bj1k

Has anyone used Patriot side pipes on their C3 ? I just picked up a brand new set ( never installed ) from a guy for $100. Couldn't pass them up for that price. Patriot is another division of Pertronics that makes ignition systems. I was just wondering if anyone has used them on something that is not a daily driver and how the chrome holds up. It looks like heavy chrome. If anyone is interested in buying a set, they only cost around $200. but you have to buy the installation kit $49.95 and pipe adapters. Seems like a good alternative for something that is not a show car.

m and t's77

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=602906

bj1k

Not a problem. I am a fabricator by trade. I will send pictures when it is done. All you need is the basic side pipes and you can make any application work and look good and it will feel good saving all of that money. One of the beauties of having a car that is not original.

stingraymaniac

I have a set of patriot 4 into 1 style sidepipes on mine i made my own hookup kit for them as the pic below show...works great,they really sound nice too

1Z87L8

what style patriots did you buy? i have the shielded pipes on mine
and they aren't "UNDER PIPES" they are "SIDE PIPES AS INTENDED"

its funny how a lot of the guys blamed them hanging low on
the pipes and hangers when in reality they didn't take the time to install them correctly on their cars.

here is the clearance the way i mounted mine

bj1k

Hey Rich , those look great and that is the style that I bought. Most complaints come from people that are inexperienced and try to do it themselves. A basic side pipe can't possibly not work if it is installed properly. Did you run headers with them. If so what kind ?

bj1k

Stingraymaniac, They sell a hookup kit like those for around $49.00 and they shouldn't restrict much airflow with those headers.

hudathunk

I really like the pipes on my '69, even though they're not the right pipes and they are inexpensive. Thanks to 1Z87L8 for help with install!!
Eventually I may go to the stock replacements.....

see my other post that has links to videos.....

p

Axx5

1Z87L8 I just had a set installed by a muffler place and they did a rather bad job giving me less then 2" of clearance.
Could you tell me how you set yours up?
Like the pipes like the sound but car is kinda un driveable

Jughead

Wonder how long they'll last? Lots of guys here posting that Hookers start rusting within a year.

dmeesq

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...tall-pics.html


Love em and their cheap!

Wuttin

I put a set on my 79 that came with the car when I bought it. The chrome on the front angled collector pipe and the tail piece is holding up pretty good (3 seasons and winters outside). The pipes themselves need to be painted with hi-temp black paint, twice now and I'll do it again this year. One of the cheese grater covers is rusting on the bottom side and will need to be refurbed or replaced...the other looks fine.

If you follow the direction this is what you end up with...couldn't even make it out of the driveway:


This was after the second install attempt...better but not perfect:


It took me three tries but I finally installed them properly with Rich's help (1Z87L8) and they hang OK, although one of the rear brackets scrapes on the driveway when I pull in and out. Otherwise I never bottom and can even clear modest speed bumps and humps. They were tied in at a pro muffler shop after I mounted them on the car...highly recommended as they helped tweak the clearance of all the bracketing. Great sound, look good.

1Z87L8

PM me your e-mail address and i will send you the paper i wrote on the install 3 year ago.

Axx5

Just curious is their a ride height difference between a 78 and a 72?

suzie-q

I had Patriots on mine - liked the sound, but didn't like the low clearance:



When I had my car repainted, replaced the Patriots with Hookers - love them!

Bangkok Dean

Now your talking "when you are discouraged go for a Hooker"

bj1k

This is one of my old threads but just as a follow up, I didn't have them on my car very long. My car sat too low and the way those pipes were designed, they sat completely below the frame and the pipes would drag on every bump on the road. Make sure you have pipes that sit partially abore the rocker mouldings as do the factory pipes.

bj1k

I had them on my 68 until recently . I'm now in the process of installing the original equipment style on mine because the patriots would always drag on even the slightest rise in the road or driveways. The patriots sit under the frame instead of along the side of the frame like originals.

Bangkok Dean

Some times when you are dragging your A$$..............you need a good Hooker..........