Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Pros and Cons of Clamping vs. Welding Exhaust

[PRyker]

I have a Banks Monster Exhaust and have decided that I want to remove the muffler. Yes, I know that it sounds good with muffler on... But I want more noise. Well, I have found a muffler elimination kit and I am ready to install. After close inspection it does appear that the muffler has been welded on at each end.



How strong are these welds? Will I need a shop to remove the muffler for me? And when putting the new pipe in can I just clamp it rather than welding it??



What are the pros and cons of welding vs. clamping?



Thanks



Phil

 

[y-knot]

long ago the main way exhaust shops installed exhaust systems was to weld them in place. This was great then, the shops could claim they do better work, and they save on not purchasing all the clamps. But that was when the only solution was a 3/8 U-bolt clamp. Most of your newer, better exhaust come with what they call Band-Clamps. These are about 4" wide and are made of stainless steel. They use a thin,flexible piece of stainless, and install two bosses, one on each end. The clamp bolts together with two ss 1/2" bolts, and does a great job of holding the pipes together, and not allowing any leaks. The up-side to this, is you can very easily take the exhaust system apart, just like you want to do now. I just use alittle never-siez on the parts that meet and clamp them down. I have taken my exhaust apart 4 times since it was installed last year. Every time has been to do some sort of service or add on, and every time the pipes simply pulled apart and went back with out worry. I see more and more manufacturers switching to the band clamps, they work better and the end users, me and you, demand them. Of coarse your bottom line exhaust systems still use the old U-bolt clamps, but those guys that buy that type of system buy for the cheap price, so they don't care.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

I used to have like 5 clamps on my system... now I've just got two on the flex pipe.



welding the other connections cut down on my resonance considerably.



Forrest

 

[PRyker]

well, I am going to clamp on my eliminator pipe then... now the questions is... How do I get the welded on muffler off without destroying the pipe at either end so I can still install the elimination pipe.



Thanks



Phil

 

[Guest]

Kick a** with a sawzall and them huck in the pipe and clamp.....

 

[PRyker]

Well. .



I gave in! Took it to a exhaust place here in Maryland. I chose the place wisely. Looked for one that does motorhome and large truck exhausts. I took it in and told the guy I wanted him to loosen the muffler from the welds so I could remove it when I wanted to work on the truck. I used Brooks Muffler and exhaust on rt 40 if anyone is interested.



Guys smiles at me and says "You wanna straight pipe it dont ya?". Now, keep in mind that this is a Maryland inspection station so the guy is careful to how he deals with me. I tell him "truthfully, yes. I am a middle aged guy having a mid-life crisis and want to hot rod my diesel pickup to re-live my younger years. " He squints, rubs his neck a bit and moans. He looks at me and then the truck. Then says OK... normally I would not do this but fine.



3 hours later I have the truck back. He attached the straight pipe in such a way that I can re-attach the muffler if I want to. Great guy! I will do business there again if I ever have to.



So now... I am straight piped. and all I can say is wow... I thought it would drone... be louder and all that. No drone, not that much louder than the Banks and it sounds sooooo good.



just my experience.



Thanks



Phil

 

[y-knot]

I hope your not going to use that rotten excuse for a eliminator pipe from Genos? Look at that thing, it has some of the worst bends I have ever seen, talk about restrictive.

 

[PRyker]

Yknot,



Well, I have a 4" exhaust so I ordered a 36" stainless pipe from DPP that is the exact right size to eliminate the Banks muffler. No bends or anything.



rotten excuse? I am confused?



Phil

 

[mmclaughlin]

For those that are still running a stock exhaust, is there a better option out there for a muffler elimination kit then the one from Geno's? Thinking about giving it a try to see if I would like a mufflerless truck before I drop some big bucks on a ss 4" system.