For those of you with Version 1 of the FLP header system and those pondering a future order, I thought I'd post pics of the upgraded clamps I ordered from FLP this week. The original clamps are holding OK on my system except that, in order to obtain an adequate seal, I needed to tighten the clamps to the point where the t-bolts were bowing from the tension. I ordered these direct from Mitch at FLP this week and received them yesterday. When I discussed this with him he wasn't sure if they are being included with the updated version of the system so, for those ordering in the future, make sure you ask for the heavy-duty v-clamps to be included. BTW, FLP only sells the updated version of this header system now which incorporates fixes for minor fitment issues identified in the previous version. As I've said before, my system fits fine and performs well.

The t-bolt diameter on the clamp pictured below is 5/16" in diameter (this is the larger header-to-cat v-clamp). I believe the originals are 1/4". Also, the t-bolt is captured permanently in the clamp as opposed to the ones I currently have installed, which can be taken off of the clamp.

These new clamps appear to be much more robust and should allow for a better seal at the flanges. Cost was $106, including shipping. :crazy:





:cheers:


[Modified by Patches, 7:34 AM 12/20/2002]

 

ttt

As usual, you keep us in the know.. Thanks! :D

 

$106 for v-band clamps. Ouch!!! I sure hope you got about 10 of them for that price.

It's very nice of FLP to bend you over on the cost of the headers and then to bend you over again to fix a problem with them. :nono:

 

$106 :eek: :eek: After all the hours I spent trying to line up the system:cuss and get everything lined up :cuss and kind of sealed:cuss they come out with something that should have been included and it will cost me $106 to get it. Wow what a rip. They should offer these at a discounted price to previous owners of the first set who basically did the R&D for them by saying what fit and what didnt. I havent switched out the cats for offroad pipes because I had a fear I wouldnt be able to get the pipes back on. Im sure I could with the new clamps because the big problem with the old one was the collecter to cat flange being 1/2" bigger still used the same size clamp. Maybe for $70 I would think about it and under $50 I would probably act on it. Come on these are clamps that should be about $5 each at home depot. $106 :crazy:

 

Yeah, guys, I know. I totally agree with you. They should be heavily discounted to those of us wanting/needing to upgrade. We did do their final R&D whether or not they want to admit it. Heck, the changes they made dealt with the issues I emailed Dan Bills about extensively.

kh24, don't sweat the swap, man. After the initial install and heat-cycling, the clamps and pipes relax into place and are much easier to work with. I've had mine apart several times and it only takes me a few minutes to button up the system now.

BTW, the actual manufacturer's name is stamped on the clamps (I noticed yesterday :rolleyes: ). Maybe someone could contact them and get a better price on them.

 

Good to know Patches. The whole system has been on or mostly unbolted before a couple of times due to a new clutch and clutch problems. Its not hard to put on while on a lift I just had a fear of doing it in my driveway(thats where i put in the headers and that was a PITA)and getting stuck with the pipes not on or lined up right. Plus the only real reason I would take them off is to see how loud the car can get since I have the Loudmouth on there it would just be straight pipes. I too noticed the manufacturer name on the clamps when I installed my system back in June and I went to every Home Depot around to try and get some longer bolts for that front clamp and no one had em. I think I will try and contact the manufacturer to get the new clamps. :cheers:

 

Yep, that's what I got with my order :smash:

 

Mine were a b***h also. I just gave up on it.

$106 is 10 times what I would be willing to spend on those. thats kind of a slap in the face.

Dont get me wrong.. I love FLPS.. and I love the company that sold them to me... but still thats 1/16th of the cost of my headers.. and thy do 0 for me except hold my exhaust together.

 

:iagree:

 

I totally agree...Both me and my friend decided on the FLP's and were all set to order a set in January...but $106 to get a right fit is ridiculous and taking advantage of its customer base......If they include the new clamps with the set then I would buy the package...if they opt to continue to squezze mo money out of us then a different company will look better by the minute......I hope Mitch from FLP reads these threads and rectifies the situation!!!!

:smash:

 

Do you have any pics of your old clamps? Those clamps you show look just like the ones I already have. I bought my headers back in july so I have the 'old' version.

 

they looks like the clamps i got i got my flp's in november :)

 

Sorry to ruffle feathers, guys. :lol: It pi$$ed me off just as much if not more - after all, I've already shelled out the bucks. But I haven't deluded myself into thinking Mitch or Dan or anyone at FLP is going to respond to this in our favor. They always responded to my inquiries defensively and certainly don't appear to be inclined to change that attitude.

It seems that they are supplying the upgraded clamps with the shipping systems, based on a couple of posts above. This thread is meant to inform about the availability of an upgrade and give a heads-up to future buyers.

Would I buy them again knowing what I know now? Absolutely. Especially with the price reduction I've seen them advertised for by a vendor or two and the knowledge that the minor fitment issues have been resolved. I almost went with the LGM's but the performance, bolt-on, flexibility, quality and all-in-one features are what made the FLP's attractive.

:)

 

Hey, that's what I have in my system too. On a side note, I hope the fitment is better for you guys that are about to order. For me, it was IMPOSSIBLE to have all the flanges lined up AND even exhaust tips. The muffler man played around with my car for 2 hours. It was either one or the other, not both. Finally we decided to mate up all the flanges perfectly, and made a cut through the end of the X-pipe (just before the flange that bolts to the Ti cat back), aligned the tips evenly, then welded it back. Looks beautiful and sounds awesome now! Just wish that didn't need to be done. Oh, the front bracket: had to bend and still need some washers to maintain proper fit WITHOUT any tension on the collector tabs. Overall, I'd still recommend the FLPs. For the money, that's the one to get, not to mention the flexibility of the ORPs and cats.

 

I got the upgraded ones with my FLP's purchased in November. Mine fit fine.

 

To also confirm the above....my set ordered in November and just recently installed by me, came with the upgraded clamps, alligned perfectly at the bell housing tabs, also no problems with the air tube flange allignment. My PRT tip allignment also was no problem. Nice discount from LAPD also. 98 Coupe. :seeya