Side pipes and Headers
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 307
Likes: 2
From: McCordsville Indiana
Side pipes and Headers
I am thinking about putting headers and side pipes on my 80 coupe,is this alot of work or is it fairly easy? I would think the hard part would be installing the headers,any thoughts?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I have done side pipes to two of my three C3s, and I have helped a local guy replace his side pipes. To be honest the hardest part is paying the bill.
The next hardest part is getting all the old exhaust removed.
Once you get the nose 20" up on jack stands, and get the headers in...the pipes are relatively easy. You MIGHT have to notch or or both...or neither, of the rocker covers.
Overall it's something that you and a buddy can do in a few hours if you're prepared and have cold beer on hand.
The next hardest part is getting all the old exhaust removed.
Once you get the nose 20" up on jack stands, and get the headers in...the pipes are relatively easy. You MIGHT have to notch or or both...or neither, of the rocker covers.
Overall it's something that you and a buddy can do in a few hours if you're prepared and have cold beer on hand.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 403
From: Nashville TN
St. Jude Donor '09
Hardest part for me was getting the rocker panels off; those screws were pretty rusty. Had one snap off that I had to drill out and retap. It took me longer than 3 hours, but I probably drink more beer than some of the other guys 
By far the best mod I've done. Once you get over the $$$ shock, you're going to love them. What setup are you looking to install?
By far the best mod I've done. Once you get over the $$$ shock, you're going to love them. What setup are you looking to install?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
You slide the rocker covers in with the pipes installed but loosely bolted so they move. That'll usually give you room for a towel to guard the paint, and enough room to slide the cover in, and get it in position. From there you tighten the bolts that hole the pipes, and you're done.
This is also where you'll find out if you need to notch the cover or not for the collector tubes.
