Exhaust - clamped or welded?

About 2 years ago, I installed a URD Spec-U exhaust (in anticipation of future upgrades. )

As delivered, the system is clamped together.

Once I installed the system, and heat cycled it a few times, I tightened the clamps - as expected. About a year later, I checked the clamps, and all were fine. I noticed, however, some black carbon/soot on the exhaust pipe, right under the clamps. Apparently, over time, a very small amount of exhaust gases pass through the clamped connection.

The leaks are not a problem, but leads one to think - should I go back and weld the joints?

As is, if/when the time comes to replace a component of the system, the job is easy. Once welded, it is a very different story. But, when will have to change the muffler?

Any thoughts, suggestions, insight appreciated.

 

If they are not a problem..........

 

The black soot comes from the condensation in the exhaust and finds the path of least resistance out of all of the clamped pieces. If it doesn't bother you and you don't have any exhaust leak sounds I'd leave it as is for easier maintenance whenever the time comes.

Roost

 

Thanks. I figured it was something like that.

 

I agree with leave it bolt on. Also allows room for some movement. Who knows, you might upgrade to a @Roostfactor y-pipe someday.

 

Thanks. I appreciate the opinion. I think I will just leave it alone.

Oh, I will have more questions for you two when I install my S/C...

 

Check out the s/c thread. Warning, deep rabbit hole.

 

I've been reading it for a while now.

I figured I wouldn't post in that thread until I was ready to install the s/c. It is sitting in the box in the basement. Just waiting...

 

Feel free to chime in with questions. Very helpful dudes there. Think my coupler in my s/c went out just now. Guess I'm going to do some wrenching.

 

I installed the crank pulley, front intercooler, reservoir, inter cooler lines, and intercooler pump and harness (REMOVE FUSE) weeks before installing the blower.

You can do these projects in smaller chunks of time so the main blower install is less time consuming. I just taped up the open intercooler hoses to keep the system sealed.

 

That is a really good idea. One that I will be using...

 

Glad to help!