Thanks!
Just Got Sidepipes
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Joined: Nov 2013
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Just Got Sidepipes
I just picked up my 71' Coupe (Pro Street) yesterday morning from the shop with new sidemount headers (Hooker Super Comp) and 4" Hooker sidepipes, all ceramic coated. They look great and I like the sound (a bit louder and raspier). The car has BBC 496 Stroker with Solid Lifter Cam and .700 lift--I've driven it about eight times since I got it and it handles great with a responsiveness that pins you to the seat. Unfortunately, the original undercarriage setup had a clearance problem and I would scrape or bang the pipes if I hit a dip in the road and I had to go up inclines, like a driveway entrance, at an angle. With the side exhaust setup, I don't have to always be so cautious. The side pipes have the glass pack inserts, which Hooker says can be removed for racing purposes. Anyway, I can't tell if there is any real difference in performance yet since I drove it yesterday morning in early rush hour traffic. Does anyone have any thoughts on the glass pack inserts? Any alternatives that might be better (STS Baffles for example)? Also, does the sound/performance change as the exhaust system "breaks in"? Thanks for reading this long post--I am not a man of few words.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,908
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From: Fredericksburg Virginia
Would not think you'd have much of a performance difference now vs. later.
I'd say that you will want no part in 'removing' the inserts on any type of regular basis...that's just marketing BS tossed at folks that don't know how much of a pain it is to disassemble the system and remove/replace the inserts.
I will also say that the STS baffles are pretty amazing. They have a great sound at idle, howl at WOT, and have an aggressive snarl off throttle. For the amount of air that monster of an engine is pushing, I'd venture to say that the inserts you are running are more restrictive.
I'd say that you will want no part in 'removing' the inserts on any type of regular basis...that's just marketing BS tossed at folks that don't know how much of a pain it is to disassemble the system and remove/replace the inserts.
I will also say that the STS baffles are pretty amazing. They have a great sound at idle, howl at WOT, and have an aggressive snarl off throttle. For the amount of air that monster of an engine is pushing, I'd venture to say that the inserts you are running are more restrictive.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 93
From: Bellmore NY
I bought hooker side pipes a few months ago, and like many of my parts, they have been "installed" in my basement since then.
After doing research on this forum [there are pages and pages], it became very apparent that the glass packs are real power robbers.
A lot of guys really dig the STS, and make big power... however it seems that drilling out the center is required to maximize the power.
A lot of guys make similar power with the Hooker MaxFlow, and they are apparently pretty loud, yet relatively inexpensive.
After reading feedback from member Palmbeachvette76, I purchased the Classic Chambered inserts.
The owner of Classic Chambered is a member on this forum, and if you call him, I suspect that he can easily build you a set of inserts that will provide noise attenuation and flow.
After doing research on this forum [there are pages and pages], it became very apparent that the glass packs are real power robbers.
A lot of guys really dig the STS, and make big power... however it seems that drilling out the center is required to maximize the power.
A lot of guys make similar power with the Hooker MaxFlow, and they are apparently pretty loud, yet relatively inexpensive.
After reading feedback from member Palmbeachvette76, I purchased the Classic Chambered inserts.
The owner of Classic Chambered is a member on this forum, and if you call him, I suspect that he can easily build you a set of inserts that will provide noise attenuation and flow.
Last edited by Big Block Dave; May 23, 2014 at 08:31 AM.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,968
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From: East TN
Hooker offers 3 inserts; reverse flow-most restrictive, glasspack-middle performance/ restriction, max flow-high performance/ very low restriction (very low tone with no tinny sound which is what I was looking for). So I have the Hooker Stainless Steel with their Max Flow inserts on my stroker small block. Here's a couple videos.
Camera settings were off so the video is slowed and jumpy a bit, but the sound is good.
Camera settings were off so the video is slowed and jumpy a bit, but the sound is good.
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Another Lawng Islanduh
Hey Dave, Thanks for the reply. I will look into your suggestion. I live in Rockville Centre and grew up in Oceanside. SP Classics in Amityville installed the side exhaust setup and my first drive with the new setup was last Wednesday morning from Amityville to New Hyde Park, where I store the car (via the Wantagh Parkway and Northern State). Since it was around 7:30 rush hour traffic was quickly building up so I didn't have a chance to get on it and feel any difference in performance. Definitely a difference in sound, though. Thanks again.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 664
Likes: 89
From: Marysville Ohio
I've run 3 different inserts in mine - I think it really all boils down to your preferences on sound and to some degree performance:
1 - Hooker glass packs (the smaller ones); sounds good - nice deep tone/growl - but what I would call "moderate" flow. If you don't wind your car out a lot, nice option.
2 - STS Baffles - flow very well, and better for top-end power. Sound was raspy, aggressive, and a bit tinny to my ears, I still liked them well enough to use them for 2-3 years.
3 - Hooker Max Flows (just over the last month or so). in terms of performance, I perceive a similar seat-of-the-pants feel as the STS Baffles - but much deeper, meaner growl, and a bit louder than both of the above when doing spirited driving. Also sounds better than the STS and glass packs in my opinion.
All 3 have earned compliments on the sound from people as they hear me drive by (they can't help but hear you with any of the 3).
1 - Hooker glass packs (the smaller ones); sounds good - nice deep tone/growl - but what I would call "moderate" flow. If you don't wind your car out a lot, nice option.
2 - STS Baffles - flow very well, and better for top-end power. Sound was raspy, aggressive, and a bit tinny to my ears, I still liked them well enough to use them for 2-3 years.
3 - Hooker Max Flows (just over the last month or so). in terms of performance, I perceive a similar seat-of-the-pants feel as the STS Baffles - but much deeper, meaner growl, and a bit louder than both of the above when doing spirited driving. Also sounds better than the STS and glass packs in my opinion.
All 3 have earned compliments on the sound from people as they hear me drive by (they can't help but hear you with any of the 3).
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 93
From: Bellmore NY
Hey Dave, Thanks for the reply. I will look into your suggestion. I live in Rockville Centre and grew up in Oceanside. SP Classics in Amityville installed the side exhaust setup and my first drive with the new setup was last Wednesday morning from Amityville to New Hyde Park, where I store the car (via the Wantagh Parkway and Northern State). Since it was around 7:30 rush hour traffic was quickly building up so I didn't have a chance to get on it and feel any difference in performance. Definitely a difference in sound, though. Thanks again.
Mike80...that car is pretty awesome!