Folks haven't responded. Probably because, like me, they have reservations but aren't sure what to say.
Being old skool, it scares me. Heat, vibration, corrosion, future maintenance... all seem to be asking for trouble.
That said, I didn't sleep in a Holiday Inn last night.
I would have no problem with that once I figured out what size fishplate to weld on both sides of the frame to restore the integrity. That's a hardcore engineering question that I don't have an answer for, however.
What was the intended exhaust routing and why do it different?
After 45 years of experience as a mechanical engineer I can sum up succinctly - DON'T DO IT!
Too many reasons to explain here...
The only way i have done this and seen it done is that your exhaust routes through a tube larger than your exhaust. You referenced Art Morrison and that is how there's and everyone else I know are done. IE: 3" sleeve for 2 1/2" exhaust etc. I would think you would end up with cracks if welded directly due to heat expansion/contraction of the thinner exhaust tubing.
I'd be hesitant and to have the frame tube acts as an exhaust pipe, if I'm understanding the question correctly.
If you are just looking to pass the pipe through the frame, like the C3 crossmember, then I think it's doable, but not tomething I feel qualified to answer.
Thank you everyone for your feedback! It's very helpful to get feedback when faced with multiple challenges all at once.
Now exploring using low profile oval tubing and maybe a notch on the underside of the frame to run under the frame rails.
I take it this is because of a clearance issue to the ground?
My buddy's Sprite racecar had this issue, he was grinding holes in the pipe. I thought running it in the inside of the car and just wrapping the pipe would be a good solution for him (he has a right hand drive car and the Sprite exhaust is on the left.
If the goal is to get it to the outside and a frame member is in the way, I would consider doing something similar to the pic above with the pipes running thru the crossmember. Just beef it up appropriately and go racing!
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