I would like to do some mods to an LS manifold and need advice on welding it.

The stock LS intakes are nylon or nylon 6-6. Lots of people have used epoxy or JB weld to perform some modifications to them - like cutting the center supports out of the LS2/LS3 intakes and filling the 1" hole this modification leaves in the base. I used JB weld to seal up a DoD connector pocket I made on my LS2 intake (haven't tested it yet).

You could always try using a soldering gun in an inconspicuous place to see if it will melt the plastic enough to repair whatever it is you're doing.

quote Originally posted by Bloozberry: You could always try using a soldering gun in an inconspicuous place to see if it will melt the plastic enough to repair whatever it is you're doing.

i second that. ive welded plastic/pvc with a soldering iron. justbe shur to have good airflow or youll get HIGHHHHHH!!!!!! lol

It is possible to weld nylon using the hot air welders, but instead of using compressed air it is recommended to use an inert gas (I'm sorry, I don't remember what gas is recommended) and a rod of the proper nylon compound.

A Google search on "welding plastics' may lead you to some useful information.

There are welders specifically made for plastic. This would be my recommendation.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, ZZP Intercooler, 3.4" Pulley, N* TB, LS1 MAF, Flotech Exhaust Autolite 104's Custom CAI 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
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quote Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua: There are welders specifically made for plastic. This would be my recommendation.

[This message has been edited by JumpStart (edited 08-27-2011).]

I have a plastic welder and have had mixed results.
I have not tried using argon an probably won't. (great idea though)
It is very different than arc welding with metal.
Joint preparation and rod choice is critical,
Because you are blowing a small jet of air, it is tough to get penetration in a structural joint.

I have found solvent glue forms excellent structural "chemical welds" on my ABS joints.
Cyanoacrylate or "super glue' is amazing stuff.
JB weld works on pretty much anything.

My advice, get some scrap like material and try different things. (including a soldering iron)

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"Now you too can see in the dark."
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quote Originally posted by JumpStart:

OMFG!!!! i use to have one of those! only it was some wierd tank that thing was awesome!

I have welded MILES of PVC and CPVC using the hot air torch and plastic rod method.

If you are not getting penetraion when welding, you're not doing it correctly.

There is a huge body of knowledge and information concerning this topic if you care to look it up via the Internet or by contacting the equipment vendors.

Thanks.
I had an idea to weld the LS4 TB mount flange in place of the LS1 flange on my LS4 to LS1 manifold swap to avoid makeing an adaptor.

quote Originally posted by Rickady88GT: Thanks. I had an idea to weld the LS4 TB mount flange in place of the LS1 flange on my LS4 to LS1 manifold swap to avoid makeing an adaptor.

TIPS offers the service of grafting the LS2 throttle body flange to the LS6 manifold, they could probably do the LS4 to LS6 one as well for extra $$$.
http://www.tpis.com/parts/view/39

One guy has already performed this LS6 intake with LS4 throttlebody mod and the manifold was for sale on ebay a while back:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymot...fPartsQ5fAccessories

quote Originally posted by fieroguru: TIPS offers the service of grafting the LS2 throttle body flange to the LS6 manifold, they could probably do the LS4 to LS6 one as well for extra $$$. http://www.tpis.com/parts/view/39 One guy has already performed this LS6 intake with LS4 throttlebody mod and the manifold was for sale on ebay a while back: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymot...fPartsQ5fAccessories

Nice, thanks. I would like the LS6 but the LS1 was free and never used.

quote Originally posted by Niterrorz: OMFG!!!! i use to have one of those! only it was some wierd tank that thing was awesome!

I had one of those too. Awesome toy in it's day. I still think about welding plastic with that thing.

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84 2.5
87 328 GTB replica
87 Coutach replica

My coolant overflow had a large crack in it and with a soldering iron I welded it shut. Worked great and saved me lots of money.

quote Originally posted by olejoedad: If you are not getting penetraion when welding, you're not doing it correctly.

Bingo.
great example of example of "don't just take my word for it"
Keep asking

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"Now you too can see in the dark."
http://projectorretrofit.com/

quote Originally posted by RotrexFiero: My coolant overflow had a large crack in it and with a soldering iron I welded it shut. Worked great and saved me lots of money.

Some plastics can be melted together that way and others cannot.

quote Originally posted by olejoedad: Some plastics can be melted together that way and others cannot.

Exactly. I also have welded plastic with an iron, but dont want to risk blowing a $$ manifold or the TB falling off of it in a years or two.
I would like to do it right. I am not sold on the epoxy either?