I go away to have dessert with my wife, and when I return, all these responses. Terrific.
67 Sidepipe question(s)
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 115
From: Marlton New Jersey
67 Sidepipe question(s)
I realize that it's up to me, but I always ask others for advice in case they think of something that I did not.
I recently started casting about for a 67 Greenwood coupe. A perfect find would include factory A/C, BB, sidepipes, nice/great/perfect paint, same thing for the interior, all electrics in working order. Oh, and a decent/reasonable price.
Besides numerous convertibles, so far, I have stumbled across two coupes, neither had sidepipes. One looked very nice (i know, I know, looks in photos can be deceiving), but..., the sidepipes. My question is, can sidepipes be added after the fact, and if so, do they stand out because of the rear exhaust ports then being empty?
Thanks for in advance.
I recently started casting about for a 67 Greenwood coupe. A perfect find would include factory A/C, BB, sidepipes, nice/great/perfect paint, same thing for the interior, all electrics in working order. Oh, and a decent/reasonable price.
Besides numerous convertibles, so far, I have stumbled across two coupes, neither had sidepipes. One looked very nice (i know, I know, looks in photos can be deceiving), but..., the sidepipes. My question is, can sidepipes be added after the fact, and if so, do they stand out because of the rear exhaust ports then being empty?
Thanks for in advance.
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9,130
Likes: 4,242
From: US-PNW
Side exhaust can certainly be added with no great trouble. If you are springing for the side system and it's components, buy a solid rear filler panel to eliminate the under-car muffler outlets and paint to match. Being that the panel wraps under the body and is located under the bumpers, a perfect color match isn't absolutely necessary.
There are installation tips that could be offered so the car could be easily returned to under-car by a future owner if you undertake the side exhaust project. We can cross that bridge when you come to it.
There are installation tips that could be offered so the car could be easily returned to under-car by a future owner if you undertake the side exhaust project. We can cross that bridge when you come to it.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 365
Likes: 93
From: Chesterfield VA
I realize that it's up to me, but I always ask others for advice in case they think of something that I did not.
I recently started casting about for a 67 Greenwood coupe. A perfect find would include factory A/C, BB, sidepipes, nice/great/perfect paint, same thing for the interior, all electrics in working order. Oh, and a decent/reasonable price.
Besides numerous convertibles, so far, I have stumbled across two coupes, neither had sidepipes. One looked very nice (i know, I know, looks in photos can be deceiving), but..., the sidepipes. My question is, can sidepipes be added after the fact, and if so, do they stand out because of the rear exhaust ports then being empty?
Thanks for in advance.
I recently started casting about for a 67 Greenwood coupe. A perfect find would include factory A/C, BB, sidepipes, nice/great/perfect paint, same thing for the interior, all electrics in working order. Oh, and a decent/reasonable price.
Besides numerous convertibles, so far, I have stumbled across two coupes, neither had sidepipes. One looked very nice (i know, I know, looks in photos can be deceiving), but..., the sidepipes. My question is, can sidepipes be added after the fact, and if so, do they stand out because of the rear exhaust ports then being empty?
Thanks for in advance.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 54,103
Likes: 9,418
From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
Side pipes are the only way to go on a midyear. Yes they can be added, if you look in the Assembly manual for a 67 it shows you what needs to be cut in order to install them. It is pretty easy. The rear filler panel unbolts and you can buy a side pipe filler panel and have it painted. It will bolt right in a nobody will know your car was not a side pipe car.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 15,351
Likes: 2,724
From: Close to DC
C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
Given the fact that you appear to be new on the C-2 stage, I hope you are prepared to have a knowledgable C-2 person evaluate/inspect your possible purchase. There are so many aspects of these car, that if incorrect and not discovered in time, you can be upside down financially real fast. BB's are notoriously for being faked. 
Dennis
Dennis
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,003
Likes: 1,509
From: Prescott Arizona
Gary - It's relatively easy to do, adding factory style side pipes. I've owned '5' midyears with side pipes and only one of them was a factory side pipe car.
