Sidepipe insert mufflers
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,906
Likes: 4,479
From: Virginia
The reverse-flow Hooker inserts are alleged to be among the quietest. You may as well stuff bananas in your sidepipes, though.
I think these might be them, but check the part number, and other reviews. You will take a performance hit with these.
I think these might be them, but check the part number, and other reviews. You will take a performance hit with these.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,737
Likes: 836
From: Gulf of America
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2018 C3 of Year Finalist
Years ago, I went with the STS Baffles in my Hooker sidepipes. Been very happy with them.
I even made the center pipe uncappable when I want more flow.
I even made the center pipe uncappable when I want more flow.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 956
Likes: 86
From: McDonough Georgia
I'm with you on this. In my 383 with hooker long tube headers and side pipes, I opted for the Hooker baffles.
Being able to hear the radio and talk to my wife is pretty important. But that's just me.
Being able to hear the radio and talk to my wife is pretty important. But that's just me.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 1,566
Likes: 574
From: Wisconsin
You must not have been married long.
Just kidding. Lol
No matter how much my wife complains, I’m not toning down the exhaust. Hell, I refuse to put on a passenger side mirror so she can’t “help” me drive from her side of the cabin. 😀
Just kidding. Lol
No matter how much my wife complains, I’m not toning down the exhaust. Hell, I refuse to put on a passenger side mirror so she can’t “help” me drive from her side of the cabin. 😀
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 956
Likes: 86
From: McDonough Georgia
After 50 years of marriage my wife says she does not nag, merely offers "guidance".
I like the side mirror idea!!!!
sheeesh!!!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,763
Likes: 919
From: Arizona
Just a question to those who have installed inserts. I have 4" Dougs ceramic pipes with Doug's 30" inserts.
Any insight on installing the inserts, i havent attempted yet as im still on the header part of the install but just setting the insert into the pipe appears it will be tight.
Is there allot of effort getting the inserts down the pipe, do I use a wooden dowel to hammer it down? I figure I can set the mounting brackets against something solid with a block of wood if I do have to hammer the insert in... anyone ever have to take material from the insert ends to make them fit?
I just don't want to get hamering and get stuck half way down and not be able to move the inserts in either direction.
Any insight on installing the inserts, i havent attempted yet as im still on the header part of the install but just setting the insert into the pipe appears it will be tight.
Is there allot of effort getting the inserts down the pipe, do I use a wooden dowel to hammer it down? I figure I can set the mounting brackets against something solid with a block of wood if I do have to hammer the insert in... anyone ever have to take material from the insert ends to make them fit?
I just don't want to get hamering and get stuck half way down and not be able to move the inserts in either direction.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,665
Likes: 2,564
It should be a snug fit. I typically place the header tube vertically resting on a piece of wood, braced against something or have someone hold it, and raise the insert above it and drop in letting the weight of the falling insert to carry it down into the tube.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,763
Likes: 919
From: Arizona
thanks MelWff, I haven't really put much effort but definitely not gonna just drop right in from the weight, I have some wooden dowels and will surely need to use them, nothing looks out of round so hoping they tap in fairly easy, waiting on replacement side tube from Summit supposed to be here today and need to finish drivers side header install.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,665
Likes: 2,564
thanks MelWff, I haven't really put much effort but definitely not gonna just drop right in from the weight, I have some wooden dowels and will surely need to use them, nothing looks out of round so hoping they tap in fairly easy, waiting on replacement side tube from Summit supposed to be here today and need to finish drivers side header install.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,763
Likes: 919
From: Arizona
Thanks gentlemen... the inserts are marked "inlet" and "outlet"
I actually just took a little bit of 80 grit on a DA and took some of the burrs off the outlet end of the insert and it is sliding in... again thanks guys
I actually just took a little bit of 80 grit on a DA and took some of the burrs off the outlet end of the insert and it is sliding in... again thanks guys
Last edited by Golfobsessed; Sep 16, 2023 at 12:30 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,302
Likes: 1,583
From: Western NY
I agree. Although not a Corvette, I had the Hooker sidepipes on a 1977 Pontiac T/A that I owned back then (Hooker made then for a number of GM cars, not just 'Vettes, back then) Installing the sidepipes on a car that originally came equipped with a single exhaust, choked down by one of the "old style" catalytic converters, made a huge difference in the performance....like night and day. However, I initially used the "glasspack" inserts, and after a summer of driving with them, I got a little tired of the noise level.
I removed them, and installed a pair of the "reverse flow" inserts, and while they brought the sound level down to something more acceptable, their flow restriction did make a noticeable difference in performance.
I removed them, and installed a pair of the "reverse flow" inserts, and while they brought the sound level down to something more acceptable, their flow restriction did make a noticeable difference in performance.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,763
Likes: 919
From: Arizona
I agree. Although not a Corvette, I had the Hooker sidepipes on a 1977 Pontiac T/A that I owned back then (Hooker made then for a number of GM cars, not just 'Vettes, back then) Installing the sidepipes on a car that originally came equipped with a single exhaust, choked down by one of the "old style" catalytic converters, made a huge difference in the performance....like night and day. However, I initially used the "glasspack" inserts, and after a summer of driving with them, I got a little tired of the noise level.
I removed them, and installed a pair of the "reverse flow" inserts, and while they brought the sound level down to something more acceptable, their flow restriction did make a noticeable difference in performance.
I removed them, and installed a pair of the "reverse flow" inserts, and while they brought the sound level down to something more acceptable, their flow restriction did make a noticeable difference in performance.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 1,566
Likes: 574
From: Wisconsin
They should drop right in. Do like the Classic Chambered inserts - they have 3 or 4 small longitudinal cuts in each end, on the bell. You bend the metal outward slightly at the cuts so it automatically sizes itself to your pipe when you push the insert in. Presto, no rattling or moving around.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,665
Likes: 2,564