Side Pipe Install Issues
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,003
Likes: 100
From: Phoenix AZ
Side Pipe Install Issues
OK, so I either have a problem with my car (Don't think so) or these pipes are way out of whack. Still have not heard back from the manufacturer, so I'm not going to name them at this time. But these sidepipes do not fit, not even close. Any comments?
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,879
Likes: 21
From: Bradenton Florida
Charlie
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 13,860
Likes: 1,870
From: Birmingham Mi
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Winder GA.
I was told a couple years ago when I ordered my side pipes that there is just one manufacturer (same with new bumpers) of the things, so naming them (if you know) should not be a problem. I suspect you meant the vendor?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,003
Likes: 100
From: Phoenix AZ
I know of at least 3 side pipe manufacturers: Allens stainless, Stainless works and M.C. Productions (Sweet Thunder). These are Allens Pipes, and it sounds like they are going to get me new pipes, still waiting to hear back.
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Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,367
Likes: 59
From: FL
Looks like they really screwed that one up. I thought they used a jig to check these. Obviously, their jig doesn't check that area.
Post the manufacturer. Save everyone else the hassle, because the manufacturer should have checked before it was shipped. It isn't like it is the first aftermarekt sidepipe ever sold.
Post the manufacturer. Save everyone else the hassle, because the manufacturer should have checked before it was shipped. It isn't like it is the first aftermarekt sidepipe ever sold.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,113
Likes: 4
I have sidepipes and a steering dampner-no problem with install while the dampner was in place and no interference afterwards. I bought my pipes from sweet-thunder. The owner, Mike, is a great guy.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,003
Likes: 100
From: Phoenix AZ
Looks like they really screwed that one up. I thought they used a jig to check these. Obviously, their jig doesn't check that area.
Post the manufacturer. Save everyone else the hassle, because the manufacturer should have checked before it was shipped. It isn't like it is the first aftermarekt sidepipe ever sold.
Post the manufacturer. Save everyone else the hassle, because the manufacturer should have checked before it was shipped. It isn't like it is the first aftermarekt sidepipe ever sold.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Miramar, FL
I had the same problem with the same side pipe vendor. The original side pipes cleared the steering damper, the new ones did not. I removed the damper. I drive my '65 daily (Interstate speeds as well as in town) and have not seen a noticeable difference. Besides, I know a lot of midyears did not come with the damper.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,693
Likes: 3,683
From: Central Arkansas
They are Allens pipes. They are supposed to make me a new driver side pipe. I also have some minor issues (tight against the frame, rear hanger too far forward with the mounting bolt misaligned, chrome tip is slightly canted down) with the passenger side pipe that they are bascially telling me to do some "shop" mods to make them fit better. Not happy.
Dan
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,128
Likes: 4
From: Upland Ca
I had Allen's make me a set of SS head pipes for my original side pipes and have the same issue. I will have to take them to a shop and have them bent to fit. Some thing must be wrong with there jig to have so many fitment issues.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,003
Likes: 100
From: Phoenix AZ
Well, it seems like a trend. Wish I would have known this before I bought Allens pipes, I may have to eat these- very frustrating!!!
Last edited by Dicecal; Jan 26, 2007 at 10:49 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Installed Allen's sidepipes myself. Right side fit perfect. Left side needed
1-3/16th" taken out of the straight run from manifold side bend, outward. (Pipes hit insulator on inside of shield)
Used stainless band clamp as a "fix" till I got my TIG welder and made a permanent fix. Filler rod was carbon steel. Aluminized must be a coating, as base metal is carbon steel. Other than that I think Allen's was a good vendor, and they make a SWEET sounding sidepipe!!!
1-3/16th" taken out of the straight run from manifold side bend, outward. (Pipes hit insulator on inside of shield)
Used stainless band clamp as a "fix" till I got my TIG welder and made a permanent fix. Filler rod was carbon steel. Aluminized must be a coating, as base metal is carbon steel. Other than that I think Allen's was a good vendor, and they make a SWEET sounding sidepipe!!!
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 170
Likes: 2
From: East Fremantle Western Australia
I'd endorse the Sweet Thunder GNM's any day of the week - bought my first set about 6yrs ago - perfect, and Mike's a top bloke - very professional. They only produce the full length pipe (header to tip) in OEM spec - the larger diameter sets (eg the GNM's) you need to fab your own section from the header to the baffle/chambered section. Just bought another set for my 427/435 (insurance spare for later when the OEM's corrode :-)) Best Regards, Gary (Perth, Australia)