What happened to flanged header collectors

[T.K.]

Many of the new header companies seem to be going to slip on instead of flanged header collectors. is this for better or worse?

[T_Raven]

Better in my opinion. No flange hanging down to scrape the ground, no gasket to worry about, and most headers I've seen with a flange had a lousy design that would bend too easy and never seal right. If I bought a set with flanges, I'd cut them off and make the exhaust slip over the collector

[parsonsj]

x2. Slip-on or ball flanges are better.

[BonzoHansen]

x2. Slip-on or ball flanges are better.

Yes. I see 3-bolt flanges and cringe.

my new American Racing Headers use slip fit

[T.K.]

Thanks. Trying to get caught up with tech after a decade of camels and hummers

[Anthony k]

I prefer V bands, cost more, but worth it

[parsonsj]

V-bands take away 1/2" to 3/4" of ground clearance over slip-fit or ball flange. I used to use them, but now I prefer slip-fit.

[Anthony k]

With a properly tucked exhaust its a non-issue.

My last car had 4" alum exhaust with v bands and NEVER touched anything.

And that ran under the rear axle

[parsonsj]

Sure. But V-bands take 1/2" to 3/4" of ground clearance, which is more than a 3 bolt flange takes.

[CFster]

Ball flange FTW.