V-Bands in exhausts

[1I1]

Looking at remaking part of the Corollas exhaust and want to include a join - have two options to use a normal bolt together flange or go for a v-band.

Wondering how people have found them? The join will be about 3/4 of the way down the exhaust and there is probably going to be a bit of twisting force applied to it due to the exhaust layout

If going v-band, probably going with:
http://dsrturbo.com/exhaust/v-band/2.5.html

[Stott69]

Personaly I think they suck n leak. But that might just be me. they seem to be a pain on some of my joins, but the two forged ones on the W/gate are good.

[iOnic]

Can't go past them but you need good alignment. They'll leak if your pipes aren't aligned.
Most new trucks only run V band joins.

[Mr Ree]

I fcuken LOVES v bands.

Alot of the cheaper ones leak, because they are slightly untrue, but Mark, I would just do it, and spend the time to get it aligned just right so it does not leak. You will never look back.

Im seriously thinking about buying the option v-band inlet rear housing for the 6266. I need to decide before getting the manifold built for it, but it seems like a no brainer to me. 2 minute turbo removal, here we come

[wde_bdy]

Last exhaust I got made was just slip jointed, good amount of overlap and good clamps and no leaks.

Callum

[touge_ae101]

Yeah v bands are fine as long as it is all aligned properly and the two faces are parallel.. Generally most exhaust flange leaks are related to poorly aligned exhausts or not enough mounting points. If you're worried about leaks just add a few more mounting points

[evil_si]

I use a lot of v bands, and always face them after welding to ensure they are still flat,

[Stott69]

I use a lot of v bands, and always face them after welding to ensure they are still flat,

Could I ask how? Any special tools?

[Crucible]

alot of sealing problems Ive found are from how they are welded in to start with..

Generally if they are tacked then taken apart and welded in fully the heat will twist and move the bands off centre so they wont seal properly. I weld them in fully clamped then destress the pipe either side if the joint with gas/heat if i can to take any twisting stresses out of the joint, seem to seal ok that way.

[Crucible]

I use a lot of v bands, and always face them after welding to ensure they are still flat,

Could I ask how? Any special tools?

Sharp bastard or flat file.

As long as you take your time and keep the file flat on the work, I have gas cut turbo flanges in the past and dressed the surface up this way. Seal up fine.

[Bazda]

They are great to take ex on and off.
after welding they need to be linished flat.

Belt sander is what I use that has a flat table on it.

[evil_si]

Fu#k using a file
I use a bench mounted linisher as Barry said.

I've also seen guys use a cheap belt sander from Bunnings mounted in a vice with good results

[XSVWGN]

I love them. They make things easy as!!!

[Crucible]

Fu#k using a file

It does sound a bit sketchy I know, but is quite achieveable if you take your time and KEEP it flat, not swinging off it etc. More of a case of using what you have, not saying it's the best or quickest way.

Beltsander would be better...if you have one.

[evil_si]

Haha i was referring to how long it could take to file a stainless v band,

I dont use files anywere near as much as i use to / should

[Crucible]

I sorta guessed thats what you meant..

Yeah have to admit my files dont get much use, thank f#ck for carbide burrs.

[ch4ng]

Go for it! it turns any exhaust removal into a piece of cake and no having to deal with siezed bolts in tight places. I'll never go back.