Head pipe ****** leak fix for good!!!

[Black Bart]

I have had issues with my sho's head pipe ****** where it attaches to the flex pipe. The two bolts are so far apart and with constant flexing, heating and cooling, the top and or bottom seems to always end up leaking a bit. I have even tried flattening it on a disk grinder and making sure with a straight edge, then flexing the ends back a bit so the center would have a little more pressure on it (this worked the longest).
Fed up, I went on line and bought a v band clamp (ebay) to weld in it's place. They are pretty straight forward once you see the clamp. They are used a lot on turbo applications and on close quarter connections.

You need to leave one side with the pipe extending a little bit through one side. This is so that the pipe will aid you in centering the ends. 1/8 of an inch is all that is needed.

 

[Black Bart]

cannot seem to post pics from my phone.

 

[Phoenix]

I have the same issue with my headers , tried everything and he V band is a great idea. I will have to try that.

 

[Black Bart]

lets try again with pictures

first is the old ******, it leaked on top

second is the ****** removed, cut from both sides.

Third is the v band clamp

 

[Black Bart]

first picture is an exploded view of the clamp so you can see the sides
second is a better view of what holds it together
third is the clamp all installed, no more leaks and when I want to remove it, it will be a simple 7/16 stainless nut to remove, then the whole thing comes apart.

These are such a great product I wish I had found them many years ago to use on headers and to connect tail pipes etc. IF you need to use them in a place that will try to twist it. You can after installing it, drill a hole between the two pieces through the open spaces in the clamp and slide a roll pin into it. This will keep it from turning.

Hope this is a help, I know many of the posts I have found in here have helped me and I wanted to return the favor

 

[Black Bart]

wow, first time I have posted an attachment, they are kind of small, not sure it the pictures help at all now that I see them.

 

[Phoenix]

The attachments here are re-sized and super small. You can always upload your sho pics on www.shospeed.com and link them here.

 

[Black Bart]

just an update. This has not loosened or leaked in a year since I fixed it. far better than the flat ****** with gasket that lasted about 6 months.

 

[Black Bart]

just an update on this repair. This is without a doubt, the best way to connect exhaust. It has been 4 years, no leak at the joint. I do however need to weld this joint onto another flex shaft because in that 4 years, it has started to leak. Got to love Maine winters.

 

[luigisho]

I can't see any pics here. Did you post them elsewhere? Great info to have stored somewhere

 

[Devin]

If you want, send me the pics and the I can host it on shopowered.com