A freind of mine runs a mud race truck, with that style collector. We used stainless band clamps like they use on big trucks, to connect his 3" exhaust system. They can be bought at Napa, etc, and most truck shops have them. They seal well and makes exhaust removal easy.

 

Look up "marmon flange". They use a V Band clamp but are a lot more forgiving than a machined V Band flange.

 

i just bought some 1-3/4x3" headers to replace my 1-5/8x3" headers.
the new header collectors dont have the 3 bolt flange. they are slip on.
what is the best way to connect these headers to my current 2-1/2" exaust?
should i just weld 3 bolt flanges to the headers and bolt them to the 3" reducers on the exaust if everything lines up?
thanks in advance.

I use v-bands.

 

A freind of mine runs a mud race truck, with that style collector. We used stainless band clamps like they use on big trucks, to connect his 3" exhaust system. They can be bought at Napa, etc, and most truck shops have them. They seal well and makes exhaust removal easy.

I use these on all the exhausts I build unless directed otherwise. Easy to use. Inexpensive. Available anywhere. Cut 3 slits in the end of the pipe 1.25" deep, 120* apart from each other. Makes install, and removal easy. Availabe in aluminized or stainless.

 

I like V-bands, but those marmons look interesting and worth checking out.

 

The main issue will be preventing leaks where the four tubes go into the collector.
Its a slip fit.
My Hooker Super Comps leak like crazy. Even after using copper rtv.

 

That Marmon flange kit is the way to go

 

I just slide the exhaust over the collector and secure it with tabs I’ve welded to each. 3/8 bolt thru each pair of tabs. Never leaked or came apart.

 

I use the band clamps, you can see them in the picture. As a safety device I Welded a small tab each side of the clamp. I use a small strip of 1/8” steel to bolt the exhaust to the collector. SpinTech set me up with what I needed. 4” round to 4” oval.

 

Thanks for your replies.
Anybody use ball and socket?

 

Junk...

Leak like hell....

Junk....

 

Not a fan of ball and sockets. They tend to work loose over time.

 

Band clamps here. Like the kind you see in Chevell-Guy's photo (post #10). Never going back to ball and socket or worse yet, three bolt flanges; V bands and such are just expensive, large, require welding to install and require exact alignment. Band clamps are easy to assemble, easy to take apart, never had a leak, can't blow out, gives more clearance under the car and actually allow a little offset if needed. I use nickel anti-seize on the outside of the pipe that slips into the other pipe for ease of disassembly. My car sees a lot of miles and street time too.

 

Just my opinion, I think those type connections are how/why the NHRA header tether mandate came about, I don't trust them.

 

Unless my muffler hangars fail completely, it's impossible for the exhaust to fall out (remember: street car). Even then, it'll take a herculean effort to separate them without loosening the band clamps. Sure, someone might forget to tighten them, but that could be said about many things. My dumps are held on the same way, and they've been there for years and thousands of miles. OEMs are now using band clamps in a lot of instances, and as mentioned above, big trucks have used them for years. I think you're missing out. Give them a shot.

 

Would a 3" collector reducer mounted backwards to header be a bad idea?
Should be able to slip it over the header and bolt to the exaust, right?