Paul-

   You indicated in a prior email that I was going to need to get my VAM
   muffler re welded at the flange connection due to the existing weld
   being
   on the wrong side (the outside vs. the inside).

   Does this mean I need to get the outside welds removed, or simply add
   inside welds?  If I'm removing the outside welds, then I likely have a
   problem, since cutting them out will remove much needed length on the
   exhaust tubes -- I dont have extra clearance on my mount tubes to allow
   them to be shortened.  What about simply adding support brackets from
   the slide throttle down to the VAM to dampen vibration loads?

   mrs

   Looks like you will have to replace the tubes as the heat affected
   zone would still be there. Also brace it back  up to the engine to
   take the cantilevered loads off the tubes.

   While you are at it use two smaller tubes instead of
   one large one to quiet it down.

   --
   Paul Lamar ...No rotor no motor.



I'll need a 3D of what you're proposing with respect to  2 smaller tubes.

What's the reason for the redesign?   If it is cantilever loads causing
cracking, why not simply provide strapping to brace it & be done with it?

mrs

Its some of both. The cracking is occurring just out side
the weld so what is happening is the molecular structure of
the metal is probably being modified in that area. Perhaps it is
becoming more brittle. The strap is insurance. Bad things
happen when these pipes crack due to the intake system
being so close. You have five years invested and $30,000
so better safe than sorry. We now have at least two failures
of the same kind.

OK on the 3D's I'll do it tonight.