Lizard928

The exhaust clamps you have used are garbage and deform the pipe a great deal. I hate those clamps

davek9

The Detroit crew have installed four x pipes w/o CATS and never had to cut anything, just bolted them up. Looks like you got it
I would not use those old style U clamps, the one's w/the kit are nice but yes it is tuff to get the fiberglass in tight.

edit: those U clamps work great on the wheel bearing hub caps!

BIMMERMIKE

Hi Ted,
Is your car ready to go? Let's meet Sunday.

JHowell37

As I said, I used what was available locally.

davek9

And their working for ya.. sometimes you just can't wait for mail order

billtool

I had no issues with the factory supplied clamps and glass. Congrats on the pipes Ted. You'll love the way they sound and perform.

Cosmo Kramer

Thanks for the tips guys. I am going to try this setup and if I start getting leaks I will go with a solution like JHowells and make it permanent.

Mike: I am going to take it out for a test run probably today and see how it goes. If all is well I will give you a call so we can meet up tomorrow for a coffee.

Chuck Z

I installed my Motorsports x-pipe (sans cats) and it fit perfect with no issues. Only drove it ~35 miles since w/o leaks thus far.....

James-man

Motorsports X. Hard braking causes the muffler's pipes to want push forward and try sliding within the band clamp. I think the hard braking in combination with hot exhaust is what causes the system to wriggle loose, allow the fiberwrap to loosen, then blow out, then exhaust leaks commence.

I can't remember ever having a complete track weekend without the exhaust wriggling free of the clamp and blow the "stuffing." I typically have to re-tighten several times over the weekend.

I don't weld because I want to retain the ability to bolt stock cats back in.

Currently driving with exhaust leak - I haven't felt like getting dirty to fix it this month. Not sure what I will do next. I like the look of that braided flex pipe. It would require two sets of clamps, but I think the flexiblity of the pipe will acommodate the hard braking forces enough that the bands have a chance at remaining in place.

ew928

Would extra clamp/collar on the exhaust pipe behind the band clamp be able to stop the pipe from sliding in the band clamp?

James-man

I tried using the stock clamp butting up to the band but that didn't cut it.

What I haven't tried yet is to cut a slit or two in the crossover pipe so that upon compression from the band, it might collapse down upon the exaust pipe.

When I think of doing things like this, I keep imagining some great tools that I don't really have. I have a hacksaw.