[petey]

So, got my 70 series Flowmaster today. So here's a question to all those who have swapped out thier mufflers. Did you get it welded on or did you clamp it on? I know that welding does a "better" job, but will be a pain if you ever have to change it out again. Clamping is a little easier,(and cost effective) but probably doesn't seal up quite as nice. Anyway, just wondering what the general concensus is.

 

[Waldorf]

mine was welded on! :wavey:

 

[Quiet Lunatic]

If you think you might want to change it back, then clamp it, if not weld it.

 

[Aaron]

:iagree:

It depends on what you envision happening to your exhaust system in the future. If you're on the road the whole time and are not anticipating any other major exhaust work, then weld that sucker. If you're not sure you are content with the muffler or will be in environments where serious damage to the muffler is likely, I'd suggest keeping it clamped. A good clamp job will not have a serious effect on performance. I have a good portion of my exhaust system on my Wrangler clamped for easy removal when I break it, and its held up amazingly well through some pretty good scrapes and busted exhaust hangers.

- Aaron

 

[NitroTech]

I agree with the other on clamping. One suggestion for the type of clamps that seal better and are way easier to remove later on are the band style clamps as opposed to the u-bolt style clamps. Band style clamps work really good, you can check they out at Jegs.com. Just search exhaust clamps. :smileup:

 

[HighVoltageNITRO]

I'll throw in my 2 cents. If you are doing the work yourself, use the clamps recommended by NitroTech. I have them on my Chevelle exhaust and they worked great. If you are having a muffler shop do it, just let them weld on the parts. I have already changed from a Flowmaster to a Magnaflow and both were welded on. Muffler shops don't charge any more to weld-or remove welds-than removing clamps. They do, however, charge for clamps! Welding rods are cheap.

 

[petey]

They do, however, charge for clamps! Welding rods are cheap.

Good point! I really don't anticipate any damage to the exhaust under "normal" use, so I am definately not opposed to having it welded on. I have seen those preformed clamps NitroTech. Those are what I had in mind if I choose to go that route, and if I can get them here at a decent cost. Damn brokerage fees...I assume.

Thanks everyone. Pretty soon, tall those .02c will add up!!!:chuckle:

 

[petey]

Well, got the 70 series Flowmaster installed yesterday. Welded it is. It is really quite quiet and if you weren't listening for anything, I doubt you would notice a difference. It is really quite stockish, but with way better flow. You would be hard pressed to notice a difference inside. Just perfect for my/our application. I am quite happy with the very little rumble(if you can call it that) that it does have now. Keep you posted on the performance. (CAI going in in a week or so, so that will help the #'s)

 

[KenCary]

The other thing to think about is that in time the pipes and clamps tend to sieze up and they have to be cut off with a torch anyway.

I would not sweat that you have it welded on.