If you are an experienced welder, have the tools, and are putting your exhaust on a high-performance vehicle, you might choose to permanently weld the exhaust pipe since you will need to weld V-band clamps anyway. However, the exhaust clamp will work better for most people, especially once the exhaust system is in place because it will be difficult to weld around the pipe. The exhaust system rarely requires complete replacement. It is much more common and less expensive to replace sections of pipe, meaning 90% of the work done to it will happen with the exhaust system in place.
Welding provides you with a stronger bond than a clamp can and will last the pipe’s lifetime. The downside of welding is that you need specialized skills and tools. If you do not have the tools, you will need professional assistance. Another problem is that it is not hard to weld before you attach it, but if you must repair a broken exhaust, it is much more difficult.
What is an Exhaust Clamp?
Exhaust clamps are specialized for holding two pipes together under extreme heat. Lesser clamps can stretch and corrode more easily with high heat, so you will want to use one of these three kinds of clamps to keep your muffler pipes tight and free of noise, and they are band, U-bolt, or V-band clamps.
There are multiple types of clamps:
- Band clamp
- U-bolt clamp
- V-band clamp
- T-Bolt clamp
What are the Different Types of Exhaust Clamps?
Band Clamp
A band clamp is considered to be the most useful type of exhaust clamp. It can be either a flat metal strap or ring-shaped. In terms of usability and sizes, the band clamp offers the most versatility among all other types.
There are usually two types: Aluminum and Stainless Steel.
U-bolt Clamp
A U-bolt clamp is the most commonly used exhaust clamp among the users. A lot of factory exhaust systems and aftermarket exhaust systems use this type of clamp.
You can adjust this clamp to various sizes of pipes. One of the drawbacks of this clamp is, you will be troubled when you will try to pull apart the exhaust parts later.
V-band Clamp
A V-band clamp is the most expensive type of clamp and mostly used by the high-end car owners for their turbo exhaust systems. That is why it is also called a ‘turbo clamp.’
This type of clamp consists of two interlocking rings that you will weld to the pipe. Then the outer ring is put on those two rings to let them stay together and make an excellent leak-free seal. You can join a lot of pipes together using Marmon Flares and Marmon Flanges with a V-Band Clamp.
T-Bolt Clamp
A T-Bolt clamp is the type of clamp that is used for Air-Intake applications. It can also be called a T-Bar clamp.
It is a lightweight clamp that comes slightly larger than the size that it advertised as, so it can slip over the rubber hoses to secure the air intake pipe to the hoses.
Selecting the Right Exhaust Clamp for The Job
Exhaust clamps come in a variety of styles, designed to be used in conjunction with different types of pipe connections. Twenty years ago, automotive service shops could often settle on a single, standard-duty exhaust clamp as a one-size-fits-all solution; however, newer exhaust systems have rendered this practice dated and ineffective. Treating all exhaust clamps as interchangeable can lead to safety concerns and other issues. Using the wrong style of clamp on modern vehicles can impact things like:
- Seal ability – The wrong clamp can create a loose exhaust seal, resulting in poor fuel economy, high emissions and – in some cases – the release of dangerous exhaust fumes into the cabin.
- Durability – Some clamps provide longer service life than others and using the wrong one can easily turn a muffler into a road hazard.
- Serviceability – Clamps designed to be removable allow vehicle components near the muffler to be serviced without damaging the vehicle’s exhaust system.
Choosing the Right Exhaust Clamp
Companies do offer a variety of exhaust clamps for different applications to suit the needs of classic cars and today’s vehicles. Manufactured from premium steel, these clamps are available in multiple varieties of saddle, band, and wire ring clamps. Selecting the correct clamp style is critical for achieving desired levels of seal ability, durability, and serviceability. Use the following chart to help you pick the right clamp.
Finally on Exhaust Clamps
When choosing your clamp, the U-bolt is the most common and is what most automotive companies use. They are the easiest to apply and the type we recommend. The downside to these clamps is they tend to rust badly because of the nooks and crannies in their design, so they may be hard to remove and may even need replacing.
You have many options available to you, but if you are looking for the cheapest way that does not require any experience or special tools, the U-bolt clamp is your best bet, followed by V-band clamps that would allow you to replace sections of pipe as needed. Also, do not forget to read our post on exhaust pipe sizing so you select the correct pipes for your classic car.
Hey! I just wanna thank you for showcasing the importance of finding exhaust clamps that are durable and can be serviced without any problem. I believe it’s about time I give my car a total upgrade inside out this summer. With that being said, let me reach out to an auto repair shop sometime later.