|
RACER101
|
| posted on 26/5/11 at 02:48 PM |
|
|
I have used these guys occasionally:
http://www.metalsupermarkets.com/MSC-home.aspx
Not the cheapest place to buy but they sell in small quantities and I found them to be pretty helpful in terms of advice and willingness to cut to
your pattern etc. if you can get to one of their branches.
Anyone else used them?
John
|
|
|
Chaz
|
| posted on 26/5/11 at 04:16 PM |
|
|
Great advice thanks!
|
|
|
