72flatwindow

Hello Newbie here,

Just picked up a project 72 4-speed and was looking at adding side pipes. Can anyone recommend a middle of the road set of pipes that wont break the bank yet have a good sound?

Thank you.

resdoggie

Hooker. They're like any of the other side pipes available. Some need clearancing and some don't.

imariver

Doug's . . .
They were reasonably priced (Ceramic), went in without too much hassle, no alterations other than some minor notching at the rocker panel trim.
The inserts and the motor build, will determine how it sounds. I went with the middle of the road inserts and couldn't be happier with the sound. Full-flow will definitely bark loud, reverse flow is very quiet, but robs a little bit of horsepower.
73 L-48 automatic.

72flatwindow

Thank you for the info. Nice looking car.

Jerry

sakins.02vert

My 72 has Hooker super comp headers and sidepipes.. with shields to keep from getting leg burns.. For me and the kids..

You can decide what inserts you want..

I didn't install them but as I understand it all that needed to be cut was a little off the rockers.

Knerf

i have dougs with max flow inserts, sound good and look good and went in easy.

dont mind the mess i was doing carpet at the time.

Richard Daugird

I have heard good things about Billy Boat sidepipes, double wall construction so you don't get burned.

BBExhaust!

We do indeed have some insulated side pipes for the C3.
http://www.bbexhaust.com/shop/insula...er-mild-steel/
If it helps here's a coupon code "cf10off" for 10% off all retail online sales. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mike in sales directly at 623-581-7600 x18.

Mako72

Hookers here with the STS baffle inserts.

Richard Daugird

Glad to see you here Mike. Mike has spoke to me on the phone a couple times, good guy. I will be getting some myself in the future, I prefer to buy stuff made in the good ol' USA!

jersey68l36

On my 3rd set of Hooker side mounts, but owned my C3 for 44 yrs. The last set brought had a right side collector welded incorrectly. Problem has been corrected but if you go with the Hookers, check them out as soon as they arrive. Using Sweet Thunder 2 1/4 inch inside diameter inserts. When I brought them, 2 1/2 inch id was also available and glad I went with the smaller size. These inserts are not for the faint of heart, but by the same token, their low restriction and sound freaking great even with a mild cam.

AboveTheLogic

Doug's.

Can't beat the sound of sidepipes IMO

Aggitated Monkey

I have the Hooker copied Chinese made polished stainless side pipe headers with classic chamber exhaust with corvette chambered inserts. They fit very easy and well with a dimple required (very common) on a tube at the steering box and another at the idler.


My memory of exact brand escapes me however same as OBX some one here may recall what the brand was as it was common on eBay just as OBX.


I wrapped my inserts with a fiberglass blanket and then wrapped over with header tape before installing. Reduced the danger of someone being burned on the side pipe.

Richard Daugird

I hate to buy Chinese, but I was considering it when they were only $800. Now they are $1600-$1800, I'll spend a bit more and get USA made, thank you very much.

mad pad house

I went with OBX $800-$900 on e-bay. I have had them for the last four years no problems.

Aggitated Monkey

You asked. Gave you my experience. If you want shiney pipes go with polished stainless. Chrome and painted as you find in hooker or other brands is not highly quality chrome and will not last long as they pit, rust and scratch. If you want black no problems. You just need to take them off every few years to refinish. I tend to think porcelain finish is long lasting.

Richard Daugird

Billy Boat makes his from stainless, double walled as well.

rays699

I have xs-power ss side pipes with sts on my 69 bb 3 years [ATTACH][/ATTACH]

72flatwindow

Thank you all for the great info. Great resource for someone new to the Corvette world.

Scottd

Summit cheapo's. Takes a little retro engineering but cost less than 300 bucks.