Doesn't matter to me, I love the sound. For someone my age, it's kinda like being a kid again and having baseball cards clothes-pinned to the forks of your bike.
Now, that love of side pipes is for GM pipes or aftermarket types that are referred to as 'original sound'. Not all side pipes are the same. I bought my 65 L78, the one and only
factory side pipe car back about three years ago and the PO had installed some new aftermarket side pipes and to me they were obnoxious, not a pleasant sound at all.
NowhereMan gave you good advice...find someone local with stock/original side pipes and see what you think before you take the plunge.
Good luck.
Mike T - Prescott AZ
Doesn't matter to me, I love the sound. For someone my age, it's kinda like being a kid again and having baseball cards clothes-pinned to the forks of your bike.
Now, that love of side pipes is for GM pipes or aftermarket types that are referred to as 'original sound'. Not all side pipes are the same. I bought my 65 L78, the one and only
factory side pipe car back about three years ago and the PO had installed some new aftermarket side pipes and to me they were obnoxious, not a pleasant sound at all.
NowhereMan gave you good advice...find someone local with stock/original side pipes and see what you think before you take the plunge.
Good luck.
Mike T - Prescott AZ
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 115
From: Marlton New Jersey
I did not know about the filler panels. Great idea. I was wondering what, if anything, would be out there. I had been thinking perhaps two new rear lights, but panels sound better.
Side exhaust can certainly be added with no great trouble. If you are springing for the side system and it's components, buy a solid rear filler panel to eliminate the under-car muffler outlets and paint to match. Being that the panel wraps under the body and is located under the bumpers, a perfect color match isn't absolutely necessary.
There are installation tips that could be offered so the car could be easily returned to under-car by a future owner if you undertake the side exhaust project. We can cross that bridge when you come to it.
There are installation tips that could be offered so the car could be easily returned to under-car by a future owner if you undertake the side exhaust project. We can cross that bridge when you come to it.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 115
From: Marlton New Jersey
QQ...
Since I have not ridden in a C2 since my 65 coupe, back in the mid 70's and that did not have sidepipes, your suggestion makes sense. I wonder how loud they are compared to the track-mode exhaust setting on my 19 Z06.
Since I have not ridden in a C2 since my 65 coupe, back in the mid 70's and that did not have sidepipes, your suggestion makes sense. I wonder how loud they are compared to the track-mode exhaust setting on my 19 Z06.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 115
From: Marlton New Jersey
Thanks for the suggestions and the reference to the assembly manual. Never thought of that myself.
Side pipes are the only way to go on a midyear. Yes they can be added, if you look in the Assembly manual for a 67 it shows you what needs to be cut in order to install them. It is pretty easy. The rear filler panel unbolts and you can buy a side pipe filler panel and have it painted. It will bolt right in a nobody will know your car was not a side pipe car.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 115
From: Marlton New Jersey
I'm not quite new to C2, but it's been almost 5 decades since I had to give up my 65 coupe, and 58 roadster, when my wife and I started our family.
Your point about locating a C2 mechanic in the area is a sound one. A friend who helps me around the house has a brother who trains GM mechanics around the country. He may be a perfect source for finding someone.
Would there happen to be some type of checklist, evaluation suggestions, etc...? I'm somewhat mechanically savvy, but your point about the BB's being faked and the little stuff on C2 that I would have no. clue about.
Thank!
Your point about locating a C2 mechanic in the area is a sound one. A friend who helps me around the house has a brother who trains GM mechanics around the country. He may be a perfect source for finding someone.
Would there happen to be some type of checklist, evaluation suggestions, etc...? I'm somewhat mechanically savvy, but your point about the BB's being faked and the little stuff on C2 that I would have no. clue about.
Thank!
