I'm planning on using V-band clamps when I install my LPP headers. I know some of you have used V-bands on your exhaust - is there any brand you would recommend?

I've been searching all day about them (here and on LS1Tech) and it seems V-bands can still leak and it is due to the rings not aligning correctly. I was looking at OBX brand clamps on eBay and it says they have a locating ring on them (so there is a male side and a female side it looks like) which should help with getting them to seal tight. Do you think these should be good to run?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/OBX-3...Q5fAccessories

 

yeah there is a round edge and a flat edge....

 

i have vbands on my headers... I have no leaks and never had a problem with leaks... Honestly i don't see how they could leak... I do put a light coating of high-temp rtv on the mating surfaces....

here is a pic.

header flange



clamp


exhaust side flange

 

Make sure you buy them from a reputable company. My friend bought a set of 3" v-bands for me off ebay and they would not fit 3 inch pipe. I wanted to do the same thing as you with my lpp's. Now i know why some are 50$+ and others are $20-30

 

^^^ good point, also i have read of people using tooo much heat when welding them and they warp, keep that in mind too when you weld them up.

 

take a look at the vibrant stainless v-band clamps on extremepsi.com i ordered some a few weeks back and there a good quality piece. they come with the clamp and both male/female rings for around $80 for the 3 inch ones. Oh and they have the locating ring 2

 

Yeah I saw the Vibrant ones as well, but they're big bucks. OBX is pretty decent quality (at least their headers are).

That's another thing I'm worried about is that they won't fit the headers or Y. I'll do some more research before I purchase.

Corey, what brand are yours?

 

I will send you a pm with the link i have bought from. I have used twic and no issues either time

 

I bought mine from jegs...never had to re-tighten and never a leak at a year and a half.

 

If you have stainless headers, Y use v bands.. Stainless will not rust together like mild steel will, with slip fit header, that fits well into the Y stainless T clamps will hold it like a charm, not leak.. All you have to do is cut 3 small slots in the Y pipe slip ends, so they will seal tight around the collectors..