I'm about to add sidepipes to my 66 convertible SB. I have heard pro and con on NOS vs repro for NOS being quieter.......as in not deafening and needing ear plugs. What are the opinions on sidepipes? Is there a difference, who is the best source for repro......doubt I will find NOS. a

 

The pipes on my 67 came from Allen's. They are definately quiter than the factory pipes they replaced, but then again, the factory pipes were full of holes!!!

Allen's claims theirs are quieter, and have a display of their baffles they take to shows. They look like they indeed have more baffles, but I have no idea if they are actually quieter. I put some real NOS pipes on a 65 in the early 70's and they were VERY loud.

Doubt you'll find many true NOS sidepipes and the ones you do find will be VERY expensive.

 

Sorry, but quiet and sidespipes are mutually exclusive. "Quiet sidepipes" is an oxymoron.

 

if you're into performance at all, get the sidepipes with a 2.5" core pipe. the standard ones use a 1 7/8" core (and are more restrictive that std under car exhaust).

call, or e-mail, stainlessworks they'll fill you in, (they make loud, quieter, SS, and aluminized)

 

I picked up a complete set of covers and pipes for a friend of mine from Corvette America. The covers where very nice and looked exactly like the original ones on my 67'. To be honest with you I didn't care for the pipes though. I didn't care for the way they were made. The pipes were ordered for a small block. The pipes that were sent looked like big block side exhaust cut and welded to 2" pipe for use with a small block. These pipes are very loud compared to my oem pipes and I think it is because they are really big block pipes made to fit a small block. I guess this cuts down on inventory where they only make one type of baffle.

 

I personally think that a midyear is not complete without side exhaust, I have never heard a set that I thought were quiet. I recently purchased a complete set from Long Island Corvette, they seemed to have the best price unless you can find some special sale price. I currently have a complete set of used side pipe covers and most of the mount hardware, with brand new small block pipes still wrappped in plastic. I purchased the new set for the 67 BB coupe I'm restoring , but ordered small block pipes for the next restoration I'm doing on a 67 vert. I would probably consider selling the exrta set. you can reach me by email at CALLANDT@AUTONATION.COM

 

I have sidepipes on my 65 (GM), and I love them, so let's get that out of the way. But I need to repeat what everyone else is saying - if you want quiet, say, like a stock mid-year corvette undercar exhaust, sound - SIMPLY DO NOT GET SIDEPIPES. Sidepipes are not just a cosmetic "look", and if you simply want the look of sidepipes (not that there is anything wrong with that) and not the sound, then you need to shop very carefully, and I am not aware of any such product for a mid-year (sidepipes that are as quiet as the undercar exhaust). Otherwise, you will just be another member to post "I put sidepipes on my C2 but hated them and took them off", more than a few of such posts exhist here.

 

FYI,

I have a nice set of stock sidepipes that came off my 65 SB car when I put the BB back in and had to get different pipes.

They are very nice condition and I would sell them resonably if you are interested.

Thanks

Tim

 

remember in 66 they went with a 2" manifold for all SB's, even the 350's.

the portion of the pipes under the covers were all the same, BB or SB.

the 2" piece of pipe welded on for manifold connection is not necessary incorrect......... i think some pipes fitted to SB cars came that way

but i agree with the others, side pipes are LOUD, if you're not into macho stuff, don't go with them....... (and i also agree, no mid-year is complete without them )

 

[QUOTE=66427-450]remember in 66 they went with a 2" manifold for all SB's, even the 350's.

the portion of the pipes under the covers were all the same, BB or SB.

the 2" piece of pipe welded on for manifold connection is not necessary incorrect......... i think some pipes fitted to SB cars came that way

I don't ever remember oem GM 2" pipe made for a small block being mated half way down from where the 2" pipe connects to the exhaust manifold and mated up to 2-1/2" pipe coming from the front of the baffle. The ones we picked up are made this way. My oem sidepipes aren't made this way. They are 2" pipe all the way to the baffle. I don't ever recall seeing oem sidepipes made any other way except now with replacement aftermarket ones like the sidepipes I picked up from Corvette America for my friends small block and they also have a wider baffle than the oem baffle on my small block side pipes creating a louder sound. A matter of fact Corvette America notes that these pipes are louder then oem pipes. I have seen this noted on replacement side pipes from LICS and other suppliers as well. I am not sure but I thought Big Block oem side exhaust had fatter baffles also. Does anyone know for sure? If this is the case the aftermarket manufacturer here is saving on inventory like I said previously by using the big block baffle for both small block and big block with these replacement pipes.

 

How about hooker headers with their sidepipes? Got em on my 64 and their cool.

 

try www.sweet-thunder.com

 

as stated on a previous thread, i also put on a complete set up from allen's. for my sm.blk. 67.
hated it from day one. sounded like a truck with no muffler.
allen's agreed to take the pipes back and ordered me a set of GM pipes. a big difference in sound. very happy with the GM 2" pipes.
p.s. they did charge me for the upgrade,but i'm happy they stepped up without a hassle.

 

Are GM pipes still available? I have been told they are quieter than the repro pipes, but also thought they were dis-continued frm G
m.

 

I have to agree with you, but also wanted to say that your roadster is beautiful!!

A midyear should have sidepipes and there is nothing as distinctive as the sound of those puppies when you crank up the engine.

I sometimes will just sit there...listening to my SB idling through the sidepipes. Nothing quite like it, and stop to think...how many street legal cars have ever been produced with sidepipes directly from the factory?

Regards,
Pedro

 

I replaced my side pipes in 2001 and bought them through GM parts direct, they are exactly like my originals (although quiter because my old one where worn out)
http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/
I am not sure if they still stock them or not but it is worth a try, I only paid $141.00 each back in August of 01. You will have to get the covers somewhere else because I don't think they have those but I am not sure.
I have a BB but I love the side pipes, I think you will like them as well.