Looking to add side pipes
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 153
Likes: 15
From: CT
Looking to add side pipes
I have a few questions for my 79 l82 corvette. I am looking to add side pipes onto my car. I love the look of them and I want to upgrade my existing exhaust. I have a few questions about adding side pipes.
1) Can I use side pipes like the one I put the link to below and just tie in to my normal exhaust without adding headers?
2) How big of a job is it to add side pipes to my car? Any special tools required?
3) Any good ideas/links/brands you can reccomend for adding side pipes to my car?
Can any of these be added to my existing exhaust and not add headers or change the exhaust manifold? Here are some that I like so far...thanks!!
https://www.jegs.com/i/Patriot+Exhaust/737/H1070/10002/-1?gclid=Cj0KCQjwlJfsBRDUARIsAIDHsWqaKaK0 6Sm9uCSFTB4--_MzFXSY3soYHNNbsR6wZDehgzEr5DQ_XnQaAusZE ALw_wcB
https://www.jegs.com/i/Patriot+Exhaust/737/H1165/10002/-1?gclid=Cj0KCQjwlJfsBRDUARIsAIDHsWpoVie6 VTbV0XQKE8gnAwbF4RWNAMD1NsTwwx4z27C26ZN2 fdn-k4UaAo7BEALw_wcB
https://corvetteparts.com/item/muffler-pair-side-exhaust-does-not-include-catylic-converters-1975-1981?gclid=Cj0KCQjwlJfsBRDUARIsAIDHsWoP1 InRFnJd_mOO7gxibH-wBiAytD_O06CzrnTFh2_sPUxIbP0JOcYaAnlXEAL w_wcB
1) Can I use side pipes like the one I put the link to below and just tie in to my normal exhaust without adding headers?
2) How big of a job is it to add side pipes to my car? Any special tools required?
3) Any good ideas/links/brands you can reccomend for adding side pipes to my car?
Can any of these be added to my existing exhaust and not add headers or change the exhaust manifold? Here are some that I like so far...thanks!!
https://www.jegs.com/i/Patriot+Exhaust/737/H1070/10002/-1?gclid=Cj0KCQjwlJfsBRDUARIsAIDHsWqaKaK0 6Sm9uCSFTB4--_MzFXSY3soYHNNbsR6wZDehgzEr5DQ_XnQaAusZE ALw_wcB
https://www.jegs.com/i/Patriot+Exhaust/737/H1165/10002/-1?gclid=Cj0KCQjwlJfsBRDUARIsAIDHsWpoVie6 VTbV0XQKE8gnAwbF4RWNAMD1NsTwwx4z27C26ZN2 fdn-k4UaAo7BEALw_wcB
https://corvetteparts.com/item/muffler-pair-side-exhaust-does-not-include-catylic-converters-1975-1981?gclid=Cj0KCQjwlJfsBRDUARIsAIDHsWoP1 InRFnJd_mOO7gxibH-wBiAytD_O06CzrnTFh2_sPUxIbP0JOcYaAnlXEAL w_wcB
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,875
Likes: 779
From: Persona Non Grata
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
The first, at very least, would need a pipe bent appropriately to connect to exhaust manifold. Not an insurmountable problem for a competent shop. I can't comment last that; I don't know if the length is 'corrrect'
The second one looks like a can of worms to me.
The third should be direct bolt on. Simple. BUT it needs a cover/shield, and they are listed alongside the pipes.
The second one looks like a can of worms to me.
The third should be direct bolt on. Simple. BUT it needs a cover/shield, and they are listed alongside the pipes.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 153
Likes: 15
From: CT
The first, at very least, would need a pipe bent appropriately to connect to exhaust manifold. Not an insurmountable problem for a competent shop. I can't comment last that; I don't know if the length is 'corrrect'
The second one looks like a can of worms to me.
The third should be direct bolt on. Simple. BUT it needs a cover/shield, and they are listed alongside the pipes.
The second one looks like a can of worms to me.
The third should be direct bolt on. Simple. BUT it needs a cover/shield, and they are listed alongside the pipes.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
the third one. says corvette, but does not look like the down pipes line up with the corvette rams horn manifolds. look like they fit pass car exhaust. could just be generic pic. BUT they are charging extra 200 bucks for pipes a Midas guy can make in about 5 minutes a side compared to 1st set. now, you are aware that side pipes are an appearance, not a performance upgrade? replace the cat with true dual exhausts out the back. too loud? quieter mufflers. not loud enough? noisier ones. with side pipes your options are limited and Mr. cop guy may not like them...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 153
Likes: 15
From: CT
the third one. says corvette, but does not look like the down pipes line up with the corvette rams horn manifolds. look like they fit pass car exhaust. could just be generic pic. BUT they are charging extra 200 bucks for pipes a Midas guy can make in about 5 minutes a side compared to 1st set. now, you are aware that side pipes are an appearance, not a performance upgrade? replace the cat with true dual exhausts out the back. too loud? quieter mufflers. not loud enough? noisier ones. with side pipes your options are limited and Mr. cop guy may not like them...
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,431
Likes: 52
From: Florida
Chrome with water and heat equals high rust probability. The poor (ultra-thin) chrome quality of the last 50 years or more is not that of the "old" days and will not hold up long without constant attention. I encourage you to choose option three (assuming they're stainless) with fiberglass covers painted. You will have to remove rocker panels. Otherwise, expect to replace options 1 & 2 every three to five years on a daily/weekly driver, especially if not garaged or kept dry and waxed. I've seen many rusty side pipes at car shows and have owned a pair myself before switching to stainless. I hope whatever you choose works out great for you.
Last edited by jimvette999; Sep 22, 2019 at 12:03 PM.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,221
Likes: 9,357
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
You can use electric cutouts an djoin them to the existing exhaust. the hotrodders have been doing it for years.
https://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stor...rsistYmm=false
https://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stor...rsistYmm=false
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,875
Likes: 779
From: Persona Non Grata
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Thanks derekderek. I agree the third does not look like it is anything special. Looks generic that any muffler shop can make. Not sure if it's the picture or not I would have to contact them. I was thinking about putting hooker style headers on but I don't know if that is feasible at this point. I am thinking of adding them at a later date since they can run for 800$ plus dollars. I am wanting to tie into the original exhaust and only have to buy the side pipes at this moment and have the shop make a pipe fit from the side pipes to the original exhaust.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,221
Likes: 9,357
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
#3 would eliminate your current exhaust so its slightly different than the question you asked. They make them for big block and small block engines so make sure you are getting the size you want. They are 2 " pipes but of you go with Sweet thunder pipes you can get them in stainless and 2.5 inch pipes for better performance
https://highfloperformance.com/produ...ust-sidepipes/
https://highfloperformance.com/produ...ust-sidepipes/