Given the fact that you appear to be new on the C-2 stage, I hope you are prepared to have a knowledgable C-2 person evaluate/inspect your possible purchase. There are so many aspects of these car, that if incorrect and not discovered in time, you can be upside down financially real fast. BB's are notoriously for being faked. Dennis
Dennis
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,780
Likes: 442
From: Southwest MI
you’ll get up to speed,
….. after a little research, the (bolt in place) filler panel they’re referring to is on all C2 s….. side exhaust cars have a solid panel, under car exhaust cars have a panel with two holes for the short tail pipes.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 115
From: Marlton New Jersey
This will, if I decide to go forward, will only be my 2nd C2. Whatever I knew from before, is probably packed away with the rest of my missing memories, so finding someone will be a top priority.
I appreciate the warning about all sidepipes not being the same. (another thing I never thought about)
I appreciate the warning about all sidepipes not being the same. (another thing I never thought about)
Gary - It's relatively easy to do, adding factory style side pipes. I've owned '5' midyears with side pipes and only one of them was a factory side pipe car.
Doesn't matter to me, I love the sound. For someone my age, it's kinda like being a kid again and having baseball cards clothes-pinned to the forks of your bike.
Now, that love of side pipes is for GM pipes or aftermarket types that are referred to as 'original sound'. Not all side pipes are the same. I bought my 65 L78, the one and only
factory side pipe car back about three years ago and the PO had installed some new aftermarket side pipes and to me they were obnoxious, not a pleasant sound at all.
NowhereMan gave you good advice...find someone local with stock/original side pipes and see what you think before you take the plunge.
Good luck.
Mike T - Prescott AZ
Doesn't matter to me, I love the sound. For someone my age, it's kinda like being a kid again and having baseball cards clothes-pinned to the forks of your bike.
Now, that love of side pipes is for GM pipes or aftermarket types that are referred to as 'original sound'. Not all side pipes are the same. I bought my 65 L78, the one and only
factory side pipe car back about three years ago and the PO had installed some new aftermarket side pipes and to me they were obnoxious, not a pleasant sound at all.
NowhereMan gave you good advice...find someone local with stock/original side pipes and see what you think before you take the plunge.
Good luck.
Mike T - Prescott AZ
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9,130
Likes: 4,242
From: US-PNW
It will bolt right in a nobody will know your car was not a side pipe car.
The factory (and some reproduction) pipes are mellow and quite pleasant; some are also really harsh and obnoxious. Here is a short video of my '67 BB with over-the-counter service replacement pipes I put on in the early-'90s. We have to raise our voices just a little bit but not shouting or anything.
Last edited by barkingrats; Aug 2, 2023 at 02:03 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 54,103
Likes: 9,418
From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
it changes the riding experience for sure. Around town going though the gears is one thing. But get the car out and at one rpm for a few miles and your attitude might change about the sound. Unless the car has over drive.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,681
Likes: 3,678
From: Central Arkansas
There is kind of a law of physics with side pipes. Mellow GM original sound = high restriction and high rpm HP loss. Loud, car alarm tripping sound = less restriction and higher HP potential at high rpm. You kind of need to do an honest appraisal of what you most desire. Another option is a pair of Magnaflow mufflers on the undercar system. Of course you don’t get the look of sidepipes but that’s another one of those personal decisions.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,539
Likes: 1,970
From: Temple Terrace Florida
I added them to my 66 L-79 with 4:11 rear. On the highway, it was impossible to have a conversation or listen to the radio. I added a Tremec overdrive transmission and baffles to the pipes and the highway noise is greatly diminished. Jerry
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,179
Likes: 2,306
From: Wesley Chapel, FL Las Vegas, NV
I go back and forth over adding side pipes to my BBC 67 Coupe. I like the look and sound of side pipes on C2s. But I truly enjoy the quieter ride of undercar. I have N11 exhaust and it sounds good outside. My last 3 C2s had side pipes. The 64 Coupe I sold to a friend 365 HP, factory side pipes added in 1972 are just way to loud after about 20-30 minutes. My 65 Vert 350 side pipe car was pleasant to drive all the time. All side pipes are not the same.
Cost to add side exhaust including a new rear valance and painting it would cost me around $5k all in.
Cost to add side exhaust including a new rear valance and painting it would cost me around $5k all in.