brent319

I faced the same decision. Sidepipes are cool. I also like the idea of straight pipes with a cutout. That would be fun. It was a toss up. My wife really wanted side pipes, so all things being equal, make her happy.
I like side pipes, especially on earlier c3s. They look right to me. They also look right on Shelby cobras. Other then that I can't think of a car that looks good with them.

Ibanez540r

Kind of funny... I'm a big fan of sidepipes, and 99.9% of the time recommend them, but your car... I don't know... I almost agree with a comment above how the black rockers accent the wheels and something about the modern look almost goes better without the pipes. I'm surprisingly leaning towards NO. Did that help?

johnnyjaws

no pipes

vette_20

well suprise suprise my wife goes with the side pipes
shocked the hell out of me but she says it sets it off

DennisGreen

I really appreciate all the feed back but ...it's still a tough decision. It really looks like everyone is kinda split on this subject too Well, I have the pipes and will see when it comes out of paint what it looks like. I guess it's still a tough enough decision I'll have to put them on and see. I may be selling a set of new Hooker Headers soon tho

Happy Father's Day guys

MuzkGuy

'69 was the only year of the C3 to do factory side pipes. But if you love the look, go for it no matter what year. Personally, I think side pipes on this body style look a little "TTH", and interfere with the lines of the shark.

Commodore

If the pipes actually started through the body like they do on a 427 Cobra they wouldn't look so 'added on' but the bottom of the doors going down to the rocker panel makes that tucked in side pipe look impossible.
To my eye the C-3's attractive Coke bottle body shape starts to look out of proportion when stuff happens near or under the rocker panels. That rumbling exhaust right below your ear is a hoot. I used to love setting off all the car alarms in enclosed parking garages after a couple of quick revs with my old 427 Cobra . With a bit of dinking around you can achieve pretty much the same sound behind you. Matters little, do what brings you the most pleasure - especially in those indoor parking garages RB

vettebuyer6369

I had a tough choice with this too. I decided against the sides on my black '69 restoration for the above reason, but after I had the car awhile and I saw the stock pipes on black 69 cars I thought they looked great. Another issue was that even though I had new exhaust, the mufflers in the back looked 100% better removed and with a correct clean rear valance when the pipes went on.

And I will say, the car gets so much more attention in traffic, comments, thumbs up, etc now. I felt like the car was invisible before. Maybe the noise gets people's attention, but this is better.

donyue

If I were to decide then I would say go with the pipes.

My car already has tru-duals installed by the previous owner so pipes will be the last upgrade I do, if at all.

From what has been posted and advised they add to the appearance and possibly remove some heat from the interior, but they only offer nominal performance increases if at all compared to tru-duals.

1969Turbo-Fire

I say.. pipes always

but you have to change wheels.....

dahogan

Read this a few days back and still cant decide....but pipes do sound great

Doug Kraft

The sidepipes are great when your sitting at a stoplight and a ricer pulls up next to you with a stereo playing really loud. Alittle pressure on the right foot and you get to hear the sound of a well tuned motor instead of the alternative.

BDoc

Lose those wheels before you do anything, lol

DennisGreen

BDoc.......I love those wheels. I have replaced the black inserts with chrome ones since I decided to paint the car Black. And I have pulled the rocker panels off and I'm having them polished.

Why do you say "Lose those wheels"?

DennisGreen

OK someone suggested I post a picture of it when it's painted black.


Also someone else suggested early on in this thread that the only cars he thought the side pipes look good on were the Cobra and these Vettes. I thought about it and .....I agree.....I remember seeing an awesome black Cobra with a white race strip and side pipes. It was very kool and so.....Thank You......I've decided that my car would look best with side pipes too.... mainly because it is black and has a titanium race strip so it needs the side pipes.

Thanks Guys for all the comments ....it does help to talk it out sometimes.

vettebuyer6369

Does it really say "Stingray" backwards on the pipe?

Vetteman Jack

Provided you have the clearance, I think the side pipes would look good on the car.

Goin70

I'm facing the same dilemma on my 1970 restomod build. After looking at tons of side pipe photos on C3's, I've decided they just don't look right with the C3 body style. You end up with an unsightly strip of fasteners just above the side pipe, if you use the classic 1969 style pipes. And, I really don't like other aftermarket side pipe styles.

The body shape was designed for a sleek indentation between the wheels and I think side pipes just look like they're hung on there and don't fit right. Keep it sleek ... and save your ears and burns on your ankles. Go with under car exhaust, but do it so it's up and out of the way as much as possible. I'm even going to eliminate the spare tire carrier and elevate mufflers, so it allows the rear end suspension setup to show more.

Whatever you do, though, do it to make yourself happy and be proud of your creation!

Summerfun

Damn.....
Amazing what a color change can do!!

That looks really really cool in black in contrast to the white that had me think twice about it.

That black color suits the wheels and side exhaust perfectly

vettebuyer6369

I understand both views, but I like how they look in person. Everyone is different- Id never take out the carrier and want to hide the suspension!