Side pipes SS VS Chrome?
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Toledo Ohio
Side pipes SS VS Chrome?
Hey guys, new to the vette scene.
What I have is a 69 T-top I got with a blown up rear end. So in the process of getting that fixed I tore out the old crushed and rusty pipes from under the car. (rear exhaust)
Now I like the look of the Hooker header and side pipe setup.
So far I haven't seen any info on the stainless steel VS. chrome plated steel.
My concern is that the stainless steel will most likely turn brown, or that the chrome will rust. Since I have no experiance with either I am looking for input here. These things aren't cheap, am I'm not made of money so I only want to have to buy the stuff once.
Also input on the mufflers would be good too.
Any and all advice will be mucho appreciated.
What I have is a 69 T-top I got with a blown up rear end. So in the process of getting that fixed I tore out the old crushed and rusty pipes from under the car. (rear exhaust)
Now I like the look of the Hooker header and side pipe setup.
So far I haven't seen any info on the stainless steel VS. chrome plated steel.
My concern is that the stainless steel will most likely turn brown, or that the chrome will rust. Since I have no experiance with either I am looking for input here. These things aren't cheap, am I'm not made of money so I only want to have to buy the stuff once.
Also input on the mufflers would be good too.
Any and all advice will be mucho appreciated.
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,414
Likes: 2
From: Barrie
Next time I'm going with SS
Don't use the hooker mufflers you will loose power
I've got THESE recently, they sound good but I don't have much seat time with them yet.
Don't use the hooker mufflers you will loose power
I've got THESE recently, they sound good but I don't have much seat time with them yet.
Last edited by 75 Stingray!; Jul 28, 2005 at 08:16 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,046
Likes: 675
From: FL
Agree with the Spiral Turbo baffles. I thing the question should be Stainless or Jet Hoat coated. The Hooker ceramic coating is junk. I have the Jet Hoat coated ones in their Sterling finish. Check my pictures.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 34,454
Likes: 665
From: Republic of Texas
Originally Posted by KillerBee
Hey guys, new to the vette scene.
What I have is a 69 T-top I got with a blown up rear end. So in the process of getting that fixed I tore out the old crushed and rusty pipes from under the car. (rear exhaust)
Now I like the look of the Hooker header and side pipe setup.
So far I haven't seen any info on the stainless steel VS. chrome plated steel.
My concern is that the stainless steel will most likely turn brown, or that the chrome will rust. Since I have no experiance with either I am looking for input here. These things aren't cheap, am I'm not made of money so I only want to have to buy the stuff once.
Also input on the mufflers would be good too.
Any and all advice will be mucho appreciated.
What I have is a 69 T-top I got with a blown up rear end. So in the process of getting that fixed I tore out the old crushed and rusty pipes from under the car. (rear exhaust)
Now I like the look of the Hooker header and side pipe setup.
So far I haven't seen any info on the stainless steel VS. chrome plated steel.
My concern is that the stainless steel will most likely turn brown, or that the chrome will rust. Since I have no experiance with either I am looking for input here. These things aren't cheap, am I'm not made of money so I only want to have to buy the stuff once.
Also input on the mufflers would be good too.
Any and all advice will be mucho appreciated.
Given those two choices you must want something that shines.
So that means the Jet hot is out even the "Sterling Finish". While the Sterling is MUCH improved over the base Jet coat is too looks dull when compared to chrome. This in't bad on a rubber nose shark, but on a chrome bumper it stands out as a contrast the the shiney bumpers. The chrome looks the best, but will rust and tarnish over time, the SS will last.
Personally I rather get the pipes re-finshed every 10years than to have a somewhat dull set of pipes.
Nothing like a chome set IMO.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
From: IL
This is the big debate that's been going on here for awhile. I went with the S/S myself... mine is a work in progress still. But with previous experience with (JetHot) coated parts they will dull alot over time. The S/S may discolor at the heads but should not at the sides if your "tuned" right. Others have mentioned that S/S retains heat more = more chance for permanent leg burns. My polished set look just like chrome, maybe just a tint darker than a fresh chrome job. And they'll stay that way for life (?)
Spend the money, if your going to keep the car for any length of time, it'll be worth it. I think you can barely see just the headers in one of my overall pics.
Later.
Spend the money, if your going to keep the car for any length of time, it'll be worth it. I think you can barely see just the headers in one of my overall pics.
