When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I’m not sure how 2-1/2” core sidepipes that so many of us now run, could be any more restrictive than the longer, under-car pipes with reverse flow mufflers and 2” outlets. Comparing 2-1/2” core pipes (oe especially 3”) to the original GM sidepipes is pretty much an apples to oranges comparison. But they are loud.
From a purely aesthetic perspective, no question that side pipes look amazing, but do the negatives associated with "HEAT" outweigh the positive? Has technology not advanced far enough where we can get "insulated" side pipes?
- MGTunon, Future C2 Owner (I'm already ready already!)
I have factory sidepipes and covers and I have laid my bare legs on them after driving and they are just warm not hot. There is absolutely no burn at all.
I have all the factory insulation, which is fiberglass between the covers and the exhaust pipe.
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10, '14-'15
Originally Posted by 66427-450
Factory/Walker pipes, ~ 50 hp on a 427 at hi 6000-6500 RPMs has long been stated, of course a lot less at lower RPMs, where you’re moving less air/exhaust. But remember most of the aftermarket pipes have considerably larger internal diameter so the loss is significantly less (the factory internal pipes were very small, 1 7/8 OD, and about 1 5-6/8 ID.
Yep As I stated in my most... It's Like being Chocked to death. 1 7/8 is a HP Killer.
I ran 2.5” from Allens…they fit under the stock covers as will 3”…I mated them to Hedman coated side pipe headers…I didnt dyno but I dont think there was any flow restriction/power loss. The stock 1 5/8 OD pipes (or whatever they are) mated to a set of stock ram horn manifolds makes me cringe.
No heat issues…noise was tolerable and that is subjective. When I had the pipes welded up I had the shop turn the tips down a few degrees to push the noise more down and away. I’d do it again.
As above no heat problem with factory style covers and makes undercar jobs MUCH easier.
If your Vette is just a driver (like mine) then go with 2 1/2" ram horn manifolds. Great sound but even better if you add crossover pipe
Can't be look
Link to my install --> Click here
Link to crossover I did on my '65 -- '69 -- '66 --> Click here
Yep As I stated in my most... It's Like being Chocked to death. 1 7/8 is a HP Killer.
The original owner of my car (67/435) told me they knew back in the day how power robbing the OEM side pipes were. He said in those days if you saw a car with side pipes, you knew they were just a poser and not really into performance.
2025 C2 of the Year ('64-'66) Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C4 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C7 of the Year Winner -- Modified
2020 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Originally Posted by bb62
The original owner of my car (67/435) told me they knew back in the day how power robbing the OEM side pipes were. He said in those days if you saw a car with side pipes, you knew they were just a poser and not really into performance.
Does that go for the Cobra too?
My 1967 L68 begs to differ too (485 hp) posing that is
2025 C2 of the Year ('64-'66) Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '25
I'm running the 2-1/2" ID VettePacks from Chambered. After about 1,000 miles I believe they're quieter than the 1-5/8" ID reproduction sidepipe mufflers that were on the car, or maybe they just sound so much better under heavy throttle that's how it seems. No question in my seat of the pants the other pipes were robbing the L76 with stock ram horns of HP. And just a deeper and throatier sound all around sound. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...pe-update.html