Hello folks,
I took the plunge during the labor day weekend sale and purchase LCEs street header, cat, and pro flow 2.25" exhaust system. Install was a breeze, couldn't even believe that the header fit in there, the thing is a beautiful piece of work:



Torqued all flange connections to 32ft/lbs and all U-Bolt slipfit clamps to 20ft/lbs, at which point the brackets are deforming heavily. I was shooting for 30ft/lbs but they're not really gaining torque as I tighten the nuts because the brackets are bending/weakening.

Unfortunately 4 of these slipfit connections are leaking. This is my first time dealing with the slipfit/ubolt connections, and they seem like something that you'd want to weld, but I hesitant to ruin the immaculate ceramic coating.

I'd love the input of anyone with experience with these slip fit connections. I'd rather not weld them.

Let me know,
Thanks!
-Jackson

 

You are going to want to get the wider band stable clamps. I had the same issue with my Thorley headers on the 3.0. Since I put the longer band clamps on, no more leak. I agree, that is a beautiful set of pipes! The clamp you're going to want looks like this:

 

Yeah, that looks like it would do it. Do you use copper RTV with a clamp like this?

 

I've never use sealant on either a band clamp or a slip fit.

Also - in front of the 02 sensor - some sealants can screw up the 02 sensor

 

did you call up lce and ask 'em why it's leaking? see what they say.

 

I don't have any o2 sensors, so that's not a concern of mine. I did talk to LCE, they admitted that people occasionally have problems with getting a complete seal on the slip fits. They offered me store credit for whatever I end up purchasing to fix the leaks and are interested in the results of the band clamp over the slip fits.

I think I'm going to try them out with some copper RTV and report back.

LCE is hands down one of the best businesses I've ever worked with. The quality of their products is matched only by the comprehensiveness of their customer service.

 

I wouldn't put any kind of sealant on or in or under the clamps. Dry would be best.

 

Why do you think dry?

 

Whenever I've seen stuff like that with silicone or sealer (even high temp), it gets hard and crumbles away. Then that leaves a gap or channel for the air to start escaping again.

I would start off dry or if you really want wrap the edge of the slip pipe where the clamp goes with a single layer of header wrap then clamp over that. I've done that on a few extreme leak occasions and it works out if done right.

 

Awesome, thanks! I'll give it a shot dry first.

 

Hey guys I’m new to the yota scene I have a 93 toyota with LCE headers and LCE Pro flow exhaust. Every time I step on the gas it seems like there’s a hissing noise like air is escaping. Anyone mind helping me diagnose the problem or is it just something that is normal for the exhaust thanks !

 

What motor? I've had the lower back bolt (closest to the firewall) back out of my 22re twice now.

 

When I first got my 22re 4runner, it was missing that lower back bolt as well, and I've heard of others having it back out. Seems common.

 

Headers are loud. Not out of the exhaust pipe. Sure you are hearing something weird? Video it.

 

It’s a 22re long block but the hissing sound is coming from right behind the cab

 

My only gripe is the header paint starts to peel off within months.