C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

exaust too unrestrictave?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 20, 2007 | 10:19 PM
  #1  
randommj's Avatar
randommj
Thread Starter
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,449
Likes: 0
Default exaust too unrestrictave?

can exaust be too unrestrictave? someone told me that sweet thunder is for bigger engines than the 350, ive got some but they arent on yet, could this be bad?

randommj
Reply
Old Mar 20, 2007 | 10:37 PM
  #2  
randommj's Avatar
randommj
Thread Starter
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,449
Likes: 0
Default

i got the awnser, so dont worry bout it

thread still open for discussion for anyone intrested

randommj
Reply
Old Mar 20, 2007 | 11:02 PM
  #3  
427Hotrod's Avatar
427Hotrod
Race Director
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 13,015
Likes: 2,260
From: Corsicana, Tx
2020 C2 of the Year - Modified Winner
2020 Corvette of the Year (performance mods)
C2 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
2017 C2 of Year Finalist
Default

No.



JIM
Reply
Old Mar 21, 2007 | 02:40 AM
  #4  
standup's Avatar
standup
Drifting
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,861
Likes: 2
From: New Zealand
Default

Originally Posted by randommj
i got the awnser, so dont worry bout it

thread still open for discussion for anyone intrested

randommj
So what was the answer ?????

I don't know what sweet thunder is, but I recently swapped from factory style side pipes to undercar exhaust on a 9.3:1 compression 350.....I've had the side pipes on for 2 years and didn't re-tune anything, but I think the car ran and idled better with the more restrictive undercar exhaust.......

Open for discussion.....
Reply
Old Mar 21, 2007 | 07:26 AM
  #5  
Ganey's Avatar
Ganey
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Default

Originally Posted by standup
So what was the answer ?????

I don't know what sweet thunder is, but I recently swapped from factory style side pipes to undercar exhaust on a 9.3:1 compression 350.....I've had the side pipes on for 2 years and didn't re-tune anything, but I think the car ran and idled better with the more restrictive undercar exhaust.......

Open for discussion.....
The less restrictive the better. The undercar should be less restrictive than the sidepipes!
Reply
Old Mar 21, 2007 | 08:03 AM
  #6  
MN80Vette's Avatar
MN80Vette
Drifting
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 21
From: Columbus MN
Default

An exhaust system can only be too restrictive if the low restriction causes other problems. In my case, the drop in restriction from adding full length ceramic Dynomax headers and custom-bent pipes (breath-out) created a breath-in problem.

The jets in my Holley carb were not big enough to handle the increased airflow through the carb resulting from the new exhaust. New jets required and "bigger" accelerator pump fixed that problem.
Reply
Old Mar 21, 2007 | 11:12 AM
  #7  
Big2Bird's Avatar
Big2Bird
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
Default

Originally Posted by 427Hotrod
No.



JIM
Reply
Old Mar 21, 2007 | 11:21 AM
  #8  
randommj's Avatar
randommj
Thread Starter
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,449
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by standup
So what was the answer ?????

I don't know what sweet thunder is, but I recently swapped from factory style side pipes to undercar exhaust on a 9.3:1 compression 350.....I've had the side pipes on for 2 years and didn't re-tune anything, but I think the car ran and idled better with the more restrictive undercar exhaust.......

Open for discussion.....
i sent someone a PM and a few days later made the thread and right after i made this thread he sent me one back, same thing you guys are saying ,how are the side pipes more restricted then the underbody exaust?

randommj
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-1

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
Old Mar 21, 2007 | 11:32 AM
  #9  
GD70's Avatar
GD70
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,485
Likes: 7
From: Peekskill NY
Default

I posted a thread a while back - (2" vs.2 1/2" exhaust), and the general consensus was mixed. Some said 2" ran better with a bit of back pressure and not to waste my time with 2 1/2", wouldn't notice much performance gain. Others said a less restrictive exhaust would be better, which makes sence. I'm using stock manifolds, intake & Q-Jet. Jury's still out as far as I'm concerned. I'll need to replace my exhaust this spring/summer, so I'd also like to get more opinions on this.
Glenn
Reply
Old Mar 21, 2007 | 11:42 AM
  #10  
randommj's Avatar
randommj
Thread Starter
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,449
Likes: 0
Default

well im going to 4 inch pipe with 2.5 inch mufflers, i hope everything works out ok

randommj
Reply
Old Mar 21, 2007 | 12:00 PM
  #11  
Big2Bird's Avatar
Big2Bird
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
Default

Originally Posted by randommj
i sent someone a PM and a few days later made the thread and right after i made this thread he sent me one back, same thing you guys are saying ,how are the side pipes more restricted then the underbody exaust?

randommj
Some guys posted Dyno results comparing sidepipes and straight back exhaust. Ths sidepipes showed a reduction in HP.
Reply
Old Mar 21, 2007 | 12:03 PM
  #12  
randommj's Avatar
randommj
Thread Starter
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,449
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by Big2Bird
Some guys posted Dyno results comparing sidepipes and straight back exhaust. Ths sidepipes showed a reduction in HP.
wow i thought it would hav been the other way arround, shorter pipes and all hmmm

