Mark,
Inconel is terrific stuff and expensive and light, but it doesn't last long, ask the racing crowd. The heat cycling kills it.
Stick to SS.
George ( down under)
The cracking in racing exhaust systems is due to the paper thin sections used for light weight. In this picture the box contains the redish rust colored mild steel .120" wall bends. The darker colored tubes are Inconel with each bend made of two stamped halves welded together. So the walls around the bends stay the same thickness as straight sections. They are sold for $15.00 per box, used. The complete header set with collector and waste gate exhaust is discarded after 3 heat cycles. They are fun to look at, but only good for cutting up into shielding or the like. It is easy to weld (TIG) with stainless filler rod.
Holds a chrome like polish job until heated.
In very thin wall operates at bright orange with no problems (for three heat cycles).
In thicker wall would outlast any stainless.
Works and welds like stainless. The only downside is cost. Just about have to get it as surplus or used.
On the right is a used 12-A race engine with a dry sump oil system. Two scavenge out fittings in the front cover and a flat plate instead of a oil pan.
Lynn E. Hanover
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