[Laguna454s3]

Hi All. Has anyone used band clamps to couple two butted same size pipes together without connecting them male/female.
I considered this as an easy way to change mufflers as they would not be sliding into the pipe.
I'm an electrician and this is basically how tubing is connected.

Any thoughts or experience ?

John

[meanolgoat]

I have only used the Band Clamps on Lap Joints, and will only use Band Clamps from now on. They work great.

Summits Web site lists the Butt Joint Band Clamps, with the Duramax Name, I would give Summit a call and see if they have any customer feedback on them.

http://store.summitracing.com/egnsea...429+4294919986

[Tim john]

NAPA auto stores have them in stock (stainless steel) for $ 9.00 each. I have installed several in 2 1/2 inch size and they are very nice to work with and I have not had a leak issue in two years. I would reccomend them for your intentions and application.

Tim john---

[Engine-Ear]

I second the NAPA band clamp route...they are Made in USA.

[can_am4me]

The band clamps work nice, although I have had some twisting of the pipes in the clamps. A couple of small sheet metal screws did the trick.

[Laguna454s3]

Thanks Guys

I plan on doing custom bent pipe and mounting the mufflers butt joint with the band clamps.

John

[GRX]

Another vote for the NAPA clamps. Good luck with the project.

[Skip Fix]

I tried band clamps on a male/female junction that the female was a little loose, never sealed until I used an old fashioned clamp.

[BVR421]

Ive seen special band clamps made for butt points advertised but Ive never used them

[Ccass]

The NAPA band clamp is a good one for this application. Pypes also has this same clamp available and it is one of the few that will seal properly with a butt connect.

[Indiangoat]

I plan on connecting my 2 1/2 inch exhaust manifold downpipes (65 GTO) using the Napa butt joint band clamp, but I am wondering if the clamps will be strong enough to support the exhaust system since there are no hangers nearby. Has anybody had any problems with their exahust bending or breaking at band clamp connections?

[Jack Gifford]

Originally Posted by Indiangoat

... Has anybody had any problems with their exahust bending or breaking at band clamp connections?

I haven't used my S.S. band clamps yet, but from handling and inspecting them, I doubt you could ever bend/break them- assuming there will be at least SOME hangers in the system.

[Ccass]

There isn't a lot of weight at that point if the downpipes are secured to the manifolds and the mufflers are suppoerted by quality hangers. If you are still concerned, slip fit the downpipes and use a stepped band clamp.

[Formula8]

I used the Summit clamps butt joint claims as I needed a 2.75" size. They worked perfectly.