Dumb Idea? Or not?

[rickwrench]

Been reading the port divider posts over the past few months.
So, is this a dumb idea? I can't see why it wouldn't work. Has anyone tried fabbing up a port divider out of something like 3/16 mild steel scraps (like I have a pile of). Then instead of welding it into the head, which has always been written up as a HUGE pita, welding the divider to the header. It wouldn't ever rattle around, that's for sure. It might not be as gas-tight as the cast iron one, but depending on how much time you spend making it fit (fun times with the file), I'd bet it would be at least 95% as effective. And removable, too (from the head, anyway). Thoughts? Feedback? Snide remarks...
Rick
Heck, I might just give this idea a whack this week.

 

[addo]

In certain classes of historic racing down here, head modifications are not permitted. Doing what you describe is classed as modification to the exhaust, and is permissible. The only drawback is that it will not last as well as the cast iron.

Adam.

 

[Anonymous]

I don't think that's such a bad idea.

Another approach would be a new design. The guy who's porting my head doesn't think much of Clifford's design. He's leaning toward a mild steel fabrication. He also doesn't think much of the MIG welding I used to secure it--too hard to shape.

Maybe there are several "improved" solutions.

 

[Hot 6t Falcon]

I had my engine apart recently and thought the divider was solidly in place. It wasn't - and it got "lost" at the machine shop.

I have another cast one, but the thought a plate welded to the header intrigues me too.

BUT - don't you hate big butts - I think that the Clifford is more than just dividing the third and fourth ports. It also makes them the same size as the other four.

That would take some tricky shaping, but it is do-able!

Good Luck