Hello all, first time utilizing the Corvette forum.
I have a 79 Vette, 440 sbc w/ Brodix Dragon Slayer heads. I upgrade my suspension this winter to Ridetech's suspension kit (front/back). I had to cut off my existing exhaust system to install new components and found out that exhaust would fit due to bracket bolted on the rear dif. Got me thinking to install side exhaust....been conducting a bit of research and having hard time coming across side headers that work with angled plugs and raised exhaust ports. I was looking at Doug's headers, D380-SS but when I gave them a call, they Rep cited they won't work on my setup. While doing my research, I came across 1-2 guys on this Forum that mentioned Doug's headers do fit without major issues. Just wondering if anyone has any input on the direction I could take. Seems like no other manufacturer out there that produces side exhaust for the setup I have.

Any input would be much appreciated.
Thanks.

 

I’ve got the angled plugs, raised port heads (GM SP350/385 crate motor) in my 82. I used these same headers and sidepipes with zero issues. These are the only photos I have right now. If you want I’ll pull the cover off it and take engine photos of angled plugs.

 

Looks pretty damn nice, I appreciate the photos! Couple more questions: 1. What type of clamp did u utilize to connect header to side pipe? 2. U have any type of insert in the side tube? I've come across some forums citing Sweet Thunder and Spiral Turbo Specialties baffle.....any thoughts?

 

Raised ports, but straight plugs here. No issues either.



The pipes themselves have a built in clamp on the inboard side to tighten it against the header collector. As for the inserts I’m using 776-D950 glass packs, the “medium” option. I think it sounds pretty good, but definitely wouldn’t want to spend any serious amount of time with no inserts at all.

 

Thanks for the reply, I think I'm going to go ahead and put an order this week @ Summitracing for a pair given your input.
Appreciate the help.

 

Got mine from Summit also. I went with Classic chambered vette pack inserts. You can call Eric (owner) great guy if you have any questions.

https://www.classicchambered.com/cla...html#corvettes

 

I run STS baffles and you can tune the sound by adding holes to or removing the center cap.

 

Thanks for the input!

 

Did u have to do much modifications to the rocker panels?
What bolting on the side pipes....have to drill new holes, modify brackets?

 

You’ll have to cut a small section out of the rocker panel to fit the collector coming out. Nothing you can tell is missing when looking at it though.

The pipes should come with T-bolt hardware to be inserted into holes in the frame.

 

Ok, thanks for your info, much appreciated.

 

The rocker trim needs to come off during the install. You MIGHT need to trim the front edge slightly that but it will really depend on your particular car and headers. This will vary. You might need to remove one or both of your rear wheels to put the trim back on after the install. Drivers side rocker slipped right in on mine but passenger side was tighter and tire had to be removed. Have fun!


Dougs side pipes with Vette Packs muffler inserts.

 

Ok, thanks....I have her up on blocks already, tire removal is a snap, thanks for the tips!

 

My experiences.
Big Block Sidepipes: I bought a set of Doug's polished stainless steel headers and matching 4" sidepipes. The headers didn't fit due to my Brodix heads having exhaust ports that were slightly elevated, compared to OEM heads. Shipped the car and Doug's headers to Sanderson Headers in South San Francisco. They modified the headers to fit for $1000. Modification was perfect, no signs of the work needed to make them fit.

Small Block Sidepipes: Hedman Headers makes/made steel headers for the factory sidepipe option offered in 1969. Last time I went to buy a pair they were not in the Hedman catalog, although Summit still had them in stock. I had them duplicated, by Sanderson Headers, in stainless. Actually I had them modified slightly to avoid interference with the idler arm.

 

So I just ran across this thread and want to show you my side pipe setup, I don’t like it, I think the po did a pretty shady job just to add a set of side pipes. I feel like this is restricting a lot of flow….I would like to replace this setup with Doug’s headers. It’s a 79 with a 350 crate motor with vortec heads, any thoughts or recommendations would be appreciated.

thanks,
Buzzard

 

So I ordered Doug's headers for my 79 vette, 440 sbc with Brodix Dragon Slayer heads (DS225), knowing it was a high probability that I would have to do some tweaking. Passenger side - #4 pipe did not provide enough clearance for plug, had to dimple pipe with some heat to make enough clearance, Driver side - #1 pipe had to hammer 2-3x where it came down next to steering box (was barely rubbing against box). I'm in the process of installing side pipes, keep in mind: either the 2 holes on frame will need to be reamed out OR holes on the bracket to fit to your liking. I'm deciding if I have to punch holes on bottom of frame to hold T bolts in frame with finger or tack weld T bolts to frame. One other item to note, the side pipes are an extremely tight fight onto the headers. What I've been working on is honing out the inside of the side pipe (first 3.5" to where flange ends) with either a rotary stone on my air die grinder or emery cloth wheel on my drill. Also, I would suggest using axle grease for inside of the side pipe to slip on/off the header....I've taken mine on/off several times already to gauge where brackets will line up and other measurements. I'm not sure about your vortec heads, but I believe SixAddict has them on his sbc vette and cited he had no issues with headers...in terms of clearance for plugs or other obstructions.

 

I believe the instructions on mine said to use anti-seize between the header and pipe. I also used a 90 degree pick to hold the T-bolt in place while turning the nut with a ratcheting box end wrench.

 

Ya, that is my intent 2 utilize anti-seize goop once I have all measurements complete and holes figured out.
Thanks for the tip on the pic, didn't cross my mind.

 

Anyone out there have advice how far to push side pipe onto header....I believe the side pipe is flanged out to 3.5" from end of pipe. It seems like the bugger will only slide in about 2"....

 

correct Redneck, I have raised port aluminum heads with angled plugs which Doug’s said wouldn’t fit, but they fit fine. No issues with any fitment in engine bay.

My cousin owns a shop so he installed them and did not use T bolts in frame , he fabricated the rear bracket off side pipe to bolt to a bracket he made and welded that to frame. So mine are basically held on with the headers at engine and the rear bracket off side pipe . So a year in zero issues.