Welding Flowmaster Catback??

[KarmaKid]

I installed my American Thunder yesterday and it is loud...REAL LOUD. It almost sounds like its dumped after the mufflers. In the directions from Flowmaster, they recommend welding the "slip fittings". The slip fitting would be where the tailpipe slips into the muffler outlet. They give you some cheap "U" shaped clamps to bolt around the "slip fitting". Should I weld this so there are no leaks? Anyone have any input on this?

Thanks

 

[BennyBlown2v]

Weld the slip fitting NOT the clamp onto there lol.... Maybe you're just not used to the loudness of it?? put the car on some ramps and idle it, get under there and see if you can isolate a leak.

 

[trailblazr81]

Mine dont leak. I used the clamps and was gonna weld it but my drivers side tip doesnt line up right after switching from off road H pipe to stock mide pipe. I still need to smog every 2 years, So when I need to smog it I loosen the clamp and kick it into position.

 

[KarmaKid]

Weld the slip fitting NOT the clamp onto there lol.... Maybe you're just not used to the loudness of it?? put the car on some ramps and idle it, get under there and see if you can isolate a leak.

lol....yes, I know . I figured its either weld or clamps. I figure if I get it welded I will have no second guessing.

 

[Dragstr05]

I installed my American Thunder yesterday and it is loud...REAL LOUD. It almost sounds like its dumped after the mufflers. In the directions from Flowmaster, they recommend welding the "slip fittings". The slip fitting would be where the tailpipe slips into the muffler outlet. They give you some cheap "U" shaped clamps to bolt around the "slip fitting". Should I weld this so there are no leaks? Anyone have any input on this?

Thanks

You can try some band clamps. They were expensive, but the metal kinda crushes itself around the fitting. So you get a much better seal without welding.

 

[Mustang5L5]

The u-clamps they give you are kinda cheap. I broke one while tightening them.

I went to parts store and bought some that were much beefier

 

[twogts4us]

If it ain't leaking, I wouldn't bother messing with it. The benefit of NOT welding it is being able to easily remove and sell it when you get tired of it.

 

[Dusstbuster]

I had issues with mine where it would rub on the brake lines or the control arm. I thought I'd gotten it fairly well so I tightened it SUPER tight, then one day while I was driving I hit a bump and heard a huge clunk and then my exhaust note changed noticeably. Got out and checked and the frickin tailpipe was resting on my axle. I had to bring it in because no amount of me messing with it would help. They got it lined up and tac welded it in place...tacs busted last fall so I just crawled under and did some heavier duty welding. Should be easy to cut off if I need to but it should also stay put til that time comes. The rubbing was never fixed until I brought it in either.

 

[KarmaKid]

Well I don't plan on getting rid of the catback at any point as I love the sound of it. Maybe go from X to H pipe, but that's about it. I think I will check out a good welder and see what they will charge me. Worst case scenario I will find some wider beefier clamps.

Thanks all.