I've been debating on what to do with the exhaust on my 75 and it has just been something that has been on the backburner with the engine rebuild and now the car is up on ramps getting a new radiator and everything involved in that. A couple weeks ago I put the flowmasters super 44 on my 2002 grand Cherokee. This caused mixed emotions. I love the sound of the flowmasters but, after a long trip in the Jeep I started the corvette and it didn’t sound like what I think a corvette should sound like. I am planning on doing Hooker side pipes, actually I am going to do the Hooker sidepipes its just I’m having difficulty deciding on what finish to go with. My initial instincts thought go with the stainless steel but after already spending a lot on the car in the last couple of months another $1,400 on the pipes hurts a little even though they are beautiful I’m now thinking about the black high temp painted ones. Does anyone have any experience with these, how long does the finish last before having to be repainted, and any other input is greatly appreciated.
I have some long tube headers on it I don’t know anything about them other than the original owner of the car put them on and they are the only non documented thing that has been put on the car any thoughts on if it would be worth selling them I can post some pics when I put on the sidepipes.

 

I can't speak for lifespan of the black pipes but I do love the look of them. I wanted them for mine but just for too good of a deal on a set of stainless

 

Only Stainless for me.

 

I have no use for side pipes (been there done that with a 66 many years ago) ....especially on a Corvette that was not offered with them from the factory..BUT its your car so do what you want with it...

That statement aside.. I'd go with the black ones only because they are usually installed for function only .... and not for added bling...

Bob G.
64 72 & 98 Convertibles
76 79 & 88 (ANC) Coupes

 

I have black Hookers on mine and love the look and sound. Just have to be careful getting out and smelling slightly like exhaust after the ride

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Thanks for the input and great looking vette btw. I think I’m going to go with the black. If I want something a little flashier then I will put some stainless covers on them.

 

I just have one more question about the headers is there that much of a difference between the 2-1/8" and the 1-7/8" primary tubes.

 

I'm a chrome guy, love the look and smell, not the burnt calf.

 

I think that's a great choice. That combination looks great when you have the stingray or corvette cutout covers.

 

 

i just did mine stainless is the only way to go with these babies

 

I have had my black ceramic Hookers on my car for about 6 years.They were used when I bought them from a friend.He had them on his car for 5 years before I got them for my car.Welded a crack a few years ago. now on 2nd set of mufflers.I have a set of Cobra Stuff 24 inch covers painted satin black.They still look pretty good considering there age and many miles of use. John

 

My70,
What color blue is that. Looks closest to Mulsanne but doesn't really match any of the searches I've tried. Love it! Nice lookin Vette!!!

Terry

 

Go stainless.

Stainless never rusts like painted or chrome. They don't chip like ceramic. You can even sand and buff minor scratches out so it looks like new. Well worth the extra $$.

 

Thanks ! Yes it is Mulsanne Blue with the bright blue interior

 

Black is nice because you can freshen them up anytime they start to rust, chrome looks great but my second set of sidepipes are now starting to show rust . That leaves SS which will be my next set when replaced

 

Right On

 

Try here!

http://www.customimagecorvettes.com/...ide-Pipes.html

 

I would think twice about putting them on if there is a possibility of getting caught driving in rain.

I wish I would have never put them on my car. It is a pain to keep them looking nice. Mine is not a daily driver, but we do take it on vacation and drive it for day trips. I have been caught in amish country in the rain (you can only imagine what the pipes looked like when we got back) We also took it out in the fall to a local state park and got caught in the rain again - wet leaves and hot pipes are NOT a good combination either.

I love the looks and the sound of sidepipes but to keep them looking nice requires a lot of work. I got mine last year in the group buy from JetHot and went with the extreme stearling finish. I have had to use fine steel wool and cleaners to get the leaves and "amish" as well as road grime off the pipes. So far the finish has held up, but its only been a year. Hope they hold out for the long term, but not sure.

A little food for thought....

 

2 1/8 primaries are big block, 1 7/8 small block.

I've put them on and took them off. I like the look, and like the sound without muffler inserts.

However, I can't hear out of my left ear (really) any more.

Hooker sidemounts mean that you will NEVER again wear shorts when driving, and your wife/girlfriend will only go for one more ride with you, ever again. This becasue the first time either of you get out of the car, you wil lbe met with 700 degree steel on the back of your leg.


My solution is to put chambered under car exhaust on the car. The sound is great, goes out the back, and no more burned legs.

If you are single and don't like short pants, go with the black sidemounts. Don't wast money on the muffler inserts.