Slip-on vs flange-style header/sidepipe connections?

[Mike Braddock]

We're to the point of building a set of sidepipes for our EM and are curious to hear the pros and cons of each of these style header/sidepipe connections. I've heard that the slip-on connections are difficult to seal and still be able to remove down the road. I've also heard people say the rectangular bolt together flanges like to blow the gaskets out and leak. Can you tell me what style you have and what your experience has been with them? Thanks.

Since we're going to build our own headers anyway, we're also considering building a set that are one piece from the header flange to the end of the 4 into 1 collector, welding on a 3-1/2" flange and bolting the 'mufflers' onto that flange. This seems like the best way to ensure a seal, but I've only seen a handful of cars done this way. Oddly, an original CSX was one of them. Was this an option on the early cars? What do you guys think about this method? I think Don Gibson also had this style headers on his FFR two years ago at R&G; here's a picture showing his car with turnout bolted directly to the collectors:

http://www.kitcarillustrated.com/ima...unandgun26.jpg

Thanks again!

Mike