Is there a better way to attach side-pipes?

[facultyofmusic]

(searched for existing threads on this but couldn't find much. If you know one please let me know)

So the "factory" way to attach side pipes is to use the provided hex-socket-head-cap-bolts and deformed nuts. Every time I've had to attach/detach the pipes I wished there was a better way to do it because it was such a PITA. So my question is, has anyone thought of a better way? Are there other kinds of nuts / bolts that make this process easier? Anyone tried welding nuts / bolts to the side pipes? Any other ideas?

[i.e.427]

The wave nuts are one time use. If you are installing them and removing them over and over during the build process, use standard 3/8" bolts and regular hex nuts. Once you're ready to install them for the last time, install the SS bolts and wave nuts.

[Nigel Allen]

I use standard nuts and cone washers. No issues in 10,000km, although Coyote doesn't vibrate or wriggle about.

[rich grsc]

Use brass nuts with the provided hex-socket bolts. Been using them for years, never had a corrosion issue or ever had one loosen.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Rich beat me to it…just one of the many things we’ve learned in over 40 years of doing this stuff ;) I’ll even go one more and recommend using the deep brass nuts.

174952



https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/dorman-help-brass-hex-nut-3-8-16-in.-680-104cd/11712231-p?product_channel=local&store=6015&adtype=pla&product_channel=local&store_code=6015&gbraid=0AAAAAD05GhXr4xMNY931ivi1BOWZa2qAa&gbraid=0AAAAAD05GhXr4xMNY931ivi1BOWZa2qAa&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6YbDuaKw-wIV9wWtBh1G6AnYEAQYAiABEgIhN_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

The beauty of them is that they won’t loosen when you don’t want them to but since rust and corrosion aren’t an issue they will come loose when you DO want them to.

Jeff

[rich grsc]

I used to have steel nuts, but not any longer..
oh damn did I say that out-loud?:rolleyes:

[GTBradley]

Man! 80 bucks for a set of side pipe nuts? They must be really good.

[toadster]

Man! 80 bucks for a set of side pipe nuts? They must be really good.

way cheaper if you shop around :)

Dorman 680-104 Brass Hex Nut - 3/8-16 In. Compatible with Select Chevrolet Models, 25 Pack (https://amzn.to/3EBH2dv) $26

[rich grsc]

Man! 80 bucks for a set of side pipe nuts? They must be really good.
That's obviously for a packet. McMaster Carr has them, $12 for ten

[GTBradley]

It's not obvious, I guess they forgot to put the pack quantity in there on the Advance site. Thanks for the lead, I'll buy the McMaster Carr ones.

[Jeff Kleiner]

way cheaper if you shop around :)

Or....you can walk into the grungiest, darkest, dirtiest old school muffler shop in town and talk to the cigar chomping guy with the name patch on his shirt that says "Al". He'll give you a handfull and say "five bucks" just to get rid of ya' so he can get back to work. How do I know this? Because I've been that guy (except for the "Al"). :D :D :D

Jeff

[rich grsc]

Hey bubba, got any brass nuts..;)

[GTBradley]

All I know is, it'll be cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey here tomorrow night.

[toadster]

All I know is, it'll be cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey here tomorrow night.

LOL, OK, that's it... I found the end of the Internet...

174983

[GoDadGo]

I learned something new after viewing this thread.
Great tip that I wish I would have learned sooner.
Thanks All!

[GTBradley]

LOL, OK, that's it... I found the end of the Internet...

174983

Well, if you hadn't skipped to the end you would have seen that a brass monkey is a triangular brass tray for holding stacked cannon balls. In extreme cold the tray contracts so much that the balls fall off.

I saw some big balls in Scotland:
174984

I called Advance Auto and they confirmed that the 680-104CD part is indeed a pack of six. Take the CD off and you get the individual part.

Also, I didn't see the same part on McMaster Carr. None of the ones I saw there were the same depth 0.628" / ⅝"

[rich grsc]

McMaster Carr lists them a wide nuts.

[boat737]

I used ARP 12 point stainless bolts. The 12 point head makes it a bit easier to get a socket/endwrench/torque-extender on for removal/assembly. For the nuts, I got some brass coupling nuts, and cut them in half to make a deep nut.