Expansion/Slip Joint Same Fxn as Flex Joint?
 

1) Can a flex joint replace a slip/expansion joint?

2) Does the flex joint serve the same function as a slip joint (thermal expansion and flexibility (obvious))?

This:
http://lh3.ggpht.com/cjernigan/SAv_J...JPG?imgmax=576

Replaced w/ this:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/cjernigan/R_4yq...JPG?imgmax=720

I don't know. I'll be adding both to my next 2 setups. But not that style slip or flex.

I thought the reason for slip joints is that vendors can ship in smaller boxes as well as not having to take the churbo off when you need to remove the downpipe.

Flex joint will give more "flexability" can a slip joint. I can bend mine to a nearly 30* angle.

The cool thing about slips & flexes is that you don't have to worry as much about the cat end of the downpipe hitting things that don't move easily. There's a lot of slop in the head/manifold/turbo/downpipe flange interfaces (and motor mount/subframe) that a downpipe without either a slip or flex can fit great on one car and hit either the trans or trans tunnel on another car with the same setup & year.

And things shouldn't crack as easily. I normally wouldn't use them if I am building a kit on a car; but if someone is across the country it's harder to fix a crack and easier for fitment to whatever exhaust they may be running.

The slip joint also gives you thermal expansion room and a little wiggle room so there is slight flex. I have both, and don't even secure my slip joint with the long bolt.

But I agree I believe the main purpose is shipping benefits. Corky has posted about it here somewhere a year or two ago.

How the hell do you not have anything holding it together? Mine kept coming apart at autox. Now I have a coat hanger holding it in place.

I tack welded my bolt in place because it kept getting loose and rattling, and it was nearly impossible to tighten on the car. A really heavy motherfucker of a spring would be a solution.

oh you know what, maybe there is a tach weld now. i hit something on the street and it separated once, otherwise i hit them together and thermal expansion kept them from seperating.