Band clamps vs 3-bolt flanges?
Band clamps vs 3-bolt flanges? I'm wondering which is a better overall way to hold an exhaust together where it needs to be removable. I looked into the 3-bolt flanges for true duals to attach the x-pipe to the headers, but found these band clamps.
After looking at it, it seems like an expanded pipe over the collector and a band clamp would flow better and probably weigh less/be less work than a 3-bolt flange?
After looking at it, it seems like an expanded pipe over the collector and a band clamp would flow better and probably weigh less/be less work than a 3-bolt flange?
im using 3 bolt flanges on my Y pipe setup and have had absoslutely zero problems and removal is a breeze. for my dual setup im going with the band clamps you posted, well see how that goes.
Three bolt flanges will leak after a while also but they are better then the band clamps IMO. If I were to be removing it a lot the 3 bolt is the way to go. The band clamps will stretch out after a while and lose their tension if you take them on and off a lot. Not to mention that even if they are pretty tight they will still let the pipe slide out, that wont happen with the 3 bolt flange. But on the downside the 3 bolt flange will reduce ground clearance a bit..
The ground clearance is one of my main concerns with the true duals. I guess I won't be taking the exahust off and on much, just need the ability to take it apart from the headers. I'll probably have to go with the band clamps since I can't get the welder out to the ramp to weld the first 3-bolt flange onto the headers 
Forgot that it's too far out in the back yard and the welder won't work on 2 extension cords.
Forgot that it's too far out in the back yard and the welder won't work on 2 extension cords. I have both band clamps and a three bolt flange joint in my exhaust system. Both seem to work well. I have had the band clamp off numberous times and it's still tight. No welding with the band clamps. If their is a chance it could pull out either from vibration or acceleration then the flange might be a better choice.
Last edited by Larry; Feb 8, 2004 at 11:19 AM.
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From: Tulsa, Ok
i use a three bolt flange. i had problems with blowing out paper gaskets with this setup. i stepped the gaskets up to some metal percys and i havn't had any problems since. it is very easy to remove my entire exhaust, that's what i love about them. 10 minutes under the car and it's off 
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I believe you'll find that band clamps work better for pipes that are butted together (same size pipe). And I wish they made them with about an inch or two longer on the one end to better encompass the pipe (hard to explain) Don't laugh I tried 
The top one would be a normal band clamp the bottom one is my version
The top one would be a normal band clamp the bottom one is my version 
You should get some ball and cone two bolt flanges. i have them on my collectors and after my X. no gaskets, no leaking. Look on Dr. Gas's website. They aren't that expensive either.
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,043
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From: Texas and Qatar
Originally Posted by 02bluess
Ok, I'll bite 
What's a v-clamp??
What's a v-clamp??I've seen them as low as $35 a set, and sometimes as much as $80. They work well on cars where your changing stuff up all the time.
Originally Posted by -Joseph-
http://www.secureperformanceorder.co...ProductID=6942
I've seen them as low as $35 a set, and sometimes as much as $80. They work well on cars where your changing stuff up all the time.
I've seen them as low as $35 a set, and sometimes as much as $80. They work well on cars where your changing stuff up all the time.
Originally Posted by Turnin'LT4
You should get some ball and cone two bolt flanges. i have them on my collectors and after my X. no gaskets, no leaking. Look on Dr. Gas's website. They aren't that expensive either.
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,043
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From: Texas and Qatar
Originally Posted by jrp
so is welding required since it says "Kit includes two weld-on v-clamp rings and stainless stell v-band clamp" or are they two seperate clampss
Originally Posted by -Joseph-
http://www.secureperformanceorder.co...ProductID=6942
I've seen them as low as $35 a set, and sometimes as much as $80. They work well on cars where your changing stuff up all the time.
I've seen them as low as $35 a set, and sometimes as much as $80. They work well on cars where your changing stuff up all the time.
I'm using a V-band clamp between my Y-pipe and I-pipe. Works great and makes removal easy.
Burns also sells a V-band kit - they're pricey, but they are stainless: http://www.burnsstainless.com/Hardwa...ps/clamps.html
Burns also sells a V-band kit - they're pricey, but they are stainless: http://www.burnsstainless.com/Hardwa...ps/clamps.html
Teching In
Joined: Feb 2004
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Originally Posted by Fulton 1
I'm using a V-band clamp between my Y-pipe and I-pipe. Works great and makes removal easy.
Burns also sells a V-band kit - they're pricey, but they are stainless: http://www.burnsstainless.com/Hardwa...ps/clamps.html
Burns also sells a V-band kit - they're pricey, but they are stainless: http://www.burnsstainless.com/Hardwa...ps/clamps.html
there clamps are pricey but, there X and Y pipes look like nice pieces
Originally Posted by -Joseph-
Yes welding is necessary. The kit comes with 1 clamp and 2 flanges, enough to connect one pipe to another pipe.
