mild steel begi downpipe welding question
 

So my begi shanghai kit dp came as two pieces and a steel band to join them together. After months of driving around and stuff, I would notice that the dp would jiggle apart and produced a fat exhaust leak from engine vibrations. The steel band simply didn't do its job. SO the question is: would it be safe to weld the two pieces together into an one-piece dp? The only concern I see is the flex pipe and flange wouldn't be able to go through the engine bay if I decided to remove the dp for any reason.

Yep, that's really the only thing: it will be really tough to remove/reinstall. Otherwise should be fine, and I'm going to do the same with mine: the stupid clamp doesn't hold worth a crap.

right!? :facepalm:
I wonder if anyone else has the same problem.... would like additional feedback before I make into a single piece.

turnbuckle

or this. Believe it or not, this actually worked.
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1392080368

I've been thinking about this subject for a week now. maybe I should weld v-band flanges? It would still be 2 pieces for removal ease. the turn buckle thing seems cool too haha

(Says the dipshit with an non-turbo Miata)

Run of the mill clamps to reinforce the original part?

Muffler Clamps : Muffler Mall, Performance Muffler, Universal Muffler, Stainless Steel Mufflers, Exhaust Tips

Seems like the cheap/easy/ghetto/effective way, which is pretty much what I go for.

V-bands would be cool, but honestly wouldn't some 3 bolt flange work fine for something that you will hopefully seldom have to mess with?

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/vp...FRSFfgodlSgAxg
this is the kind of clamp BEGI provided.^ I had high hopes when I used it but it simply sucks. I rather just either weld into one piece, or have a sealing clamp like a v-band. appreciate the suggestion though. :)

after fiddling around, it seems that the dp is going to be two pieces. it was impossible to take out just the flex pipe and flange through the engine bay.

Just spot weld it.

I had no issues with mine having absolutely nothing holding it together but the swag.

Gads, where have I been for years?

Are all these clamps suddenly failing?

I had considered this thing the world's greatest pipe clamp.

Re-education is a tough process, but give me a try.

corky

Bad design for something rather crucial. There is no fail safe and its not a good design for the application. Because of the high heat and vibration.

my solution.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1392588588

coupled together with a just snugged jet nut and bolt

Also, added a clamp for the bottom half to the bell housing in case the tabs fail the pipe wont drop

LOOKS GOOD! will try in the new future

My artech piece has to go in from the top before the manifold or turbo. Something to keep in mind when welding it together. One of the other solutions above might be a better idea if taking it out often.