T-Bolt Clamps

[Dusty_Duster]

I currently have worm-gear clamps on my charge piping. A couple months ago one of the worm gear clamps failed (it was extremely old). I replaced it with another worm gear clamp and it's been fine ever since.

I was talking to some friends that have forced induction setups, and they all use T-bolt clamps, which are quite a bit more expensive than worm-gear ones but allegedly hold together better.

I run 12 psi of boost. Should I bother with replacing all my clamps with T-bolts, or are worm gears adequate for my application? I'm not planning on turning the boost up anytime soon.

[anonymous_user]

T-bolt clamps are superior. But, if it ain't broke, dont fix it!!

[detobias]

there are other alternatives too; many auto parts places will carry various styles, for 3-8$ each... I use these:

http://www.breezeclamps.com/ct.htm

these are nice too

http://www.idealclamps.com/catalog/c...?BID=27&ID=161

[SUPER60omni]

12psi is ok for regular clamps, but T-bolts never fail. I need them on my car.

[BLASINTEBO]

I've used worm gear clamps up to 16 psi... but I doubled up on them. I have t bolt clamps now, and have not experienced a failure.

[Lebaronguy2001]

+1, i had worm gear clamps on my car at 14 psi, kept blowing one off that came off a slightly sharp bend in the piping. i tried cranking it down but stripped it out...then i got t-bolt ones, no problems whatsoever....

[Pauly No Van]

14 psi on worm gaer style, no slippage. I flare out the tubing, and if I have to re-tighten the clamps, I squeeze the clamp housings back together before re-installing. When I go over stock 2 bar I will invest in t-bolts.

[turbo minivan]

my worm gears never blew off till around 20 psi. T-clamps will hold almost any psi! =)

[Dusty_Duster]

Thanks for the replies. I'll keep using my worm gear clamps until they blow again or I up the boost. (Or until I find a really good deal on some T-bolts.)

[turbo minivan]

if you get pipes blowing off, weld a bit of a lip on the joint thats popping off. mine would blow off for a long time even with T-clamps untill i got enough enitiative to weld a lip on the one piece that was doing it. that and T-clamps, ive never had a problem since.

[BLASINTEBO]

T bolt clamps are good because they don't damage the couplers. With worm gear clamps there is a possibility you can damage your couplers if you tighten them down too tight... this is why you don't ever want to use worm gear clamps on the fuel lines.