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Welding cat-back exhaust joints?

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Old Aug 20, 2010 | 05:19 PM
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Default Welding cat-back exhaust joints?

I currently have B&B PRT cat-back and Kooks LT's. When I had the headers installed the exhaust tips ended up being set in about an inch from where they were before the headers. The tips line up OK, but I feel they are too far in and too high and sometimes the right side pipe will bang on the frame during cornering. I know there is very little clearance between the exhaust and the frame. In the past I have had to make my own adjustments to the exhaust because the joints tend to loosen over time. My question is should I take my car to an exhaust shop and have the cat-back welded together and have the system set properly? Or is it better to not have the whole thing welded together for easy removal for tranny servicing?

There is a shop locally that I highly trust and they installed a Magnaflow cat-back on my CTS-V, in which they welded every joint and lines up so well that I couldn't believe it when they were done. Also, after 2.5 years it still looks perfect.

What are the negatives to welding the joints in the cat-back? Am I missing something?

Thanks!
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Old Aug 20, 2010 | 05:28 PM
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I think the main reason for bolt up rather welding is for ease of install and removal, If you weld all joints it will have to be cut off to remove or make adjustments.
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Old Aug 20, 2010 | 05:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Mr.Bill
I think the main reason for bolt up rather welding is for ease of install and removal, If you weld all joints it will have to be cut off to remove or make adjustments.
Maybe they could add a small section of pipe to bring the tips out to where they are supposed to be, but leave everything clamped.

BEFORE:



AFTER:

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Old Aug 20, 2010 | 05:44 PM
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Originally Posted by REDEVIL
Maybe they could add a small section of pipe to bring the tips out to where they are supposed to be, but leave everything clamped.

BEFORE:



AFTER:

I am sure any good muffler shop can ad a short section to bring out the tips an inch or so, That is an easy task for a good muff man.
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Old Aug 20, 2010 | 05:53 PM
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I think you would be just fine, having the joints welded. Most aft market c/backs are in pieces w/clamps for easier shipping.

Only set back you would have would be if you were wanting to ship them later, if you decided to sell them $$$$ Compared to leaving them w/clamp setup.

I have the oposite problem w/ my BB Bullets. They stick out too far, around an inch.
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Old Aug 21, 2010 | 06:43 AM
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Originally Posted by Mr.Bill
I think the main reason for bolt up rather welding is for ease of install and removal, If you weld all joints it will have to be cut off to remove or make adjustments.
That would be about the only negative I know of.
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