All Exhaust V-band clamps not created equal?

[67XR7]

Mods please move if need be. Felt this was the best section for this question.

I'm looking into having headers built or building my own there seems to be a ton of V-band flange/clamp manufactures. During some internet searches I have found a lot of stories of leaky flanges when buying too cheap.

I found these

http://youtu.be/mCGXG0p6ij8

They are about $30 a set for 3" SS two flanges and a clamp. I really like how they slip onto the pipe and have a locating flange on the inside.

Those who use v bands, what are you using and why?

Thanks

[rickpaw]

i use 2.5" Summit brand v-bands. Seems to be in decent quality. One thing I did not like was they use nylon lock nuts, instead of metal lock nuts.

[randy]

Originally Posted by rickpaw

i use 2.5" Summit brand v-bands. Seems to be in decent quality. One thing I did not like was they use nylon lock nuts, instead of metal lock nuts.

Im using summit v band clamps as well and they have a male and female side to help with the flange sealing tight. I used them on my exhaust tips so i could clock them correctly and also remove them. I think they are badass for the price

[Schwartz Perf]

Those are pretty cheap!

We use Vibrant ones, they have a similar locating lip.

-Dale

[MeanMike]

I also like the summit v-bands. They sell them with and without the machined in locating lip. I like them without the lip. You create the lip with the tube by hanging it through the first flange into the second. This seals better if done correctly. The tube should extend out of the first flange in the direction of flow. If that makes sense. That tube should heat up first and hottest and seal into the second flange. The other advantage is if you change things in the future, you aren't locked into a proprietary flange with special lip dimensions.

Also, the first thing I do with any v-band clamp is toss the stainless lock nut and put a regular zinc plated steel nut. Stainless nots on a stainless "bolt" is begging to gall up and ruin a clamp at the worst time.

[SlowProgress]

I really like the Burns clamps (I forget who they buy them from).
They have a machined version and rolled sheet metal. The machined have a nice lip to locate the parts and I think it makes things just a little easier.
The clamp part also has a snap-acting latch so you don't have to take the nut off all the way a really nice feature.



The Burns clamp has a nice quality slotted and silver plated nut that won't gall when hot. I work in Aerospace and there are a thousand different styles of clamps. The Burns clamp is pretty close to the quality we use on our aircraft valve installations. Of coarse the A/C stuff is stupid expensive!

Also, if you are really into weight savings the rolled sheet metal flange they sell is really nice. In aircraft we use metal seals to keep leaks to a minimum. If you really need a low leak joint you can machine a small groove in the flange for a metal seal. They are also quite expensive. If you want to try aircraft style flanges shop around for parts that meet AS1895 standard that will get you started.

Scott

[DB Z28]

We made our own with a V lip on. The tighter you tighten the band clamp the tighter the seal so they don.t leak.

[gray86hatch]

I have used race parts solutions alum, steel and stainless. Never had issues with leaks. On drag week they came a part twice a day. Even caught one on the trailer and it bent up all kinds of stuff but the v band was fine.


Tim

[SlowProgress]

Originally Posted by DB Z28

We made our own with a V lip on. The tighter you tighten the band clamp the tighter the seal so they don.t leak.

Those are really nice !