Sidepipes – installation experience:
1. The installation is not complicated or unusually difficult – but it takes a fair amount of time and requires adjustments for some unanticipated problems.

2. Several rocker panel molding screws were rusted and/or stripped – I needed to drill out several of the screws.

3. Raised car 18 inches as discussed on the Forum (Hooker recommends 36 inches) – the only difficulty I had was that the Temperature Switch was in the way when I attempted to install the driver side header. I had to unscrew the switch and find a way to catch the leaking antifreeze – I used a bucket & funnel to catch most of it.

4. 12mm bolts are provided to attach the new headers – I could only get a ratchet wrench on one and had to use an open ended crescent wrench on all of the others – a quarter turn at a time!

5. I took the opportunity to sand the exposed section of the frame, apply rust reformer/primer and paint the section with Rust-oleum satin black. I intend to recondition any exposed metal as I am able – without a total frame-off restoration until some future time.

6. The sidepipe mounting bracket assembly instructions drawing is wrong – it neglected to identify the second rubber washer or its placement. I called the Holly technical support line and they confirmed that the drawing is incorrect.

7. The installation instructions are poorly written and indicated that the rocker panel molding should be “replaced, but not tightened” before installing the sidepipes. “Not tightened” would seem to imply that the screws should be inserted – but this is impossible since the rocker panel molding covers the mounting bolts. They need to be placed in position where they will eventually be attached but you will need to assemble the mounting bolts, washers, rubber grommets and nuts before inserting the screws and attaching the rocker panels – tricky business.

8. The mounting bracket is designed to slip into a slot in the frame of the car but it could easily fall into the frame during assembly of the 2 rubber washers, metal washer, lock washer, side pipe bracket and lock nut. I wrapped a thin piece of wire around the innermost thread on the bracket so that I could maintain some control of it during the assembly. I also asked Holly technical support about this and their only advice was “be careful”.

9. “Ouch” it only took a couple of driving experiences before I carelessly let my leg touch the sidepipe as I was exiting the car. A week has passed and I am still treating what appears to be a 2nd degree burn.

10. It is all worth it – I love the sound of the “Maxi-flow” mufflers and the way the car looks with sidepipes.

 

Rock and roll man! Looks great! Maybe Ill have them on my 73 one day. What did you do about the rear valence? did you fill it in or are you just going to leave it be untill a later date.

 

Awesome install! I love my side pipes, makes it look like a Vette should and the sound is great too!
Bernie

 

NO question about it, sidepipes look GRAND, just gotta love em....the only issues I have are noise next to my ear....and the leg burn issue....

I feel there has to be some sort of solution to both problems, and am surprised that after what? 40 years since the show car anyway, that someone has not come up with a definitive final solution to the above two issues.....

GENE

 

I didn't like the empty look from the rear so I salvaged the chrome tailpipe extensions from the old exhaust, installed universal tailpipe brackets and a stainless steel screw to stabilize each chrome extension. Then I filled the area inside of the exhaust pipe extension with steel wool and sprayed the inside with flat black paint - don't know how long this will last but it is fine for now.

 

I installed slotted shields to keep from burning my legs. They are for Cobra sidepipes but fit nicely. They get mildly warm but never hot. I didn't think I would like the looks of them but everyone seems to think they look good. As for the noise; it is sometimes annoying at low speeds, but at highway speeds it is all but nonexistant.
Bernie

 

Side Pipes ROCK

 

Speaking of sidepipe covers Dean, how goes the licensing process? How long before every Forum member is running around with Stingray covers?

 

The Side Pipes look AWESOME!! How about a sound clip,... I really want to add a set to my 82 but I can't find a set for a reasonable price in nice condition, I was also worried about the sound... My dads got the hooker sidepipes on his vette,... They look great but too weak sounding.

Good Install,

Dan

 

 

Still working on GM this takes time I am afraid. Check out the other designs in work.

www.steelshields.com