side pipes
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 782
Likes: 1
From: Magic Valley ID
I have an 80, and had thought of going with the side pipes too, but chose to go another route (chambered exhaust....old school!). From what I have seen, the Patriots are cheap, but there is a reason for that. They do not sit up next to the rocker panel the way that they are supposed to. You will lose some serious ground clearance as well. PLUS, they don't sound as good as the Hooker setup does. You will end up dropping a pretty healthy chunk of change for a good set of pipes....$1200 approximately.....but the end result will be worth the extra cost. Deja
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 175
Likes: 1
From: Calhoun GA
Custom Image on the Digital Corvette Forum was selling stainless steel headers and sidepipes for $900. I have Hookers and was a little disappointed with them I do like the way they look and sound but after about 6 months the began to rust first in the welded areas of the headers and now there are small rust spots on the sidepipes. I plan to get them ether ceramic coated or re-chromed soon.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 1
From: Greensboro NC
Sounds like a great deal...BUT.
I am reticent to order something from a person/company that uses an anonymous gmail account (hiding something?), offers no personal contact possibility, and will not allow the item to be picked up rather than shipped.
Not how I run my company, and I will not do business with a company that operates in such a manner.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 782
Likes: 1
From: Magic Valley ID
Sounds like a great deal...BUT.
I am reticent to order something from a person/company that uses an anonymous gmail account (hiding something?), offers no personal contact possibility, and will not allow the item to be picked up rather than shipped.
Not how I run my company, and I will not do business with a company that operates in such a manner.
I am reticent to order something from a person/company that uses an anonymous gmail account (hiding something?), offers no personal contact possibility, and will not allow the item to be picked up rather than shipped.
Not how I run my company, and I will not do business with a company that operates in such a manner.
Deja
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 1
From: aurora
I put the cheap ones on just to see if i liked them, i did not want to fork out large coin and not like them well i like them so i will be getting some hookers soon.
You have about 2.5 3.5 inch of ground clearance not good but i needed to know and now i know love-em.
Something to think about
Todd
You have about 2.5 3.5 inch of ground clearance not good but i needed to know and now i know love-em.
Something to think about
Todd
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
I have an 80, and had thought of going with the side pipes too, but chose to go another route (chambered exhaust....old school!). From what I have seen, the Patriots are cheap, but there is a reason for that. They do not sit up next to the rocker panel the way that they are supposed to. You will lose some serious ground clearance as well. PLUS, they don't sound as good as the Hooker setup does. You will end up dropping a pretty healthy chunk of change for a good set of pipes....$1200 approximately.....but the end result will be worth the extra cost. Deja
Stay away from Patriots, they will drag on everything. Check out Sweet Thunder. They are like originals at a very good price.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 332
Likes: 1
From: Watkins Glen New York
My car (1980) had Patriot pipes on it when I got it. 
I dig the side pipe look, but in this case don't want to go the whole header route. My smog system is totally intact and operable, and the car (with the exception of the pipes) is very stock and original.
Does anyone know of a side pipe arrangement that will allow me to retain stock manifolds but fit more appropriately and solve the ground clearance issues?
As it stands with the Patriot pipes, my car will bottom out on a nickel, and this is the first thing I need to tackle in the spring.
I might go back to a stock style system, but I really prefer the side exhaust look. I think many C-3s look like SUVs from the side sometimes....too much clearance.
I dig the side pipe look, but in this case don't want to go the whole header route. My smog system is totally intact and operable, and the car (with the exception of the pipes) is very stock and original.
Does anyone know of a side pipe arrangement that will allow me to retain stock manifolds but fit more appropriately and solve the ground clearance issues?
As it stands with the Patriot pipes, my car will bottom out on a nickel, and this is the first thing I need to tackle in the spring.
I might go back to a stock style system, but I really prefer the side exhaust look. I think many C-3s look like SUVs from the side sometimes....too much clearance.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
My car (1980) had Patriot pipes on it when I got it.
I dig the side pipe look, but in this case don't want to go the whole header route. My smog system is totally intact and operable, and the car (with the exception of the pipes) is very stock and original.
Does anyone know of a side pipe arrangement that will allow me to retain stock manifolds but fit more appropriately and solve the ground clearance issues?
As it stands with the Patriot pipes, my car will bottom out on a nickel, and this is the first thing I need to tackle in the spring.
I might go back to a stock style system, but I really prefer the side exhaust look. I think many C-3s look like SUVs from the side sometimes....too much clearance.
I dig the side pipe look, but in this case don't want to go the whole header route. My smog system is totally intact and operable, and the car (with the exception of the pipes) is very stock and original.
Does anyone know of a side pipe arrangement that will allow me to retain stock manifolds but fit more appropriately and solve the ground clearance issues?
As it stands with the Patriot pipes, my car will bottom out on a nickel, and this is the first thing I need to tackle in the spring.
I might go back to a stock style system, but I really prefer the side exhaust look. I think many C-3s look like SUVs from the side sometimes....too much clearance.
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,491
Likes: 2
From: North Royaton Ohio
CF JASOC Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,040
Likes: 34
From: Downtown Annapolis, MD. The Future is where we all have to live. Let's not screw it up.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
My '71 is the only C3 I've seen with stock mid-year pipes on it.
I really like the look and the sound. It was expensive, and some slight modification of the covers was required. The rear valance panel was glassed over to eliminate the exhaust openings.
From what I've been told, people either love the look or hate it.
I really like the look and the sound. It was expensive, and some slight modification of the covers was required. The rear valance panel was glassed over to eliminate the exhaust openings.
From what I've been told, people either love the look or hate it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,813
Likes: 1
From: JOPPA MD
My '71 is the only C3 I've seen with stock mid-year pipes on it.
I really like the look and the sound. It was expensive, and some slight modification of the covers was required. The rear valance panel was glassed over to eliminate the exhaust openings.
From what I've been told, people either love the look or hate it.
I really like the look and the sound. It was expensive, and some slight modification of the covers was required. The rear valance panel was glassed over to eliminate the exhaust openings.
From what I've been told, people either love the look or hate it.
Stay in tune...
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 316
Likes: 0
From: Warwick Rhode Island
As far as Custom Image is concerned, I can't say how he's trying to conduct his business as I haven't had any dealings with him yet, but I do know that he's sold his side pipes to members of DC and he's also offered free installation at his shop (at one point) to anyone willing to make the trip. I think that qualifies as picking them up at the source and gives you some time to visually inspect the product. I'm not biased and I certainly don't have any affiliation with them, but I am currently saving up for my side pipes and I'd rather spend $900 delivered to my door complete than $1300 plus shipping plus another $300 or so on mufflers. Especially if the quality is the same (or better) than Hooker. That puts me $700 or so ahead of the game to buy something else.
With that said, if the people who have already purchased these headers and pipes are not happy with them (and they voice their disappointment) - I won't buy them and I'll go with the Hookers. But either way I will be buying side pipes this spring!
With that said, if the people who have already purchased these headers and pipes are not happy with them (and they voice their disappointment) - I won't buy them and I'll go with the Hookers. But either way I will be buying side pipes this spring!