Topic: Exhaust pipe reducers = where to find???

[puppytrax]

OK; I've found the mufflers I want to use on my next CB550 project, a 4into4 that will probably use stock exhaust pipes cut off at the muffler weld...

...But they are 1 ½" ID inlet...and the CB550 pipe  is 1 ¼" OD...   

Now, I once worked in a paper mill and have seen concentric pipe/tubing reducers so I know they exist...and the motorcycle world must have them somewhere...for exhausts...but where??   

I was able to find 1 ¼" and 1 ½" stainless tubing in 1' to 8' lengths at -

http://stores.channeladvisor.com/verociousmotorsports/Tubing/304L%20Stainless%20Steel/

They also have weld-on reducers...but I was hoping for slip-on/clamp-on reducers...   

[csendker]

Looky here --> http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_catalog/Product.jsp?skuId=449976&store=Main&catId=403&productId=p449976&leafCatId=40306&mmyId=

[puppytrax]

Looky here -->

Thanks for your reply! Yep, I saw those - in fact, the mufflers I ordered (4 of them!) come with those...BUT -

Reduce size of 1 3/4in. pipe to 1 5/8in. and 1 1/2in. pipe to 1 3/8in

...but not 1 ¼"...   

Unless you have actual experience with shrinking these tubes...??...

[csendker]

What's the actual OD of your header pipe?  And I used a bit of regular old tinfoil to open up my exhaust a bit as my clamp was bottoming out.

[puppytrax]

What's the actual OD of your header pipe?  And I used a bit of regular old tinfoil to open up my exhaust a bit as my clamp was bottoming out.

Oddly enough, it is 1.250"  just before the weld...   

[csendker]

Not too odd as pipe sizes are typically set for the OD, with the thicker piping schedules resulting in a smaller ID's.  But based on these technically adanced examples of engineering prowess--> http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/ItemBrowse/c-10111/s-10101/p-100000147179/mediaCode-ZX/appId-5000002006241/Pr-p_CATENTRY_ID:1000001471795000002006241 why not just find a piece of tubing that's about the same size as the header and around 1/8" thick tube wall (1-1/4 EMT?) and cut a slit through it?

[puppytrax]

... why not just find a piece of tubing that's about the same size as the header and around 1/8" thick tube wall (1-1/4 EMT?) and cut a slit through it?

...Yes...That is a nice & easy idea...OK, that'll be Plan B!...   

In fact...1 ½" stainless pipe should do it...(or is pipe measured in ID??...that'd be 1 ¼" pipe then)...   

Or, if I was really industrious, I'd look for some high-tech vacuum cleaner tube extensions...with the swaged ends...in the desired sizes...chromed...   

[lofathd]

what about taking the pipe to a muffler shop and see how large they can expand the 1&1/4" piece to ?

[Bodi]

It depends on the tubing type whether you specify OD or ID, but most pipe you'll come across is sold by OD. trangely enogh though, 1 2.5" pipe isn't actually 2.5" ID or OD. Check this page [url[http://www.engineersedge.com/pipe_schedules.htm[/url]. Schedule 40 is the pipe you'll normally get, other ones are usually special order and minimum length. So no size seems to work in schedule 40.
I would try a muffler shop, they have pipe expander tools and should have no problem. The chrome will be ruined at the expanded part.
You should be able to get a reducing ring at a bike shop, but I've never had good luck with them as there's always a leak through the gap.