E30 turbo flange weld

[gordsgarage]

I have a friend was retrofitting a larger turbo onto his BMW E30. He asked if I could TIG weld a Vee band flange onto the turbo housing. I said I don't know. I believe it was a cast steel housing getting mated with a S.S. flange. After a bit of practice on an old turbo I figured I could probably achieve some success. I pre-heated the turbo housing and then flowed in a 309L stainless filler. I don't think the weld is technically correct but it seems to have worked out. The turbo has been in operation for about a month now and appears to be doing find. Just thought I'd share my success story. More pics can be seen here; http://gordsgarage.wordpress.com/2011/04/18/turbo-slag/

Gord

 

[Engineer]

Probably be fine, but TIG brazing might have been a better process to use for a job like this.

 

[squazy84]

tig braizing around 750 deg c? exhaust gasses red hot circa 900 deg c, that being said ive never seen brass melt on an exhaust

 

[DaveM-sport]

Any more info on the E30?

sorry for going off topic


Weld looks like it turned out pretty good even if it may not be the best approach.

 

[gordsgarage]

Any more info on the E30?

I do not have specifics on the E30. It belongs to a friend I work with who is forever upgrading and changing things. It's basically a methanol injected turbo M20 with a Mega Squirt setup. The info I have is located at the link I posted in the original message. http://gordsgarage.wordpress.com/2011/04/18/turbo-slag/

Gord