how necessary are braided expansion joints?
For example, say you want to run a single turbo setup on a V8. You locate the turbo on the left side very close to the left manifold, however you have to bring the right side exhaust all the way over to the left side so it too can feed the turbine. How important would an expansion joint be on that pipe?
I prefer to use Vbands for it, those will allow enough for the expansion/contraction, allow easy assembly and dissasembly, probably flow a little better, and not have to worry if they ever wear out.
EDIT: yes...as Smokin says, you may also opt. for V-band assemblies but they are pricey. Has anyone found a good deal on those yet?
For the record, I've never bought anything from that place, just came across it while doing a google search for v-band clamps.

