Hey guys, I have been searching on here and Google over the weekend trying to figure out the best exhaust clamp for my application. I will have headers with 3" collectors and 3" Y pipe going to 3.5" exhaust all the way back. My question is simple, which clamp will hold the best and give me the best shot to have no exhaust leaks? Please vote and then comment on why you voted the way you did. Thanks!

 

http://www.jegs.com/i/Dynomax/289/35978/10002/-1

cheap, and does a better job than a cheap clamp. it also wont put a crimp in your exhaust/collector so when it comes time to pull it all apart, it will come apart easily.

when tightened down, it will actually mold over the area where the collector overlaps the exhaust (or exhaust overlaps the collector)

 

V band works well, but is also more exp and needs welded. The clamp like TX posted works quite well, if done proper will not leak. I have had them on my exhaust for over 3 years now, not a leak.

 

V-bands are the best second is the band clamps anything else don't waste your time on

 

vibrat

 

Ok so a couple things I need cleared up from my research:

1) Vband clamps are not necessarily guaranteed to not leak, it depends on if the pipes are lined up exactly flush with each other and it depends on the quality of the clamp. Is this true?
2) As far as band clamps are concerned I have found about as many people that say they are useless as people that say they are the only way to go. A common theme in there use, however, seems to be high temp RTV silicon to help seal the joint. Would you use any type of sealer with it or just the clamp by itself?
3) I have read that a butt joint band clamp is better because if a lap joint or slip fit band clamp is used the pipes are nearly impossible to ever get back apart. Is this true?

Once again, thanks for the help guys. I am just wanting to do the exhaust once and do it right!

 

1. if you go with the VIBRANT brand v-bands theres a lip inside so they line up perfect thats the brand I'm using

2. RTV will work good to seal up the stepped band clamps I've never had a problem with mine leaking but guess it can't hurt

3. yes after time they will but just heat the joints up with a torch and they usually come right apart

 

When you V-band them it is easier to cut the pipes to a very close tolerance, then put the V-bands together as if they were holding the pipes together, go about tacking them in place.