Ok so I've done some reading off and on relating to this subject. Most of the information on this forum is about exhaust routing, aftermarket brands, exhaust leaks, repairs, etc. It's all good stuff but I have some specific questions about exhaust fabrication in terms of joints. I want to know (preferably from people who work on vehicles regularly or who have done exhaust work themselves) which is the preferred method for joining removable exhaust sections: v-band clamps or gasket flanges?
There's the question. Here's the "why". My 80 needs a new exhaust. It functions as-is but it's loud and it's a patchwork of OEM piping, aftermarket muffler, and some of my own hack-job repairs which were made in an effort to just keep everything working. Sometime in the next year I'd like to try building my own set up. OEM is a nice answer for most things and would certainly be of good quality - but as you all know, OEM exhaust components are way overpriced. Add to that the fact that factory routing isn't the best, the addition of a turbo (possible future mod) requires cutting a factory downpipe, and a few other off road considerations and you realize very quickly that taking out a second mortgage for an OEM exhaust makes no sense. So, if I'm gonna try my hand at building my own I want to do as much welding as possible OFF the truck - which means building sections that can then be joined just like any factory system. I like the idea of v-band clamps due to having no gaskets and seemingly easy installation. On the other hand, I wonder if having gaskets might provide a better seal and therefore less chance of leaks/issues.
Open to thoughts, comments, ideas and experiences.
There's the question. Here's the "why". My 80 needs a new exhaust. It functions as-is but it's loud and it's a patchwork of OEM piping, aftermarket muffler, and some of my own hack-job repairs which were made in an effort to just keep everything working. Sometime in the next year I'd like to try building my own set up. OEM is a nice answer for most things and would certainly be of good quality - but as you all know, OEM exhaust components are way overpriced. Add to that the fact that factory routing isn't the best, the addition of a turbo (possible future mod) requires cutting a factory downpipe, and a few other off road considerations and you realize very quickly that taking out a second mortgage for an OEM exhaust makes no sense. So, if I'm gonna try my hand at building my own I want to do as much welding as possible OFF the truck - which means building sections that can then be joined just like any factory system. I like the idea of v-band clamps due to having no gaskets and seemingly easy installation. On the other hand, I wonder if having gaskets might provide a better seal and therefore less chance of leaks/issues.
Open to thoughts, comments, ideas and experiences.