How to use an Exhaust clamp properly.....

Stupid question coming up.

Okay, I have a clearance issue and a band type exhaust clamp as opposed to a u-bolt type clamp will fix the problem.

How does a band type clamp work. Does it slide over both pipes evenly or does it fit flush on end of the larger pipe.

A band clamp to ajoin two identical size pipes together, just fits over both pipes evenly covering the cut section of the pipe.....and then there's a "stepped" band clamp that has a slightly swelled side to it that fits on the larger side of a pipe bottoming out flush (like what you'd use on a slip fit header collector)......by the way if you don't have the band clamps yet(stepped or regular) NAPA has the really good wide heavy duty stainless steel ones....they tighten to around 75 ft pounds and hold pretty good....Joe

A band clamp to ajoin two identical size pipes together, just fits over both pipes evenly covering the cut section of the pipe.....and then there's a "stepped" band clamp that has a slightly swelled side to it that fits on the larger side of a pipe bottoming out flush (like what you'd use on a slip fit header collector)

The clamp I have is not stepped, therefore I assume it cant be used to join two non-identical pipes together.

The Borla cat-backs come with band clamps and their pipes are slip fit. Is the Borla clamp different?

The clamp I have is not stepped, therefore I assume it cant be used to join two non-identical pipes together.

The Borla cat-backs come with band clamps and their pipes are slip fit. Is the Borla clamp different?
Yes, like Joe said above, you need stepped band clamps for slip fit and non-stepped/flat band clams for pipes that are butted together...

So much for that.
Guess I will have to order a stepped or find some other lower profile clamp locally, that will be hard find.

Do you have a NAPA in your area like I mentioned?......all the ones near me have just about every size(stepped and regular) available

I got mine at my local speed shop...

:cool: Jegs has them :eek: Both stepped and regular.

My Magnaflow came with flat band clamps to secure the slip-joint connection. The reason being that the larger pipe has slits cut into them, leaving a little room for deformation. Regardless, forget the clamps - they suck. They are hardly reliable and it's nearly impossible to get a perfect seal with them. Do yourself a favor and find a local shop that will weld it for $30. Good luck with whatever you decide.

throw the clamp away and weld it.

throw the clamp away and weld it.
Dumb idea if you ever want to work on your car...

Dumb idea if you ever want to work on your car...

Uh huh, I have had to tweak on my Borla from time to time cause things tend to rattle near the upper pan hard brace. Plus when I switch from bullet muffler to cat I need to loosen a clamp.