V Band Clamps - Griff 500 serpentine exhaust Y piece

[Pete Mac]

The thread on one of the V Band Clamps for the exhaust header Y piece on my serpentine Griff 500 stripped when I was replacing the exhaust manifold gasket. While I am at it I am planning to replace both clamps. The price for a new TVR item SO161 is extortionate, the cheapest I have seen is £25 plus delivery per clamp.

I have done some investigation and you can get some very nice stainless steel V Band Clamps for less than half the price of the TVR items - I like the price but I particularly like the fact that they are stainless steel. The attached advert for the TVR item says that SO161 tightens from 125mm to 115mm, however I am not sure whether that refers to dimension AA or dimension BB (see attached sketch)

I am getting some excellent help from Dan from RND Motorsport. The 4.0” clamp RND stock measures 120mm at BB dimension. Dan thinks the required size is probably a 4.25” clamp but he is currently out of stock of that particular size. Is anybody able to confirm the dimensions for AA and BB for me? I am currently in Kazakhstan and can't walk outside with a pair of calipers and measure up myself, although I would like to get them ordered so I can fit them on my return.

Obviously if I can establish the V Band Clamp size and get hold of some then I will pass on info on sizes and suppliers for those of you who may require the same.

Edited by Pete Mac on Wednesday 23 October 18:07

[Loubaruch]

A quick measurement with digital calipers gives the pipe OD (AA) as 104mm
and an estimated BB of 121mm

As this was measured on the car BB could be a few mm out either way.

[Pete Mac]

Loubaruch said:

A quick measurement with digital calipers gives the pipe OD (AA) as 104mm
and an estimated BB of 121mm

As this was measured on the car BB could be a few mm out either way.

Thanks Paul, it sounds like it could actually be a 4" clamp. I will post the outcome of this for anybody interested in purchasing new clamps.

[Pete Mac]

In the end I bought 2 x stainless V Band Clamps from RND Motorsport at £14.50 each including delivery and VAT. I dealt with a guy called Dan Robbo and at the end of the day we went for the 4" clamps from the measurements given above. Dan has agreed to change to larger size if necessary. RND were helpful but a bit frustrating as they didn't give out a phone number so a quick enquiry ends up being a series of e-mails.

I can't fit these until I return to UK on the 8th November but I will keep you posted (for those who are interested) as to whether or not the bands are 4" or 4.25" or even 4.5". Meanwhile I think stainless steel looks the bcks over the standard items.