Miles
Reply
Old Mar 21, 2007 | 12:06 PM
  #13  
Big2Bird's Avatar
Big2Bird
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
Default

Originally Posted by randommj
wow i thought it would hav been the other way arround, shorter pipes and all hmmm

Miles
Dyno's don't lie. It may be the added turns in the pipes. Who know's. Maybe someone will expound on this one.
Reply
Old Mar 21, 2007 | 12:16 PM
  #14  
gkz's Avatar
gkz
Racer
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 435
Likes: 7
From: Wake Forest NC
Default

I remember that years ago, Corvette exhaust manifolds were coveted. After looking in vendor's catalogs, the earlier SB had 2.5", and 65> had 2". Horsepower ratings during both periods were pretty good (high) measured at the flywheel. Are the results in this thread using factory manifolds or headers before the exhaust systems?
Reply
Old Mar 21, 2007 | 12:25 PM
  #15  
Big2Bird's Avatar
Big2Bird
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
Default

Originally Posted by gkz
I remember that years ago, Corvette exhaust manifolds were coveted. After looking in vendor's catalogs, the earlier SB had 2.5", and 65> had 2". Horsepower ratings during both periods were pretty good (high) measured at the flywheel. Are the results in this thread using factory manifolds or headers before the exhaust systems?
I believe it was headers. I am not positive though. I have enough of a hard time remebering to take my Geritol.
Reply
Old Mar 21, 2007 | 10:01 PM
  #16  
chris73cpe's Avatar
chris73cpe
Pro
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 627
Likes: 1
From: Naperville IL
Default

Originally Posted by randommj
wow i thought it would hav been the other way arround, shorter pipes and all hmmm

Miles
From what I've heard it was only the factory style sidepipes that were more restrictive. The aftermarket stuff like hooker is usually 3 or 4" pipe.
Reply
Old Mar 21, 2007 | 10:04 PM
  #17  
Durango_Boy's Avatar
Durango_Boy
Team Owner
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Default

Side pipes CAN be more restrictive, and those dyno results were recorded at very high RPMs. At normal driving speeds and RPMs the two are almost equal. When you really let the motor scream is when there is a difference, and it's marginal at that. Unless you're watching your track times, and need every tenth you can get...stick with straight. If you're a cruiser...you will never notice.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To exaust too unrestrictave?

Old Mar 21, 2007 | 10:08 PM
  #18  
BSiegPaint's Avatar
BSiegPaint
Safety Car
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,653
Likes: 6
From: North Royalton, OH
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Default

Originally Posted by chris73cpe
From what I've heard it was only the factory style sidepipes that were more restrictive. The aftermarket stuff like hooker is usually 3 or 4" pipe.
The factory pipes are VERY restrictive with their reverse flow design. If you cut one open you will see the inner chambers are very small. Switching to an aftermarket side pipe (i.e.Hooker) results in a huge gain in air flow.
Reply
Old Mar 21, 2007 | 10:54 PM
  #19  
63mako's Avatar
63mako
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Default

My understanding is the hooker 1 7/8 port side pipe headers are equal length primaries into a 4" and the best flowing exhaust available depending on the inserts used. The max flows also advertise a 23HP increase over open headers??? How does that work?
Reply
Old Mar 21, 2007 | 11:08 PM
  #20  
427Hotrod's Avatar
427Hotrod
Race Director
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 13,015
Likes: 2,260
From: Corsicana, Tx
2020 C2 of the Year - Modified Winner
2020 Corvette of the Year (performance mods)
C2 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
2017 C2 of Year Finalist
Default

2.5" is pretty decent up to the 500-550 hp range....but I would use 3' if I was starting from scratch. Uncapping my old 427 with 2.5" pipes and Flowmasters showed very little improvement. it was running low 11's@123.

A fellow I know just replaced a full 2" system on a '61 283/270 car with a full 2.5" including manifolds along with the *off road* mufflers. no back up dyno tests yet...but seat of the pants difference is very impressive.

Factory sidepipes are very restrictive. The mufflers neck down to like 1.5'-1-3/4" internally. The Hookers are Ok if you completely remove the mufflers. On the big blocks the Hooker mufflers are racking up almost a 100 RWHP loss on 500+ Hp motors.

If you install some decent mufflers on them they are fine....but those 4" pipes are pretty small internally.

Under light throttle none of it really matters much. It only takes a few HP to drive down the road..but when you put your foot in it....you better have good stuff!!

What gets confused as having better performance with pipes capped up is often better scavenging happening in the rpm range you're dealing with with the long exhaust pipes. My 540 was up 40 ft lbs at some very low points on the chassis dyno when capped up with Flowmasters...but was down over 50 RWHP as RPM climbed!!


JIM
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:34 PM.

story-0
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-2
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-5
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE