What's new
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

V band kits

85 Jimmy

85 Jimmy

Sheepdog
 Premium
Joined
Dec 31, 2005
Posts
2,239
Reaction score
465
Location
Gulfcoast
I have an exhaust leak at the collector on my headers and am tired of replacing collector gaskets. I'm going to do what FRIZZLEFRY did and replace the collector with v bands.
Here's my issue, my collectors are 3" and my exhaust is 2.5" with a reducer inbetween. I can't find a v band kit that goes from 3" down to 2.5". Does anyone know if that even exist, or will I have to get a 3" kit and a 2.5" kit with a seperate reducer?
 
Can't you just weld a reducer to the exhaust 2.5 and just put one v clamp in?
 
That should work, haha.
I don't know why I'm looking all over for a kit that reduces it for me.
 
Seems like the most simple solution to me.


Although I have just been using aluminum gaskets on my collectors and with locknuts they stay pretty tight
 
I've tried the copper gaskets, aluminum gasket, and the really thick paper gaskets and all of them have failed on me over time.
 
I don't think I have ever seen a v band reducer. Summit makes a ball conversion for header collector
 
Are you using a locking bolt such as those offered by Stage 8?
I'd say fairly confidently that under normal conditions almost every blown header collector gasket is the result of bolts loosening up.
I blew out a few sets then switched to Stage 8 locking bolts and I've NEVER had a problem since.
Put new gaskets in and warmed it up. Let it cool all the way down and tightened. Repeat until they won't tighten anymore then install the retaining clips.

V-Band clamps are great and if a guy was reworking his whole exhaust or installing all new it's a fantastic option but if you're already done I'd try locking bolts first.
 
weld on collector, slip-fit pipe... by FAR the best collector setup you can run... makes everything else look stoooopid...
 
ryoken said:
weld on collector, slip-fit pipe... by FAR the best collector setup you can run... makes everything else look stoooopid...
Click to expand...

Example? Ive had nothing but good luck with ball and sockets and would highly recommend them. V bands are great, dont get me wrong. Every split in the exhaust of my street truck is ebay vbands. But when you're not fabbing from scratch getting 2 existing pipes to match perfectly flat can be difficult. Plus the ball and sockets give you some angle to play with right out of the gate.
 
ryoken said:
weld on collector, slip-fit pipe... by FAR the best collector setup you can run... makes everything else look stoooopid...
Click to expand...

Can you show me an example? I don't think I'm familiar with a slip fit pipe over a collector.
 
Stomis said:
Example? Ive had nothing but good luck with ball and sockets and would highly recommend them. V bands are great, dont get me wrong. Every split in the exhaust of my street truck is ebay vbands. But when you're not fabbing from scratch getting 2 existing pipes to match perfectly flat can be difficult. Plus the ball and sockets give you some angle to play with right out of the gate.
Click to expand...

Eventually I'll do the whole exhaust, after I go with a doubler.
When I change my collector I'm going to change headers. My current ones, that have Ben on for years, hit the shackles. I'm surprised they don't have holes rubbed in them yet.
 
Avery4jc said:
Are you using a locking bolt such as those offered by Stage 8?
I'd say fairly confidently that under normal conditions almost every blown header collector gasket is the result of bolts loosening up.
I blew out a few sets then switched to Stage 8 locking bolts and I've NEVER had a problem since.
Put new gaskets in and warmed it up. Let it cool all the way down and tightened. Repeat until they won't tighten anymore then install the retaining clips.

V-Band clamps are great and if a guy was reworking his whole exhaust or installing all new it's a fantastic option but if you're already done I'd try locking bolts first.
Click to expand...

No, I'm just using regular nuts and bolts, and im positive that them becoming loose is what is blowing out my gaskets.
 
One way I found to make header collector gaskets last a lot longer,was to insert a piece of pipe that fits tight inside the collector,and into the exhaust pipe if possible..that acts as a sleeve and flame barrier--if the hot gases are forced to flow out towards the muffler instead of allowed to eat away at the gaskets they'll last a lot longer..
 
Stomis said:
Example? Ive had nothing but good luck with ball and sockets and would highly recommend them. V bands are great, dont get me wrong. Every split in the exhaust of my street truck is ebay vbands. But when you're not fabbing from scratch getting 2 existing pipes to match perfectly flat can be difficult. Plus the ball and sockets give you some angle to play with right out of the gate.
Click to expand...

I know everyone is giddy over ball/socket.. no comparison... it's slipfit, like every other joint on exhaust, mufflers, etc.. pretty freakin bulletproof...

i'll find some links tonight to collectors... you cut off the whole collector, weld a new one on... instead of the 3-bolt end, you now have a straight pipe that the next slips over.. than a standard clamp, or band if someone wants...

I ran it on my chevelle...
 
Like this?

47F76E33-831B-45F9-8FE1-D89B2DB844BC_zpslxpd1gsf.jpg
 
that's one way to do it.. and the more common, but a bit more difficult.... an easier way is you can also just buy a reducer collector, where you basically cut off the flange for the 3 bolt, than weld the reducer on... it's basically like a 3" to 2.5" reducer, etc..

really it's like cutting the 3 bolt joint out and straight welding the collector to the header.. you can also get longer and more tapered ones which is supposed to help with torque.. i'll look around tonight...
 
I never seem to have any luck with typical exhaust clamps as it is... Thats why I always use the ball and socket and Vbands.
 
if the pipes fit right, the clamps really don't do much...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom