onyxxtreme

iTrader: (4)

Hey people, Im just wondering what all clamps do you guys prefer for the header to Ypipe connection.
I got Pacesetters, and my Ypipe will be custom built, so I need to gather all the nicknack parts 1st. I'll need one for the Ypipe to the Ipipe, but I might just use 3bolt flange's if there's enough room under there.
Heres a few things Ive seen on Ebay, or on here:
"Typical" Band Clamps:


"Flat" Band Clamps:



V-clamps:



I wouldnt mind having the following "Exhaust Locks", but they are far too expensive for my budget.


Now I've read on here, that the V-clamp's are the way to go, but it seems to me that they will hurt clearance almost as bad as the 3bolt flanges. Does that look like it would to you guys too?
ALL opinions are appreciated , thanks guys

Onyx Z

iTrader: (3)

I have the wide band clamps on my exhaust. They seal very well and still retain the ground clearance.

Don't use the thin bamd clamps. They came with my y-pipe, but I soon found out they couldn't be tightened down very much before the bolts started to strip, so they wouldn't seal up very well. They wide ones have nice, beefy bolts, so you can crank down on em without worry.

Z28Venom

iTrader: (13)

Whatever you do, DON'T USE U-BOLT CLAMPS. I used 2.5" and 3" stainless steel band clamps on my entire exhaust, and they seal like a champ. You won't be disappointed. The average price is $8-10 a piece.

http://groups.msn.com/MikesFirebird/...ndexhaust.msnw

You can see them in some of those pictures.

Good Luck Man!

Tranzor

I used the first style of band clamps that you posted... here's some pics of them in use on my Pacesetters:

Turo

iTrader: (23)

i agree, i learned that the hard way. i had u-bolt clamps and they leaked like crazy

DaddySS

I like the walker HD stainless band clamps. The block is threaded so you don't have to worrry about holding the nut, they're really strong, and they come with a dab of sealer at the joint for extra seal insurance.

S2002S

The wide band clamps pictured work great, if the joining pipes are straight. If there is a curve near the joint, they are useless. I ended up with the guillotine style on two connections. These worked great and were preferable to a weld job, in my opinion. I did lose a little ground clearance though.

1BADFNZ

Where can I get some of these good band clamps???

Dope

iTrader: (2)

Yeah, where can you get those top clamps? Those are perfect. They are even slightly different sized at each end to account for slip fit pipe size differences. I bought some clamps but they were completely flat == not such a good seal.

Dope

Tranzor

I got the band clamps at the top from Napa... they were $7.99 each for 3" band clamps.