Hello, I have a 64 327/300 4sp coupe, Daytona blue blue vinyl, no power option, pretty standard car, I really don't know how many miles are on it? Runs drives steers stops beautifully, It has original paint, but of coarse it needs paint, no hit body, bumpers are knock offs, spare tire assembly tub and tools are there but oem parts hear and there from e-bay.It was gone when I got the car. The interior is nice, the seats have been redone, the radio sent off a few years ago and floor mats, those are the only things to my knowledge that have be replaced or fixed, as far as the engine and drivetrain go, all tune-up things and filters, the water pump, alternator, fuel pump have been changed, valve cover are wrong (65 I think). exhuast has been changed from cross member back, all brake lines and brakes and shock have been replaced, 1st owner sold it in 68 with 17k miles, the second owner had the car from 68 to 2008, then it went through a flippers hands then me. Car has no documentation other than the second owner shared lost of pics and even wrote something up for me, great guy

I have looked at many pics and cars over the year before I bought this one, I have a 69,67 Camaro 68 impala, and a couple others, all original paint, I am really big on the original paint. And cars that have not been taken apart, no offense to those that have, we all like different things?
Any way after buying the car it has not really done much for me appearance wise on the outside, something is missing from what I pictured in my head and what is in the garage and that would be side pipes,
I bought everything needed to put side pipes on, jacked it up done the hey honey hold this end up of the side pipe cover so I can see what it looks like and bingo that's what I want.

The question is how big of a mistake to put the pipes on the car, It has been on jack stands a couple of weeks and can not come to start installation.
I have had one guy that considers himself a mid-year fan had told me "don't put side pipes on that car" so? I don't want to sell it, then buy a side pipe car because I love this car a lot, I doubt I will find another original paint car in my price range, this car is me.

Sorry for the long post and describing everything about the car but I would like to get the correct feedback, I know there is nothing special about my car other than it has been well cared for. As I said really like the car, but I really want side pipes, and I can not stand the way it sounds (allens off-road)
Thanks in advance, I been around cars a while, but first C2, still learning every day from site,
Lane

 

It's YOUR car - do what you like.

No offence intended, but as you stated, while it is a nice car (and I love the color) there is nothing especially rare or unique about it that would be damaged, lost, or devalued by the addition of side pipes.

The only caveat I would add is that if you wanted to show it or have it judged - say for a survivor category - you might want to do so before adding the side pipes.

Otherwise, have at it!

 

Its your car, do with it what you want....be prepared to take some ridicule from the purists...

 

If you want side pipes, then install and enjoy them. I helped a friend install side pipes on his '64 about 17 yrs ago and they actually helped him get more for the car when he sold it.

 

First question have you ever rode or drove a coupe with side pipes. While they look great sound great idling in your driveway and going though the gears they can be atrocious on the open road.

 

"MY" personal opinion/taste, the problem is your wheels/tires. Too classy, you need mags, it'll look sportier and can be changed without a trace. $0.02

 

My Favorite saying....and it's true.

Here's the other side of the install.

Stock factory side pipes are restrictive to exhaust as compared to under car stock.

Internal Diameter of the stock side pipes are from what I remember 1 7/8"
Diameter. Supposedly....there is a HP lose as compared to under car 2 1/2" size.

You will also have to trim the lower body or cut away some glass for the side pipe to exit out side which will not show and is only a small section.

All side pipe components cost big $$ if you buy stock.

Noise level with stock is slightly louder to louder and can be a PITA on long trips. I where ear plugs with the windows down.

Forget about hearing your radio .....

Now on the performance side.....you can get Sweet thunder over sized pipes which are 2 1/2 " or the Give no Mercy Version which are 3'' pipes.

However the 3 " runs up against the side cover which gets hot as hell.

The noise level is 50% louder then the stock pipe.

You also can check out Allen's Side pipes.. which are not as aggressive as the sweet Thunder brand.

http://www.allencorvetteexhaustsystems.com/

I have the allen's and they are loud also...I had Sweet Thunder but could not handle the snapping sound they made and sold then to a friend of mine who has them on his BB 454 Midyaer..

Any way...it's your choice to do or not to due . I would suggest you wait for more posts on this subject and do your research before you convert as you have a Sweet ride as it sit's.

Very nice Vette

 

If I were to do something with regards to converting from rear to side pipes, take a look at the posting from SS409:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...r-exhaust.html

After doing this modification, you have both versions in one car!

Irwin

 

Install them!!

 

love the red lines and KOs install the side pipes for sure you will have to blank off rear holes or get new panels ,The seats are interchangeable you should be able to rotate them for even wear.

 

Don't install them!

 

Another vote for putting on the sidepipes!

 

I'll vote for the side pipes.

Bob D.

 

I also vote of NOT adding them.

 

Your car IS special, no one has F'd it up yet. DO NOT put side pipes on it. It will devalue the car, you will have to hack up the fiberglass, which if you have a no hit body, would make me cry.

Cars that are original are a dying breed. I love seeing them and the historical aspect of GM in its heyday. Yes, its your car, FOR NOW! But someone else will eventually enjoy it.

If you owned a 1900's Victorian house, you shouldn't tear it down just to put up the spanish style of your dreams....because its your house.

You seem to have the means, so find a buy a sidepipe car. Or better yet, buy a basket case body and put whatever options you want on it.

 

My 2cents worth...

If you want the look of the sidepipes then go for it. Of course they are "wrong" for a '64 but that is up to you.

I had a SB '65 with sidepipes and I'll concur with what has been said - those things are LOUD. At idle and low speeds maybe tolerable, but on the highway at steady speed the noise does get annoying -a low, droning sound that can get on one's nerves after a while. You'll also have quite a hard time carrying on a conversation in the car, nor will you be able to enjoy the tunes on your radio (if that's your thing). The sound proofing on these cars isn't that good.

I suggest you try to get a ride in a coupe with sidepipes to make up your own mind.

 

I kinda Agree here..If it's a Survivor and original ...hacking it up would make me sad also. But then again... It's your car...Do what you want.

But look around....as stated above..not many original no hit body cars around as their use to be. Just My $.02 worth.

 

You have a great looking car. That's my favorite color for a '64. That being said I am by no means a purist. I understand the argument for they are only original once. On the other hand you used words like "bingo" that's what I want and how big of a "mistake" would it be to put on the side pipes.
I think the only mistake would be not doing what you want.

 

Stock side pipes add noise but little if any performance, so it's really only about looks and sound. They are a handicap in slalom or gymkhana competition as they tend to blow cones over!

Paint looks fine from 20 feet now, expert touch-up and blend-in might make it VERY presentable and keep the appreciating value factor of original paint.

My '64 is a full custom with every body panel except the doors modified during my 49 years of ownership. It's YOUR car, do what you like!

 

You love everything about YOUR car except the exhaust and YOU want side pipes. The answer is real easy - put side pipes on it!!!

Terry