Later.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,248
Likes: 48
From: westland mi
Originally Posted by SteveG75
Agree with the Spiral Turbo baffles. I thing the question should be Stainless or Jet Hoat coated. The Hooker ceramic coating is junk. I have the Jet Hoat coated ones in their Sterling finish. Check my pictures.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Toledo Ohio
Originally Posted by Corey_68
Given those two choices you must want something that shines.
So that means the Jet hot is out even the "Sterling Finish". While the Sterling is MUCH improved over the base Jet coat is too looks dull when compared to chrome. This in't bad on a rubber nose shark, but on a chrome bumper it stands out as a contrast the the shiney bumpers. The chrome looks the best, but will rust and tarnish over time, the SS will last.
Personally I rather get the pipes re-finshed every 10years than to have a somewhat dull set of pipes.
Nothing like a chome set IMO.
So that means the Jet hot is out even the "Sterling Finish". While the Sterling is MUCH improved over the base Jet coat is too looks dull when compared to chrome. This in't bad on a rubber nose shark, but on a chrome bumper it stands out as a contrast the the shiney bumpers. The chrome looks the best, but will rust and tarnish over time, the SS will last.
Personally I rather get the pipes re-finshed every 10years than to have a somewhat dull set of pipes.
Nothing like a chome set IMO.
I agree with the shiny bumper matching the pipes!
I didn't see the "Sterling Finish" yet. Still looking at options.
Now I see from this: http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/4680/
That the AC bracket has to be ground down a bunch.
Anyone know if a revised bracket is available?
Or do I just grind on the original bracket?
Me thinks a good idea would be to save the original bracket and geta new one that fits better, but where??????
Thanks for the input !!
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 34,454
Likes: 665
From: Republic of Texas
Originally Posted by KillerBee
I agree with the shiny bumper matching the pipes!
I didn't see the "Sterling Finish" yet. Still looking at options.
Now I see from this: http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/4680/
That the AC bracket has to be ground down a bunch.
Anyone know if a revised bracket is available?
Or do I just grind on the original bracket?
Me thinks a good idea would be to save the original bracket and geta new one that fits better, but where??????
Thanks for the input !!
I didn't see the "Sterling Finish" yet. Still looking at options.
Now I see from this: http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/4680/
That the AC bracket has to be ground down a bunch.
Anyone know if a revised bracket is available?
Or do I just grind on the original bracket?
Me thinks a good idea would be to save the original bracket and geta new one that fits better, but where??????
Thanks for the input !!
Steve has the sterling finish on his Yellow vert, see a couple posts up.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,202
Likes: 10
From: cincinnati ohio
St. Jude Donor '09
Originally Posted by KillerBee
I agree with the shiny bumper matching the pipes!
I didn't see the "Sterling Finish" yet. Still looking at options.
Thanks for the input !!
I didn't see the "Sterling Finish" yet. Still looking at options.
Thanks for the input !!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
stainless - keep in mind that you may have to dent one of the primary pipes to clear the steering box. I don't know if that is "normal" but I needed at least 1/8" additional clearance between the primary tube and the steering box. If I had ordered chrome or coated I would have send the header back because the coating would have chipped off....
Mufflers ? I have "sweet thunder" 2 1/4" mufflers, they're $170 incl. shipping - not installed yet.
Mufflers ? I have "sweet thunder" 2 1/4" mufflers, they're $170 incl. shipping - not installed yet.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 769
Likes: 0
From: NorCal 71 Lt-1
I went with stainless hookers per forum member suggestions. Had no install issues. Just a little yellowish discoloration where the pipes/ header flange are attached to the cylinder heads. I also went with Sweet Thunders 2 1/2.......they are loud 
but I love it that way.
but I love it that way.
Last edited by wnjlt1; Jan 2, 2006 at 10:59 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
How do the sidepipes mount on an 1980
What holds the sidepipes along the length of the car? Do you have to drill holes in the body? Remeber this is an 80 I'm talk'n 'bout! Any recommendations on headers and pipes? Where's the best place online to purchase?
JOHN
JOHN
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 870
Likes: 2
From: Closter New Jersey
for an 80 jsut take off the rocker panel running along the side of the car, there are holes in the frame that the pipes mount to. The pipes have tabs to bolt to these holes
and dont order online, give jethot a call, and tell them you are a corvette forum member, pretty nice discount. theya re very helpful and they give an amazing guarantee
and dont order online, give jethot a call, and tell them you are a corvette forum member, pretty nice discount. theya re very helpful and they give an amazing guarantee
