When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I found flex SS pipes online , turned out, I used a shorter flex on passenger side because of the engine off-set, and header length, but no biggie, no one really sees it,, Just takes a little fit-up, and all hooked up great. Its all welded from side-pipe muffler to header collectors..
.
Hopefully ya get the idea of what i did.
.
probably better flowing than the type with ultra long primary tubes with the collectors at the front of the side pipes. like bikespace's in post 10. the other disadvantage of that type is the welds all rust and there is little you can do about the way they look.
Do you really think the short ones would flow better? Aren't the long, side exhausting headers equal-length tubes? Seems to me, factory manifolds would flow the least, then "block hugger" headers would flow a bit better, then the Hedman headers in post #14, best would be the long ones in post #10. Also, the 4" "muffler" is bigger diameter than the factory side exhaust, seems it would also flow better, especially if there were no inserts. When I see pure racing corvettes, road race not drag, that's what they use, not the factory type, correct me if I'm wrong.
As far as rust on the welds of the collectors, stainless don't have that problem.
What is the part number of that Hedman header, and do they make them for big blocks? My friend is building a custom exhaust similar to the factory style, those headers would work well for what he's doing.
i think it is too much of a good thing. primaries are too long. does something with pulses or back pressure.
I'd accept that too. Those race cars NEED all that flow. 400-500 H.P. street car, maybe not. Sure looks cool though! I was shopping for them before I even took delivery of my car.
Last edited by Richard Daugird; Apr 1, 2022 at 02:51 PM.
What is the part number of that Hedman header, and do they make them for big blocks? My friend is building a custom exhaust similar to the factory style, those headers would work well for what he's doing.
Do you really think the short ones would flow better? Aren't the long, side exhausting headers equal-length tubes? Seems to me, factory manifolds would flow the least, then "block hugger" headers would flow a bit better, then the Hedman headers in post #14, best would be the long ones in post #10. Also, the 4" "muffler" is bigger diameter than the factory side exhaust, seems it would also flow better, especially if there were no inserts. When I see pure racing corvettes, road race not drag, that's what they use, not the factory type, correct me if I'm wrong.
As far as rust on the welds of the collectors, stainless don't have that problem.
What is the part number of that Hedman header, and do they make them for big blocks? My friend is building a custom exhaust similar to the factory style, those headers would work well for what he's doing.
The real problem here is you are afraid of giving up the added power of the long tube headers (that the collector is too far back to fit anyway) and then you want to run them into a factory type side exhaust that has a VERY restrictive exhaust path flow. Side exhaust is for guys that think they look cool, don’t like there ears and don’t mind the power loss.
What power loss? Backpressure is a myth. Sure, an under-car system with a crossover can be slightly better than Hooker-style headers dumping into 4" open side pipes, but anything is better than the stock arrangement.
The set in post 10 was $250 on Craigslist. I may "lose" 3 to 5 HP or so vs. a $2000 system, but I picked up a lot more than that over stock. Not to mention all of the space under the car.
If I want to have a civilized conversation, or listen to music, I'll drive my wife's 79.
Mr. 68hemi;
You have owned some super nice cars, my hat's off to you. And to be honest, I put the side exhaust mostly because I think it looks cool. But honestly, it's not real loud. This is coming from a mature mid fifties man who doesn't want to **** off the neighbors. I don't start the car up and rev it up at night anyway. I was concerned before I installed them but they really aren't too loud; certainly not as obnoxious as the wanna be tough guys with the black smoke blowing diesel trucks.
Do you really think the short ones would flow better? Aren't the long, side exhausting headers equal-length tubes? Seems to me, factory manifolds would flow the least, then "block hugger" headers would flow a bit better, then the Hedman headers in post #14, best would be the long ones in post #10. Also, the 4" "muffler" is bigger diameter than the factory side exhaust, seems it would also flow better, especially if there were no inserts. When I see pure racing corvettes, road race not drag, that's what they use, not the factory type, correct me if I'm wrong.
As far as rust on the welds of the collectors, stainless don't have that problem.
What is the part number of that Hedman header, and do they make them for big blocks? My friend is building a custom exhaust similar to the factory style, those headers would work well for what he's doing.
The real problem here is you are afraid of giving up the added power of the long tube headers (that the collector is too far back to fit anyway) and then you want to run them into a factory type side exhaust that has a VERY restrictive exhaust path flow. Side exhaust is for guys that think they look cool, don’t like there ears and don’t mind the power loss.
