T-Bolt Clamps....
#2
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I think for low-boost applications worm-type clamps are probably a safe bet if your pipe ends are rolled... and a lot cheaper. Good T-bolt clamps are about 2.50 each and available from dozens of eBay vendors and just about every turbo-parts vendor on the internet.
You might find an auction like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-2-5...35071514QQrdZ1
They're 2.50 each, but shipping is $5 which effectively doubles the price. However, each additional pair is .50 for shipping. How much do you have to order to get the price down to this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/16-T-...36658681QQrdZ1
With shipping, it works out to 3.75 each, which is what ATP charges... and I know a guy who can get you 10% off there.
As for the difference, I think the black rubber has more of a tendancy to tear when the edge of the clamp bites into it. I think good T-bolt clamps are less likely to tear your rubber or silicone than worm-types.
You might find an auction like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-2-5...35071514QQrdZ1
They're 2.50 each, but shipping is $5 which effectively doubles the price. However, each additional pair is .50 for shipping. How much do you have to order to get the price down to this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/16-T-...36658681QQrdZ1
With shipping, it works out to 3.75 each, which is what ATP charges... and I know a guy who can get you 10% off there.
As for the difference, I think the black rubber has more of a tendancy to tear when the edge of the clamp bites into it. I think good T-bolt clamps are less likely to tear your rubber or silicone than worm-types.
#3
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T-clamps won't tear into silicone or rubber at all, the way they are designed has no sharp edges. Blow-offs nearly impossible as they clamp down nearly x100 great than worm clamps.
Worm clamps also have the tendecy to break if you tighten them too much. And even at the tightest spot, they can barely hold together if there is no pipe bead.
Rubber and non-reinforced couplers are not recommended for boost. The have no heat resistance so they can warp/skew easily and they can only hold so much under boost before they balloon up. (one of my non-reinforced silicone couplers was very deformed after I replaced it).
I know it's an extra expense but I think it's well worth the upgraded hardware. I had major problems when using non-reinforced silicone and worm clamps, as soon as I upgraded both repectively I was worry free at higher boost levels.
Worm clamps also have the tendecy to break if you tighten them too much. And even at the tightest spot, they can barely hold together if there is no pipe bead.
Rubber and non-reinforced couplers are not recommended for boost. The have no heat resistance so they can warp/skew easily and they can only hold so much under boost before they balloon up. (one of my non-reinforced silicone couplers was very deformed after I replaced it).
I know it's an extra expense but I think it's well worth the upgraded hardware. I had major problems when using non-reinforced silicone and worm clamps, as soon as I upgraded both repectively I was worry free at higher boost levels.
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I like supporting forum guys... I didn't see them in rev2red's inventory, but ATP sells them. The guys at another forum I frequent swear by the dudes here: http://www.lsdmotorsports.com The website is very limited but they stock virtually everything turbo-related... just not listed on the site. They'll do 14 clamps for $45 shipped based on a post I have archived.
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That's a pretty good deal. I think I paid about $5 each for mine from them ![](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Here's a link to Vibrant Performances stuff. PM part numbers and I can see what I can do.
http://vibrantperformance.com/catalo...544787af68f4a2
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Here's a link to Vibrant Performances stuff. PM part numbers and I can see what I can do.
http://vibrantperformance.com/catalo...544787af68f4a2
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Yeah once you spend $10K with em the discount gets a little deeper than jobber. It should go up again once I hit $25k. I think I am around 13-14k now. I let Flipside use my account aloing with any of my close buddies doing builds so it helps move things along. Maybe I should have an ATP group buy next. Everything on the site at around 15-20% off!
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2 thinks I really think should not be skimped on when designing and installing a turbo setup are clamps/couplers and oil lines. These are the pieces that can leave you stuck on the side of the road, with and engine that crapped the bed because you lost all your oil, on fire because your oil feed line sprayed your turbo, or losing a race to a Honda Odyssey because you had a pipe come off or coupler blow out.
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Tru dat. In the dead space inside my spare I keep a plastic jug full of misc hoses, couplers, clamps, and hardware. Also a small plastic tackle box will fit in front of the spare. I filled mine with misc tools and a flashlight, all sourced from the dollar store.
2 thinks I really think should not be skimped on when designing and installing a turbo setup are clamps/couplers and oil lines. These are the pieces that can leave you stuck on the side of the road, with and engine that crapped the bed because you lost all your oil, on fire because your oil feed line sprayed your turbo, or losing a race to a Honda Odyssey because you had a pipe come off or coupler blow out.![eek5](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/eek5.gif)
![eek5](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/eek5.gif)
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That is true for the thinner stuff. I know on one 3" exhaust we built a 3" Tbolt worked perfectly to hold the slip fit muffler on. For boost tubes I am usually just using an 11mm deep well socket and a 1/4" drive ratchet. No gorilla wrench is gonna happen with that.