C3 Side Pipes
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C3 Side Pipes
Hey all. I have a 78 Pace Car. I like it but I think most of the value is keeping it original. Been looking for a 78 or 79 vette for a long time and got a lot of "I don't like that color" stuff from my wife but she finally said she likes this one so I bought it before she could change her mind! Now I am stuck with a pace car I really don't want to "resto-mod" cause its a 40K miles, completely original car. Anyway, my first official question on here is for a 78 L82, can side pipes be put on without removing the AC? THis car is completely loaded and I would like to keep it that way. I really like side pipes though so I thought I could pull off everything original for the exhaust and keep it incase someone would want it if I ever get rid of it but I see so many that ripped out the AC to get them on and never put it back together. If anyone could tell me that the pipes can go on without much modifications and also a good place to get the pipes would really help.
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OK so I never thought of that.... Not sure why. I guess I assumed you would need headers that aligned with the side pipes and I assumed they came in sets. Can you get headers on without pulling the AC?
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From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Hey all. I have a 78 Pace Car. I like it but I think most of the value is keeping it original. Been looking for a 78 or 79 vette for a long time and got a lot of "I don't like that color" stuff from my wife but she finally said she likes this one so I bought it before she could change her mind! Now I am stuck with a pace car I really don't want to "resto-mod" cause its a 40K miles, completely original car. Anyway, my first official question on here is for a 78 L82, can side pipes be put on without removing the AC? THis car is completely loaded and I would like to keep it that way. I really like side pipes though so I thought I could pull off everything original for the exhaust and keep it incase someone would want it if I ever get rid of it but I see so many that ripped out the AC to get them on and never put it back together. If anyone could tell me that the pipes can go on without much modifications and also a good place to get the pipes would really help.
) and the idea of putting side pipes and possibly headers on a 40k mile original, L82 Pace Car sounds like a bad idea.With all the possible colors you could find on a '78 or '79 out there, I'd think you and your wife could settle on a color, sell the PC for strong money and go buy a car that you wont feel stuck with that would likely be 1/2 or 2/3 the money, and you could modify it any way you like.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,284
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From: Hermosa
I'm not sure if you mean moving the ac pump during installation or if you mean remove it permanently. I have side pipes and AC on my 77.
It has the R4 compressor.
https://www.google.com/search?q=1977...hUPbJ_9BIr4%3D
I don't know if the A6 compressor will fit with side pipe headers.
https://www.google.com/search?q=1976...7IVHnYKXFNI%3D
It has the R4 compressor.
https://www.google.com/search?q=1977...hUPbJ_9BIr4%3D
I don't know if the A6 compressor will fit with side pipe headers.
https://www.google.com/search?q=1976...7IVHnYKXFNI%3D
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In re-reading your question, I can't help but suggest that you sell the car and get something you like. It sounds like you "settled" for it, ("stuck with a Pace Car?" ) and the idea of putting side pipes and possibly headers on a 40k mile original, L82 Pace Car sounds like a bad idea.
With all the possible colors you could find on a '78 or '79 out there, I'd think you and your wife could settle on a color, sell the PC for strong money and go buy a car that you wont feel stuck with that would likely be 1/2 or 2/3 the money, and you could modify it any way you like.
) and the idea of putting side pipes and possibly headers on a 40k mile original, L82 Pace Car sounds like a bad idea.With all the possible colors you could find on a '78 or '79 out there, I'd think you and your wife could settle on a color, sell the PC for strong money and go buy a car that you wont feel stuck with that would likely be 1/2 or 2/3 the money, and you could modify it any way you like.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,524
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From: Medina Ohio
For clarification, there are two styles of side pipes.
"Original" style which came on the 69 vette. They connect to your OE exhaust manifolds and have a cover over the side pipes. Google it for pics.
"Hooker Headers" are a brand of aftermarket sidepipes. Easily identified by the primary tubes converging into the collector on the exterior side of the car then into a 4" sidepipe. Often times chrome but come in black, and other coatings. This style is offered by a few other companies as well.
"Original" style which came on the 69 vette. They connect to your OE exhaust manifolds and have a cover over the side pipes. Google it for pics.
"Hooker Headers" are a brand of aftermarket sidepipes. Easily identified by the primary tubes converging into the collector on the exterior side of the car then into a 4" sidepipe. Often times chrome but come in black, and other coatings. This style is offered by a few other companies as well.
Last edited by Ibanez540r; Sep 24, 2015 at 08:46 PM.
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Keep in mind too that if you use the "69 style side pipes you have to trim the bottom edge of the fenders for clearance.
Melting Slicks
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Stock GM style pipe like mine should fit pretty easy .
Only had headers a couple times , I didn't like them . Once the heat blew up my C2 BB BATTERY IN THE FENDER with original batt. heat shields .
If your going really change mod it a lot ...then add headers ....your after horsepower .
If looks ,stock appearance , and not dealing with hot headers sounds like a bummer . Leave them off and buy GM pipes . They will look the best on your C3
Only had headers a couple times , I didn't like them . Once the heat blew up my C2 BB BATTERY IN THE FENDER with original batt. heat shields .
If your going really change mod it a lot ...then add headers ....your after horsepower .
If looks ,stock appearance , and not dealing with hot headers sounds like a bummer . Leave them off and buy GM pipes . They will look the best on your C3
