Anyone us V-band clamps in the intercooler piping system?

[EclipseGST]

Well back in May I put a GT42r on my Talon. Did a boost leak test and didnt find any leaks off the turbo. The car was running fine and pulling great, no signs of any leak at all. My log's still show 30+PSI and 65-67lbs/min and everything looks good but the turbo is very laggy compaired to what it use to be.

So last night I did another boost leak test and right off the compressor housing, the v-band clamp was leaking a lot of air. Major amounts to make it not even show any pressure on my boost gauge when trying to test for leaks.

My question is, does anyone else have problems with v-band clamps used for intercooler piping? Specifically used with GT40+ sized turbos using the same compressor housing.

I've also noticed that on Shep's 42r, he cut the v-band flange off the compressor housing.

Here is when he was mounting the turbo up...
http://www.dsmtimes.org/shepherd/Picture%20008.jpg
And here is the turbo piped and finished, he cut it off for some reason?
http://www.dsmtimes.org/shepherd/Picture%20091.jpg

I believe he probably did it due to the fact that he is running 55+PSI but I cant find anyone actually using a V-band on the intercooler system.

Here is mine, I just dont know if I want to take the compressor housing off and cut it up if I can find away to make the v-band work.


I ended up putting hi-temp RTV between the 2 flanges and clamped it back up, then tested the system again. I got it to hold 15psi just fine until the tester blows off. Its hard to find 5.75" T-bolt clamps so the worm clamp has a hard time holding the tester on the turbo. The RTV seems to be working as the turbo spools a lot better now, just wanted to see what other people are doing to get a good seal?

Thanks

[Goat Blower]

I'm guessing they won't hold pressure that well. They work fine on exhaust, but you're only seeing a few psi there with a good exhaust system. The big guys use Wiggens clamps for IC piping, but that stuff is mighty spendy. Plain old hose couplers and good quality clamps seem to be the way to go. And the retaining bar comes in handy if you're blowing them off.

[JET]

Yes, I would not use a Vband on the Ic piping. It is definately not made for that and won't hold the pressure. It only works on exhaust because there isn't really any pressure.

[intendedacceleration]

Off-topic, but holy hell that's a big turbo!

[JET]

I wonder if there is a gasket made that fits between the 2 flanges? Even an o-ring might do the trick.

[tpunx99GSX]

Kinda OT as well, but did you change the Radiator fans to the push type and put them on the other side or are you just running no fans and strictly track?

[EclipseGST]

No I kept the stock passenger side fan. Just wasnt installed during the picture.

Thanks guys, I'll have to check for a gasket or even make one myself and see if it helps. Might just have to cut the flange off and just use a coupler.

[EclipseGST]

I found 3 pictures of Sheps car from this weekend at a track. All 3 of them have a "normal" appearing V-band clamp and flanges. Definately isnt a wiggins clamp. At 50+psi, one would think that wouldnt hold... Seeing it works for him, they must be worth something. Maybe he uses a gasket or o-ring.

(Bottom right hand corner)
http://gota0have0boost.com/100_0661.JPG
(Again right bottom corner)
http://gota0have0boost.com/100_0630.JPG
(Middle right)
http://gota0have0boost.com/100_0633.JPG

Anyone know of a place that sells milk piping on the internet? I know of a place that sells V-band clamps up to 7" with o-rings for dairy farms but its a ways away, I'd rather just pick one up off the net.

[slowbubblecar]

Try a local hardware store to see if they have any o-rings that big. I bought one for my turbo from ACE before. It was much bigger than 3".

[EclipseGST]

I'd rather just get the right v-band flanges with the slot for the o-ring already there or I would be worried about squeezing the o-ring right out.

[JET]

The V-band should hold the o-ring in there. It would just need to be pretty big.