Congratulations on your install and I'm glad to hear you are happy with your STILLEN exhaust.
In regards to the slip joints, we actually do this for a couple of reasons.
1) These slip joints allow for easy adjustment during the installation process. Even though these cars are built in large part by robots we find that there are a differences from car to car. We've actually seen some cars where the hangers are off from the factory and even the factory exhaust tips don't line up. By utilizing these slip joints were able to gain a more precise fitment.
2) Thermal expansion- All of our parts are designed to be used and used hard. We know that a large number of our customers will find themselves exercising their gals on the race track. During a 30 minute track session that exhaust will expand A LOT. If we did not have those joints on there the chances of cracking welds is much greater. We have seen some customers weld our exhausts and the thermal expansion has cracked the cross braces, hangers, or even muffler to pipe connections.
If you would like to swap out the clamps to a stainless steel band clamp that is definitely an option, however I strongly recommend you do not weld the exhaust.
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