a famous engine builder once said, "you know you have the perfect exhaust design when it interferes with every major frame member"

via The Kneeslider

The skills required for this job come immediately to mind. But is it fabrication expertise or a knowledge in exhaust design?

Reminds me of the typical argument between a PhD ('theoretical' engineer) and a technician (essentially the 'practical' engineer). The PhD would want to see the calculations, 3D model, simulation, etc. and then tell the technician to get it done his way (because it's the best way). The technician would step back, realize what the PhD is asking is impossible, and use his expertise to determine a realistic approach that compromises usability and performance.

Back when I interned at an R&D company, I learned way more from the technicians than I did the scientists. A scientist once assigned me the task to build a 'simple' test apparatus for a specific job where a technician would solder leads to a product sample (sorry to be vague, but you get the general idea). I thought, okay, here's a simple approach: purchase some toggle clamps, set them in a piece of 80/20 aluminum bar for adjustability, and mount that to a piece of G20 composite board the company machine shop stocks. But no, the scientist wanted it done his way-then tells me a mindblowingly complicated way to design it. Then asks for a 3D design so I know I understand what he wants. After hours of designing that shitty assembly, I take the prints to my buddy at the machine shop. Literally 10 seconds into explaining the design, the machinist asks me why the fuck I would ever design something like that.

"It's how Mr. So&So told me to design it"

"That guy has no fucking clue what he's talking about. Anyways, he a chemical engineer. How the fuck does he think this is an acceptable design? Fucking idiot." (technicians communicate straight to the point!)

The machinist helped me draw up my original design and had the assembly done the next morning. The PhD was a little pissed, but the technician working the apparatus enjoyed its ease of use. Still, the scientist argued: 'well, maybe my design would have worked even better!' He liked waving his degree around to the technicians, as if he were some authority.

Last I heard, he wasn't working at that company.