Can I make headers out of aluminium?

[Ratrod720]

So I'm making a turbo exhaust header for a Z22 engine. My dad says I should make them out of aluminium to match the head, and that this will prevent breaking an exhaust seal. However I'm very concerned that it won't hold up to the heat. If I ceramic coat them on then inside would that work? It is also way cheaper so that would be a plus. 

[thisismatt]

The head aluminum is cooled, the manifold is not. You'll melt a hole in it.

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

The only aluminum headers I've ever seen were COPO 427 factory skunk works headers on a '67 Corvette race car. They were actually cast aluminum. Pontiac had some for the race cars too. Boats use aluminum manifolds, but they are water cooled.

 

So, no, you can't really make aluminum headers. They would be too flimsy. And probably wouldn't work that well either. Stainless holds the heat in, which helps scavenge exhaust, making more power.

[Ratrod720]

Yeah that what I thought. Thanks guys.