sidepipes vs standard exhaust
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 562
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sidepipes vs standard exhaust
Am installing a 454 in my '69 coupe and want to consider sidepipes. From previous threads, I understand a 3 inch standard exhaust can be run to the rear. Can I assume a chambered exhaust is the only way to quiet down the car or is there a true 3 inch standard muffler available somewhere? Then, of course, there is the issue of the tips. I don't see three inch tips coming out through the fiberglass easily. Seems like sidepipes are less a challenge. Any input would be appreciated.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
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From: Waterloo ontario Canada
I am not a fan of side pipes. They dump the exhuast right beside your ear. YOur hearing is worth more then a set of side pipes. I found with side pipes I had problems talking on the phone for a few days after a hard run. I dumped them quickly
Besides if you want mufflers at all they are too restirctive.
I feel a complete exhuast is less restrictive then side pipes.
There are lots of honest 3 inch mufflers on the market.
I run a full 3 inch exhuast front to rear with 3 inch mufflers and you can outrun the exhuast when driving on the expressways.
As for tips a pair of 3 inch down pipes works great.
I have litterly hundreds of 3 inch aluminum down pipes and yes you can use aluminum for down pipes.
If you go that route I will sent you a pair.
Besides if you want mufflers at all they are too restirctive.
I feel a complete exhuast is less restrictive then side pipes.
There are lots of honest 3 inch mufflers on the market.
I run a full 3 inch exhuast front to rear with 3 inch mufflers and you can outrun the exhuast when driving on the expressways.
As for tips a pair of 3 inch down pipes works great.
I have litterly hundreds of 3 inch aluminum down pipes and yes you can use aluminum for down pipes.
If you go that route I will sent you a pair.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
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From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
The guys who have said they've installed the spiral mufflers in their sidepipes say they run as quiet or quieter than the stock exhaust. I don't know how much of a flow restriction they are, but looking at them it can't be too bad.
Thread Starter
Pro
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I'm looking first for best flow for hp. Second, for the a moderate sound because I drive this car a lot (20,000 miles a year, mostly highway), and third, longevity. Sounds like jet hot can give me the third, but a compromise between moderate sound with little restriction seems to be a real challenge. Has anyone else found a solution?
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Advanced
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 69
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From: Troy Michigan
I also prefer a full exhaust. The side pipes are easy to get burnt on getting in and out of the car. They do sound good when you are trying to sound good, but when you are just crusing trying to be mellow your still have the loud side pipes.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,071
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From: San Diego CA
If you're going to be driving that much, I personally would not recommend sidepipes. Go with big fat duals to the back. You're going to end up with burnt calves and broken ear drums, if you do.
C6 the C5 of tomorrow
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,665
Likes: 2
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
Some of us like side pipes, some of them don't.
You have to decide what you like.
Performance wise, a 3.5" spiral muffler is pretty dang good, I dae say as good as any under car system. There is almost no restriction in a spiral muffler.
Noise, yes they are louder than an under car system. but the wind noise at 70MPH is louder than the side pipes on my 460hp small block 434. So I don't see it as an issue.
I also run the 3.5" muffers under fiberglass side pipe covers. They barely get warm...
You have to decide what you like.
Performance wise, a 3.5" spiral muffler is pretty dang good, I dae say as good as any under car system. There is almost no restriction in a spiral muffler.
Noise, yes they are louder than an under car system. but the wind noise at 70MPH is louder than the side pipes on my 460hp small block 434. So I don't see it as an issue.
I also run the 3.5" muffers under fiberglass side pipe covers. They barely get warm...
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,071
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From: San Diego CA
Ya know... even with straight headers, going down the freeway wasn't that bad... If you want to spend the extra $$$ and do a really good sidepipe job it's worth it. However, they'll never be as "comfortable" as rear exhaust. Also, remember you lose a lot of ground clearance with side pipes.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Originally Posted by Kalway
If you just want to look and sound bad ***, it's really hard to beat sidepipes. Hence why I put mine on.
A good under car exhuast is far better.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2004
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Gee whizz, no one has called me "young" for thirty years; sounds good. I'm thinking at my age the opportunity for sidepipes (remember when we called them lakers?) is on the last go-around with this rebuild. I agree with a previous comment that wind noise at 60 to 75 is often just as noisy as anything. And I appreciate the info on Stahler; will go looking for them--any idea where? Am hoping to stay at 3 inch instead of four if possible. Forgot to mention I'll have a Keisler 5 speed so rpm at cruising will be reduced from the mid 30s to around 2000, so that ought to help. Someone also mentioned shields--have yet to see any aftermarket applications except for factory fiberglass reproductions. Anyone got a lead where to find those as well? Someone told me I'd burn my leg only once without them...
I'm all ears on this topic.
I'm all ears on this topic.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by norvalwilhelm
But what is your hearing worth> YOU guys are young and think you will worry about it down the road., Too late. Protect your hearing now. If you run quiet mufflers in the side pipes you are still sitting over the outlet and regardless of the noise you are hurting your ears.
A good under car exhuast is far better.
A good under car exhuast is far better.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,240
Likes: 1,013
From: Watkinsville, GA and Glen Cove, NY
No way do you lose ground clearance with sidepipes. In fact you gain significant clearance, especially if consideringa 3 inch undercar system. I have had em all on my car and the Hooker sidepipes offer the best case as far as ground clearance goes, hands down.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
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From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Originally Posted by gavanm01
Has anyone else found a solution?
...
I'm all ears on this topic.
...
I'm all ears on this topic.
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/ganeyexhaust.htm