Exhaust system...clamps vs. welding
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,337
Likes: 14
From: Norfolk VA
Exhaust system...clamps vs. welding
I notice on many undercar pics on this forum the exhaust system is usuall welded instead of using clamps. I know when these vehicles came off the assembly line (as well as the new cars of today) the exhaust system is clamped together. What are the advantages/disadvantages does welding have over clamping?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,135
Likes: 2
From: Dayton Oh
Others may some extra insights but welds create a more rigid pipe that will not sag, leak or come apart. Some might think that clamped would have an advantage since they would be "removeable" but actually the clamps distort the pipes and are very difficult to get apart sometimes.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Mine is welded in some areas but clamped in others. I use the wide band clamps which don't crush the pipes like those crappy U exhaust clamps. My system is easy to take apart and does not leak,
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,198
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Connecticut
As you said, the clamps are more original. If you cut slots in the outer pieces like the original pipes, they don't distort he inner pipe and can come apart. Places like Midas like to weld because it's cheaper, quicker and easier. It also won't leak if done properly, but neither will a properly clamped joint. Joe
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,526
Likes: 2
From: Oak Ridge NC
Originally Posted by Gordonm
Mine is welded in some areas but clamped in others. I use the wide band clamps which don't crush the pipes like those crappy U exhaust clamps. My system is easy to take apart and does not leak,
Also, a trick I learned with side pipes, a thin bead of high temp rtv on the lip of the pipe going into the collector will eliminate possible leaks..got this tip from Hookers a few years back.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
The stock system was clamped where? Wasn't it one front section and one rear section? I thought the muffler was welded onto the rear section. Were the tips clamped on? If you use aftermarket mufflers and clamps you end up with an elbow in front of the muffler (2 clamps) and another elbow behind the muffler (2 more clamps) and the tips (1 more clamps) and it just gets to be all clamped up! 
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Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 4
From: Somers CT
Originally Posted by Gordonm
Mine is welded in some areas but clamped in others. I use the wide band clamps which don't crush the pipes like those crappy U exhaust clamps. My system is easy to take apart and does not leak,
Bill
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
I like it welded with only 1 set of clamps at the headers, well...clamps. I use a combination of a slip fit and a flange. I did this already on my truck, it's a normal 3 bolt plectrum shaped flange that bolts to the header but there's a smaller OD tube that is a tight fit into the header. that way you can scrape it all day long without the flange giving way and the gasket blowing out. I'm constantly scraping on speed bumps and haven't had a leak since where I was swapping gaskets weekly before.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,116
Likes: 156
From: Mid West
Cruise-In III Veteran
I have both welded and clamped joints in my system. I prefer the wide stainless band clamps that do not distort the pipes. As mentioned earlier, I use RTV with the clamps to eliminate leaks.
