Best way to connect headers to muffler without welding.
06-18-2010, 10:45 PM
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Best way to connect headers to muffler without welding. Dont stray from what I asked please. If I wanted to run mufflers off of the headers what is the best way to connect the two?
Headers are Pacesetters with 3" collector
Mufflers are 3" ID/OD
I ordered two band clamp "butt joint" style 3" thinking it would work from what the description said but it does not even fit the muffler...(almost but not quite)the seal looks shitty too but maybe it is because it does not even fit. I am actually kind of confused because butt style were supposed to "butt to pipes of same ID or OD together" and since the only choice was diameter when choosing which size clamp to buy I figured I would pick the 3". So does that mean I need a 3.5 or 4" clamp? Please no guessing when giving an answer if you know for sure or have done this please give the right advice.
Help me save on shipping and returns haha.
Headers are Pacesetters with 3" collector
Mufflers are 3" ID/OD
I ordered two band clamp "butt joint" style 3" thinking it would work from what the description said but it does not even fit the muffler...(almost but not quite)the seal looks shitty too but maybe it is because it does not even fit. I am actually kind of confused because butt style were supposed to "butt to pipes of same ID or OD together" and since the only choice was diameter when choosing which size clamp to buy I figured I would pick the 3". So does that mean I need a 3.5 or 4" clamp? Please no guessing when giving an answer if you know for sure or have done this please give the right advice.
Help me save on shipping and returns haha.
Last edited by Bowtie Boy; 06-18-2010 at 11:42 PM.
06-18-2010, 11:54 PM
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You could try some kind of pipe connector. Summit sells various ones...I would get a slip on type that you can just use clamps with.
Maybe something like this?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/WLK-41976/
Maybe something like this?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/WLK-41976/
06-19-2010, 12:06 AM
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I would use 3 bolt flanges as they are the most rigid and would support the muffler best, my next option would be v bands but I would make sure to use a hanger on the other side of the mufler depending on what muffler you choose, weight etc.
06-19-2010, 12:21 AM
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Only thing with that is that neither the muffler or headers have flange connectors which gets back to me not wanting to have stuff welded.
06-19-2010, 12:50 AM
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why don't you want to have stuff welded?? band clamps leak, u bolts crimp the pipe making it very difficult to take them apart and could possibly damage collectors (ask me how I know) I have tried everything under the sun to get my exhaust to seal, first I tried the u bolts...slight leak but f'ed up my headers AND y pipe. Then I tried band clamps no damage to any components but didn't seal very well. I would have had no qualms with a 3 bolt flange but didn't want to give up any ground clearance and I like to have it tucked up so I also did not want to take a chance of the flange banging the floorboard. I ended up with 45 dollar v bands to get a leak free seal without sacrificing ground clearance and still be removable. Welding on exhasut is just part of the program as far as I am concerned. Not wanting to weld on an exhaust system is like trying to assemble a motor without using a torque wrench. You might be able to get the job done but the end result may not be exactly what you were looking for
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06-19-2010, 01:09 AM
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I'm guessing your muffler inlet is just a tad bigger than your header collector. Weld a piece of 3 inch pipe to the muffler, the pipe should be the same size as the collector, and should slip inside the muffler inlet. Then go to town with that band clamp.
06-19-2010, 02:14 AM
#12
