[cobra2000]

By welding up those jouints you will may cause cracks in other area's of the headers. The reson for the slip joint is to let movement accure.Becuase the side pipes are welded and bolted to the fram and the headers are bolted to the block and welding the joints, the system would become solid. Betwen vibration and the tork role of the engine something would have to give. Use a good amount of high heat silicone in the joints it should help with blow by. John Shell Valley East