Franks73

Planning to put headers and side pipes on a 73 w/ 383 stroker. What fits well? What mufflers? Do you like them on the hightway? Thanks for your input Vette fans!

DUB

All I can advise is that you really research this out. Before you go with it. There are several reasons. Not stating that you do not already know this...but just in case.

1.) Make sure that who ever you buy headers from..the flange plate is as thick as possible so this will give the headers strength when mounted to the cylinder heads. You get what you pay for.

2.) Spark plug wire routing may change..along with the ends that attach to the spark plugs and you might want to invest in the "socks" that protect the end of the wires from the heat from the tubes.

3.) Very good gaskets should be used and some of the "trick" header bolts would be wise so that get locked into place when tightened.

4.) You might also want to drive your car for a while before you do this and take infra-red temp readings on the frame, fuel lines and starter, floorboards, etc. If the car still has factory cast manifolds...you might be surprised on how much hotter things can get from the headers...even those that have a heat coating on them. Just a thought.

I have several customers who have them on their Corvettes...and they love them. I personally would not have anything but a factory style of side exhaust with the covers so my wife would not burn her leg getting out of the car....but that is just me.

DUB

diehrd

Keep in mind the noise is now below your ear , so that will have an effect and if you baffle it down to accommodate noise your choking off the motor.

Look at vendor sale section , XS Power has a set , also look at the XS Power stainless headers in case you decide to go full exhaust.

jman1

I have the stock 69 sidepipes on my 77.... I love them.. have from the first day... ordering at the drive thru isn't much fun though

bluegtp

Here's this to keep in mind if you go with obx pipes. I have yet to hear from obx on this issue. Th store I purchased them from (super saver accessories) will not refund or stand behind their product.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...oing-this.html

That being said.....I have classic chambered inserts. I like them. Good sound and loud at wot.

vetteguy75

From one Louisianaian to another...LOOKING AND SOUNDING GOOD!!!

pltmgr

A PO installed Hooker Header chrome side pipes on my 68 BB. Very happy with the look and sound. Burning bare legs is an issue. I have factory style side pipes on my 66 SB.
In my opinion, side pipes do not enhance the highway driving experience, but I'm at the point where I don't think I'd own a C2 or C3 without side pipes.

capevettes

I have factory side exhaust on both my 69 and 65 convertibles. To me it is absolute music, even on a trip. Both have factory exhaust manifolds. They will be louder with headers. You need to go for a ride with someone who has them and make up your mind. Everybody's ear and tolerance level is different. The factory covers eliminate the issue of burned legs.

Sayfoo

I bought a used set of chrome Hookers. Chrome was pretty bad so I got them cheap. I sandblasted them and painted them with high temp flat black paint. They did need a little tweeking to fit well. I have the max flow inserts and I love them. The flat black is real easy to touch up if needed.

commander_47

i did the same thing. Used Hooker long tube headers. I also cleaned, scuffed and painted them black.

i purchased new Hooker chrome turn outs with the baffles.

I then put on powder coated heat shields. They look really good with the 4 inch chrome tips. They sound great and you can talk and hear stereo at highway speeds.

Only minor drawback is sometimes the fumes blow in when stopped or at a light with the windows down.

langg

I installed Hooker Super Comps with the silver ceramic coating from Jet Hot. Fit was great, no dings required. I also added stainless covers. They really do prevent burns. The Sweet Thunder inserts make me want to coast through some residential areas. Wouldn't go back to under car.

langg

Franks73

Thanks for all the good advice and thoughts guys!

rays699

I installed xs power ss headers + side pipes with sts in them , on a 69 bb vette, looks + sound great !!!

Amelio

I absolutely love the pipes on my car....they have always been there and honestly I think the car would look funny if they weren't. It has 1 7/8" primaries and one set of race baffles in the pipes.....so needless to say she is noisy. I don't think I could drive long periods of time with it....I have done a car show that was an hour away and it just about gives you a headache ...LOL!

But I did not build it to be a driver....its a car show hopper around town and then I beat on it at the track.......Its loud in your face and I love it!

1977L48

mine were already installed when i purchased my vette, i thought i would hate them, but i love them! so much room under the car, and i put the vettepack inserts in mine and they dont get nearly as hot as the reverse flow ones did, the new inserts were one of the best mods ive done to the car, next to the TKO 500

Dream Theater Fan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaoM0...ature=youtu.be

here is one on the road
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBWfy...ature=youtu.be

454, hooker headers with sweet thunder inserts
love the sound, not bad on the highway with the 5 speed trans