3" to 3" band clamps ???

[Just 1 More]

Looking for opinions and real world experience on connecting a 3" collector to a 3" exhaust pipe. This will be for my new Hooker BlackHeart BH13181 long tube headers to my existing 3" pipes.
Would these be the way to go? What brand would be best, Hooker, Pypes, Walker, or (insert brand name here) ???


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/08/50222276061_4dd2dc20c3_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2jvYhXp)41173hkr_011921 (https://flic.kr/p/2jvYhXp) by F G (https://www.flickr.com/photos/153250783@N04/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/08/50222507677_75cfa54e9a_k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2jvZtNM)bh13181_0119242 (https://flic.kr/p/2jvZtNM) by F G (https://www.flickr.com/photos/153250783@N04/), on Flickr

[anguilla1980]

I have those on my exhaust and they leak like a sieve. I can see carbon getting past them onto the exhaust.

My next system I'll be going all V-band clamps.

[Just 1 More]

I have those on my exhaust and they leak like a sieve. I can see carbon getting past them onto the exhaust.

My next system I'll be going all V-band clamps.

Thanks, That's what I was afraid of.. even though Hooker shows them using the band clams, I wasn't sure how they would seal.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/08/50221879543_7453ac0bbe_h-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2jvWg5T)BH13182_16 (https://flic.kr/p/2jvWg5T) by F G (https://www.flickr.com/photos/153250783@N04/), on Flickr

[cdrod]

My Hooker headers have 2-1/2" collectors so I welded on some Walker ball flanges onto the collectors: PN41723 & 41726 they're only $10 ea, $20 for a set of four. Unfortunately, Walker doesn't make 3" ball flanges, but Flowmaster does; PN15930 for a 3" to 3" and 15925 for a 3" to 2-1/2" reducer set if your exhaust piping is 2-1/2". The bad news is they're much more expensive than the Walker parts; $120 for a set (2 flanges & 2 balls). Here's a pic of the Walker parts.

Rodney

178567

[XLexusTech]

they seal fine if used correctly.. correctly = clean surface, two pipes are Square to one another and you use a wee bit of sealant..
that said I use V clamps on my car.. but would and have used these.. for lower end builds..

[Toddoky]

You need to be careful and qualify the responses you get as many users confuse the clamps you are asking about with generic coupler clamps they’ve used in the past that look similar on their exterior, but do not have the internal interlock sleeve feature inside them like the Hooker Blackheart couplers do. I have used both and there is a big difference between them in their ability to prevent leaks.

[Just 1 More]

You need to be careful and qualify the responses you get as many users confuse the clamps you are asking about with generic coupler clamps they’ve used in the past that look similar on their exterior, but do not have the internal interlock sleeve feature inside them like the Hooker Blackheart couplers do. I have used both and there is a big difference between them in their ability to prevent leaks.

I was wondering about the quality of most of the ones I see on line.. once again, i'm taking your advice and ordered a set of Hooker 41173HKR clamps

[Toddoky]

I was wondering about the quality of most of the ones I see on line.. once again, i'm taking your advice and ordered a set of Hooker 41173HKR clamps Here's a couple more images that better depict what the differences are between the two clamps. Notice the interlock sleeve inside the Hooker Blackheart coupler that prevents a leak path and compare that to the common generic coupler that has no such inner sleeve. The generic clamp will create a guaranteed leak path. 178580178581

[Just 1 More]

Here's a couple more images that better depict what the differences are between the two clamps. Notice the interlock sleeve inside the Hooker Blackheart coupler that prevents a leak path and compare that to the common generic coupler that has no such inner sleeve. The generic clamp will create a guaranteed leak path. 178580178581


Pretty cool, Thanks

[79 Camaro]

I've used the "standard" 3" band clamp many times with good success over the years. Then I found the "stepped" 3" band clamps that are designed for a expanded exhaust tube. Half of the clamp fits over the 3" tube and the other half is slightly larger to fit over the expanded tube. So the first piece of exhaust tubing connected to the header is expanded just enough to slip over the header. Then use the stepped 3" clamp. Always expand the down stream exhaust tube so the up stream slides inside. Much less chance of a leak.
Today I do it a bit differently. Same thoughts on the upstream tube fitting into the expanded down stream tube but today I use the narrow (1 1/4"wide?) band clamps that are used on new car and trucks. I cut a half dozen 1" long cuts in the expanded down stream tube so the clamp can really clamp down. As said above a little muffler cement helps. Still easy to take apart if needed.

[TANKMASTERJ]

We use the stepped style on 18 wheeler applications as well as heavy equipment applications and they are great. I have yet to use them on a hotrod but will be this go around

[Lonnies Performance]

Put a bead of Permatex Ultra Copper silicone on the pipe connection before installing the clamp.

Tighten & wipe off the excess, then let dry for a few hours before running.
Works great & does not burn off.