rvaughn

I have just installed hooder headers and side pipes on my 1980 vette. On both sides, where the headers connect to the side pipes this is a considerable amount of leakage on the top and bottom. I've attempted several times to tighten the bolt on the side pipes but I still get the escaping exhaust fumes.

Any help would be appreciated.

rvaughn

Corv3tt3

I had the same problem. I pulled the tubes off and put a really high temperature sealent inside the pipe and them put them back on. I just hope that I never have to take them back apart.

Duke94

I used a LIBERAL amount of antisieze. When you first start it up, blew some of it out the gap, but then seemed to seal the exhaust over time. Makes it easier to get them back off too.

Jughead

You can see the leakage on the silver set of hookers below. After pondering the leak and speaking with the previous owner, I think the leak may be in part due to the Hooker muffler inserts he installed.





Here's a shot of the muffler insert that were in the side tubes. You can see how restrictive the inserts really are. I think the inserts created a blockage and the exhaust sought out the point of least resistance....namely the collector connection. I never did get that insert out of the side tube...it's bent and rusted.

Duke94

Good point, I switched to the Spiral Turbo Baffels when I used the anti sieze. Just shows you how restrictive the stock Hooker mufflers are.

SHAKERATTLEROLL

I feel that Jug is correct if the muffler causes too much back pressure it has to go someplace.

buffed1978

I had the same problem on my 78 when I put them on I could not keep them from leaking or tight.I took the side pipes of and where the tabs are on the side pipes where the the bolt goes through I just ground a little of so when you tighten the bolt it draws the sidepipe tighter to the header.if you look at the tabs before you grind them you will see that when you tighten the bolt the are touching each and that is why it will not get tight after you grind a little off you will see that when you tighten them when they are back on the header you will see that the tabs dont tough and the sidepipe will become tight to the header.

GrandSportC3

Especially the reverse flow mufflers cause a HUGE amount of backpressure as also a HUGE amount of horsepower loss.. I've seen 80+ HP loss with those mufflers.. Unfortunately, those are the mufflers that I have on my yellow '68...

GrandSportC3

The glasspacks aren't too restrictive but the reverse flow mufflers are...

bashcraft

The glasspack mufflers have a 2" core, they are still very restrictive. The MaxFlo's have a 2-1/2" core and are much better.

GrandSportC3

Well, compared to the reverse flow mufflers, the glass packs are MUCH less restrictive.. Everything is somewhat restrictive compared to open pipes...

bashcraft

I used to run the glasspacks on a nicely built 350. Without the mufflers the motor would pull to 8000 rpm. With the glasspacks it was giving up around 7200 rpm. Big difference in performance. At least 50-75 hp, probably more.

GrandSportC3

You'd probably a 100 HP decrease with the reverse flow mufflers..

bashcraft

That's why I have the MaxFlo's now. Haven't driven the car with them on yet, but it sure sounds purdy running in the garage.

GrandSportC3

I've heared good things about those.. Might put those into my yellow '68 if I'm able to remove the old reverse flow mufflers.. They are rusted pretty badly and I might have to replace the side tubes too...

79VetOwner

I dont at all mean to hijack this thread but....

Where could someone buy these Maxflow mufflers??

bashcraft

I got mine from Summit.

Duke94

Summit racing
Should be this one.
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...0&autoview=sku

Be warned, they are LOUD.

sperkins

Anyone had this problem when running Sweet Thunders?

DZRick

SweetThunder

I did notice a bit of carbon on the bottom side of the passenger side tube over the winter. I planned on getting a better look this spring and see what I can do to fix it.