To weld or not to weld?
07-20-2009, 05:16 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 21
To weld or not to weld?
My Pypes catted x-pipe system came with the clamps and all. I had my guy at meinieke put em up there, he asked me if I wanted to weld or not, and I told him I had the clamps the system came with.. Dont know if I am happy with the sound? Almost sounds like a small leak where a clamp is at the first bend by the cats and some air is getting out. Would welding where the clamps are now be better? Anyone have this issue? So I ask, weld or not? Thanks to all!
07-20-2009, 08:00 PM
#4
5th Gear Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 2,388
Installation using those pypes clamps can be very tricky to not leak, but it can be done. if there is a leak, some pipe sealer or O2-friendly high-temp silicone (like copper rtv) can be used to seal up the joints.
Welding is ok if you wont be removing it in peices, and are OK with removing the entire assembly as needed, even if the cats ever need replacing.
Tack welding won't prevent leaks, but full welding, if done right, will.
Some of the ends of the peices are made so they squeeze together, and welding those would likely take a little more time from the shop, but it can be done.
Welding is ok if you wont be removing it in peices, and are OK with removing the entire assembly as needed, even if the cats ever need replacing.
Tack welding won't prevent leaks, but full welding, if done right, will.
Some of the ends of the peices are made so they squeeze together, and welding those would likely take a little more time from the shop, but it can be done.
07-22-2009, 06:15 AM
#6
6th Gear Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Southeast Virginia
Posts: 6,409
I had mine tack welded because of the lack of craftsmanship from the Pypes clamps. I used the Ford clamp on one and the crappy Pypes on the other. One day I was crossing an intersection when I heard a scrapping noise and knew exactly what it was. I immediately pulled over and looked under my car. The mid pipe had come apart from the x pipe. My husband came with a coat hanger to hold it together until I could get to my car to the shop. The shop guy tack welded the pipe with the cheap Pypes clamp. That was summer of '07 and since I have not had any problems.
Here's a couple of pictures I took back then with my cell phone. Pypes clamp is the one on the left (shiney one). You can see the tack welding. Sorry for the quality;
Here's a couple of pictures I took back then with my cell phone. Pypes clamp is the one on the left (shiney one). You can see the tack welding. Sorry for the quality;