.
.
Wow, how do you know whats in my brain???...
Thats totally why I have sidepipes. I love how the '69 side exhaust looks,, and couldn't care how much power they supposedly take away,, I had long tube headers. But honestly can't tell ya I feel any power loss on my 'Butt Dyno',, And really, they are not loud at all. With the top down, I get more wind noise than exhaust noise. And with top up,( almost never ), a sweet quiet rumble. My main reason for my set-up [[ post #21 ]] is for heat reduction. And it did help,,,,
.
Yea,, if your going for another couple of hp, sidepipes are NOT for you,,
.
.
Wow, how do you know whats in my brain???...
Thats totally why I have sidepipes. I love how the '69 side exhaust looks,, and couldn't care how much power they supposedly take away,, I had long tube headers. But honestly can't tell ya I feel any power loss on my 'Butt Dyno',, And really, they are not loud at all. With the top down, I get more wind noise than exhaust noise. And with top up,( almost never ), a sweet quiet rumble. My main reason for my set-up [[ post #21 ]] is for heat reduction. And it did help,,,,
.
Yea,, if your going for another couple of hp, sidepipes are NOT for you,,
Not trying to change anyone’s mind but here are some FACTS on the subject.
ALL is a matter of personal taste. However, I can tell you a few things about them as I have had 4 different Corvettes with side exhaust. Two with factory ones and two with Hooker headers and side exhaust.
1. THEY ARE ALL LOUD however the Hooker SE has a muffler inside them that can be removed to make them straight pipes. The fact that they exit directly below your left ear they can become obnoxious and a decimal meter will tell you exactly how loud they are. After a short while at freeway speeds your ears will be ringing and who knows how long you can endure this before your hearing is damaged.
2. I was younger when I had them and even then they were ok around town but too loud on the highway. If I bought a car with them I would change them for under car exhaust immediately.
3. if you rotate the tips on them so they are at a 90 degree angle from the ground it eliminates the “leaf blower effect” you get with the factory type side exhaust. It requires cutting them off and rewelding to reposition.
4. Many people have different thoughts and reasons they buy and drive these cars. Some will tell you that they don’t listen to the radio but rather the sound of the engine/exhaust. Some don’t like passengers in their cars so conversations don’t enter the equation. Personally I like to listen to my radio and have a conversation with a passenger. I also like what I have left of my hearing.
5. I don’t get the reason people buy a car with a hipo engine and then are willing to give up h.p. for the sound of exhaust and believe me the loss through factory type SE is SIGNIFICANT compared to the factory 2 1/2” exhaust even with the factory quite mufflers.
6. Factory type shielded SE won’t burn you legs getting out, the Hooker headers with SE WILL. You will learn quickly that you will need to step wide getting out of the car.
I have hooker headers and side pipes. Don’t know which baffle is in the side pipes as it was already on but it isn’t very loud at all. I can carry on conversation decently but always wonder if I could get a better insert for more of a deep rumble tone
I have hooker headers and side pipes. Don’t know which baffle is in the side pipes as it was already on but it isn’t very loud at all. I can carry on conversation decently but always wonder if I could get a better insert for more of a deep rumble tone
The ones I had back in the mid 70s had an actual full muffler in them that was removable. Pretty quite but with the muffler out they were straight pipes. I don’t know if anyone makes anything in between.
The ones I had back in the mid 70s had an actual full muffler in them that was removable. Pretty quite but with the muffler out they were straight pipes. I don’t know if anyone makes anything in between.
There are lots of options available today. I think I'll try these next, and then Spiral Turbo Baffles, if that doesn't work.
not true.Mcjacks corvettes makes headers that bolt right up to factory exhaust.
Sorry, All I see are factory style replacement exhaust manifolds that would bolt up not true headers. The header as posted above would require cutting of the factory side pipes as shown by 60 SHARK.
Love the look of this! Where did you get those shields if you don't mind my asking?
Originally Posted by Bikespace
This is why a photo always helps on this Forum. I didn't realize Hooker made shorty headers, if that's what you have. Are you going for the stock (1969 only) look, or the long-tube headers to side pipes look?
FWIW, these are Hooker headers, too (with a DIY side pipe extension).
I'd be happier if they were black, but at least I don't burn my legs. The shield mounts are from somewhere else. I had to force the shields open, and drill new holes.
...
