Okay, I may install the x-pipe today purchased from 928srus. Only question is, do I need to purchase the exhaust rap to install with the new clamps. I've read where some have installed this to prevent leakage, but then Roger posted that it is not needed with the new clamps? Any advice. Thanks much!

 

I've used something similar to the "new style" clamps, but a slightly different exhaust application.
I can imagine a proper seal using only the clamps, IF the pipe diameters are the right size (meaning one slips insde the other with little clearnace left).
Now, unless these clamps have an overlapping "piece" that covers the open area above the bolt-clamps... I could see this as a point of leakage.
OR if the pipes come together slightly off axis, I could see a potential for gaps.

All of this is just conjecture on my part. More than likely, knowing Roger, he has a specific clamp design for this application.
All I'm getting at is it must be one special clamp to "bridge" the gap in diameters.

 

if the clamps do leak then go to Autozone in the Hi performance section and buy some of the aluminized heat wrap for hoses get the 3/4 in diameter stuff this will stand up better than the bare glass wrap

 

No, you shouldn't need any fiberglass wrap with the new clamps, they do have a small strip of fiberglass in them that should be placed over the joint of the clamp.

 

I was never impressed with the clamping solution provided with the X-pipe so I made up my own. I bought two exhaust couplers with a 2 1/2" ID on one end and a 2 1/4" OD on the other. I bought two more couplers with a 2 1/4" ID on one end and 2 1/8 OD on the other. I welded the large connectors to the smaller ones. I probably could have found a coupler with a 2 1/2" ID and a 2 1/8 OD, but I wanted a smoother transition. The following picture explains what I did. Where you see the cheap clamps, I've replaced them with the factory clamps. But I have some cheap clamps on the X-pipe side holding it together. I had to cut about 3 inches off the X-pipe to make it fit. There are no leaks at all.



To be honest, I wish someone would explain why the fiberglass wrap and those band clamps are used. The only benefit I can see is that it makes it very easy to remove the exhaust. But then again, that's due to the fact that the exhaust is never adequately secured at the X-pipe. I'm not really sure what the new solution entails, but I have to wonder if it's as secure as what I came up with after about 10 minutes of welding and cutting.