I used JB Weld to join the two pieces and it seems very solid. I have not run it yet because I want the stuff to cure completely before I introduce that kind of heat and vibration to it. And yes, I have the silicone exhaust deflectors that slip on the actual exhaust pipe that extends from the muffler and clamps with a wire tie, but this muffler had no pipe to slip it on. That is what I am putting in it now but the pipe that I am using will be directed down and away from the fuselage and slightly rearward so that the deflector may not be necessary.