Guys I've been dealing with some exhaust leaks where my header collectors meet my exhaust pipes. I've tried tightening the slip on clamps several times and it seems to temporarily help the issue but after some driving the stink starts to make its way back inside of the car. I don't hear any exhaust leaks coming from the engine compartment when I open the hood so don't believe the issue is up top. I have tossed around the idea of having the pipes welded to the headers but have some reservations as to whether I should go down such a permanent road. I suppose in the event of a transmission failure and the need to remove it, the pipes could simply be cut and re-welded. I have seen some videos where some have had luck with the v-clamp style connectors (see below) and want to get your advice on them. The car does not have a catalytic converter and the fumes that fill the garage after a drive are becoming a real problem as well. I recently purchased a single high flow cat from magnaflow and am wanting to have it installed to see if it might help with some of those fumes. My question on the cat is about placement as my pipe crosses over behind the transmission oil pan instead of in front of it like the factory routed it (see blue area in second photo below). Would placing my cat that far back allow it to receive sufficient heat from the engine for it to be effective? Would I be wasting my money and possibly adding an additional restriction? Thanks for your opinions.

 

Looks like you could also use a better Y pipe instead of that T pipe.

 

I've had good luck with the V band clamps not leaking. Some have smaller diameter Tee bolts than others and different types of nuts. For instance I got two from I don't recall where, but they were nice. They had thick Tee bolts and an aluminum nut with slices on the top. It was a lock nut that looked a lot like a castle nut, nylock will melt. I have a few from somewhere else with quick release features and some others that have the thinner Tee bolts and stainless nuts, stainless on stainless will gall and break. Now I have had engines in and out, I've also the exhaust in and out for modifications. My clamps have seen a lot of removal and reinstallation resulting in me experiencing these issues. I have chased and cleaned threads, used anti seize, used a ratchet vs. power tool and still experience the Tee bolts snapping. I have a few extra so if one should fail I am not stuck. I am pleased with how the V band clamps have worked for me. Just like you my first concern was do they leak, never did I think about anything listed above.
It does not look like you have room for a cat and you are correct about it being kinda to far down stream.

 

Thanks for all your help, I’m not installing the cat after all and I’m really leaning towards welding the pipes to eliminate the possibility of leaks.

 

That sounds like the approach I would lean toward also Arnold.

 

Thanks bud!

 

The clamps work great. I just mentioned the issues I had so people could make a better choice when purchasing. Even the cheaper versions of these are quite pricey so if your gonna spend the money, get the good ones. I would never weld my or anyone else's exhaust pipes to the headers. I do not think that is a good idea at all, but that's my opinion.