Yeah, I'm surprised about the shitty fitment since the materials and workmanship seem very nice. I know you're right about the slots. I'll do that and be done with it. Other than that, I'm very happy with my headers.

 

I'm with Mangled. Cut the slots. I had the LPP headers and ORY that never leaked. I used the 3" wide band clamps from NAPA.

 

Ive got LPP headers and their ORY, had the y-pipe welded together so it wouldnt leak and on the collectors i used butt joint style clamps that dont have the little step and theyre completely sealed. it works almost like cutting the slits in the pipe, just clamps down more on the bigger side because theres no step in the clamp. http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/30853...ductId=1256861

 

I'm not messing with expensive clamps anymore. I'm getting flanges welded on the collectors and the center part of the Y welded up. LPP should have put flanges on to begin with.

BTW I used those wide butt joint clamps too but they never seal up completely no matter what I did. I believe you guys about the slots but it won't be much harder to go ahead and get the flanges put on and I think its the best thing to do.

 

Good choice

 

I am using V-bands and they have been leak free for 2+ years and can be dis-assembled if i need to drop the trans.

 

I just installed V-bands, and it is far better. LPP can't do this though as they would need at least one slip joint directly behind the tranny or it would be almost impossible for both headers to line up. If you do this yourself, just clamp the clamps together and weld it together with small welds so it doesn't warp. Slowly work your way around the pipe.

 

For V-bands, you weld special flanges on and the V-band pulls the flanges together? I'll look it up.

 

You're going to be sorry if you do that.

Do this instead

 

All right. It doesn't cost me anything to try the foil trick. I'll do that this afternoon and report back. If that doesn't do it then I'm drawing flanges with AutoCad, getting them cut out on the Laser and getting them welded on. I will defeat the exhaust leaks.