Welded or clamped?

[chuckhubbert]

I have my new catalytic converter in hand the the Dynomax cat back is supposed to be delivered today. I'm pretty sure I can get it installed myself with clamps, but I'm wondering if having it welded would be a better option?

How much might it cost for installation and welding? Any recommendations for a good shop in North Oakland county?

[smasheromalley]

I have never had good luck with all clamp exhaust. Theres always seems to be some stupid leaks.

[Bones]

Originally Posted by smasheromalley

I have never had good luck with all clamp exhaust. Theres always seems to be some stupid leaks.

I always try to us the clamps when possible, that way if you ever have to remove the exhaust to do transmission/tcase/etc work, you don't have to cut your exhaust, or remove it all the way from the manifolds.

[smasheromalley]

Originally Posted by Bones

I always try to us the clamps when possible, that way if you ever have to remove the exhaust to do transmission/tcase/etc work, you don't have to cut your exhaust, or remove it all the way from the manifolds.

If I had a choice Id go for bolt together flanges. wleded on to the pipe of course...

[cracker$]

I've installed two catback systems and never had a problem with just using clamps. Having said that... I would recommend you clamp the system on and then in the future if any leaks/vibrations show up, have it welded.

[Lothos]

I would weld the fucker. Clamps provide a slight enough means of restriction to provide a spot for buildup to occur and possibly reduce airflow.

[Haggar]

I'd go weld-on flanges, as mentioned.

Clamps do seem to leak for me, since they really crush from 2 sides, not all 4. You keep tightening them, they crush the pipes enough that you can't get them apart, anyway.

I'd either weld or flange it, myself, although, I've done the clamp thing many times, it'd work.

My current exhaust has a 2.5" pipe clamped to the heater(PO cut off the flange...idiot...), reduced to a 2.25" pipe, pipe is welded, then clamps to my muffler. Mufflers I prefer to clamp, since I often swap them out. Cats, well, if I ran a cat, I'd probably just weld it..

[noodles]

i would just clamp it, because as mentioned, if needed to remove it it iseasier, and cheaper.i havent had a problem with the clamps leaking , and if so there is some exhaust pipe goop that will seal pretty much anything.

[Yetti]

now see if it was me I would do both, unless I did have clamps. the clamp takes flex better then welded solid and the bolt together clamps don't hold well because they flex inside the coupling. ussally a 1" weld on the bottom of the pipe where its clamped is enough to take out any downward flex and then it gives still when needed

[Monkeyevil]

Originally Posted by Lothos

I would weld the fucker. Clamps provide a slight enough means of restriction to provide a spot for buildup to occur and possibly reduce airflow.

:tonka: