While searching for these I read a review on a similar product (different exhaust port size) that gave it a low rating because the outer race was not welded to the reducer. - Oh, it shouldn't be. The flat surface of the adapter mates with the gasket, not the outer retaining ring. Only welding is required to attach the reducer to the exhaust pipe. The included screws and spacers are more than adequate for street use and light off-road use. I recommend them to anyone who needs to connect a 3" flanged elbow with 3 bolts to a 2.5" exhaust system.