Muffler clamps OK on new system?

[zigzag240]

I decided to get rid of my rusty old 2 1/2" pipe on my 240/L28 and replace it with a new complete 6-1 header and 2 1/2" pipe setup from MSA.

 

I don't really have access to a welder, so how durable/leaky is it to put the system on relying on just the pipe clamps to seal each joint?

 

Magazines and muffler companies show everyone doing it, but it seems like that's asking for leaks down the road. Opinions?

[getZ]

Welding is stronger, but there are also band clamps which wrap the pipe 360 degrees and conform to the metal. I put a set of those around a set of cats I added and they seal really well.

[ezzzzzzz]

I personally hate muffler clamps but they are fully functional and cheap. If you do use these try to get close fitting clamps and only tighten enough to prevent leaks. Everyone tends to crush the piping to death. I would use the strap style clamps if possible. These will provide a good seal and allow the system to be disconnected for service You may consider doing a temp install and marking the piping with a permanent marker for depth and alignment. The parts can be welded at a local shop and refitted to the car. I use two slip joints and a V-coupling in my system for easy dismantling.

[zigzag240]

I had been looking at the full wrap-around clamps, glad to hear people have had success with them. Thanks for the tips.

 

-B

[Forces]

I agree with ezzzzzzz. They work, but they suck. If you tighten them too tight, you end up bending the exhaust pipe, and they never come undone because the pipes are crushed together, or if you don't tighten them enough, it leaks.

 

Never used the 360 degree wrap around style clamp, seems kinda janky to me.

[getZ]

band clamps are stronger than they appear. I have four of them on two cats and the exhaust pipes only have hangers in the back. There is no excessive shaking like the pipes are loose and the whole exhaust not including the headers can be removed in one piece. They also seal well. After you tighten them down the band will stretch and shape itself around the pipe. As a side note, I used pipes the fit inside the cats not an end to end connections. Those seem like they may be a bit weaker, but I have not tried doing it that way to confirm or deny any strength/sealing issues.