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Side Pipes / Headers Power Gain?

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Old Dec 13, 2005 | 04:44 PM
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From: Guston KY
Default Side Pipes / Headers Power Gain?

Anyone ever dyno'd a set of hooker sidepipes / headers on a relatively stock small block and can tell me the power gains?

Anyone want to guess?

How about a good header dual combo?

Right now I have a Stock L-82 with the following:
Edelbrock Performer RPM
Holley 650dp
No emissions controls (Except the cat).
14" open element breather.

That's it.

Obviously the stock exhaust is junk. You can tell simply by looking at it.
It will go this year. Just trying to decide what to do.

I know that a good dual system will net more than the side pipes, but; I really don't know by how much on something as stock as mine.

I would like the sidepipes I think, but the cost.
And I don't really want my or my wifes legs scarred. . .

just weighing my options for now.

Mike.
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Old Dec 13, 2005 | 07:28 PM
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From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
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You may gain 15-20 HP, more if you do more mods to the engine.
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Old Dec 13, 2005 | 07:38 PM
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From: OKC Oklahoma
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I've always heard that sidepipes rob you of power as opposed to a good dual exhaust system, but it would be nice to see facts. I would also be interested in seeing some dyno results. I've recently considered going with side exhaust for my 396 small block build.
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Old Dec 13, 2005 | 07:51 PM
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St. Jude Donor '07
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I noticed a huge gain in power with the side pipes. My other hooker headers were realy restricting and I ran them open.
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Old Dec 13, 2005 | 07:54 PM
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From: Glen Allen, VA
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I have absolutely no basis on fact but I'd bet headers and sidepipes beat a stock catalytic converter, single exhaust any day. FYI, I run Hooker Super Comps and Flowmaster mufflers on true dual exhaust on my 79 L-82. Unfortunately I bought the car that way a month ago and couldn't tell you what gains the exhaust gave. My car also has a bigger than stock cam, and K&N filter on an open element air cleaner.
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