Hooker Side Pipe Question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,170
Likes: 48
From: Clarence N.Y.
Hooker Side Pipe Question
Hi All, Don't like the sound out of the Hooker side pipes on my 77 so I want to take the collector off and remove the mufflers to see how it sounds. Anyway,have everything loose and the collector doesn't seem like it wants to move. Any tips are greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Jimmy
Thanks
Jimmy
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
I assume that you want to take the pipes off the collector.. Use WD40 and spray it between the collector and the pipes (a lot of it).
After a few minutes, start moving and turning the pipe until it comes loose.. Sometimes they are rusted together and need a lot of work and force to get apart.
After a few minutes, start moving and turning the pipe until it comes loose.. Sometimes they are rusted together and need a lot of work and force to get apart.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
I've had the same problem, and had to resort to heat. But, then again mine were black and not the chrome ones which could blue up on you. If you try it, go easy. If they're Jet Hot, I'd seek their advice first. Have you tried a penetrant yet? But, be sure not to combine that with open flame!!!
Assuming you have an SB and not a BB for which such huge pipes are really better suited, maybe you just need to change mufflers to a different type (don't know which you currently have), as I serioulsy doubt you're going to be any more satisfied with the tone of an open system (especially the un-dampened harmonics). Try this URL to see what's available: http://www.holley.com/types/Sidemounts.asp
Good luck with it...
Assuming you have an SB and not a BB for which such huge pipes are really better suited, maybe you just need to change mufflers to a different type (don't know which you currently have), as I serioulsy doubt you're going to be any more satisfied with the tone of an open system (especially the un-dampened harmonics). Try this URL to see what's available: http://www.holley.com/types/Sidemounts.asp
Good luck with it...
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 393
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, TX
Small world, Ive got a 77 with side pipes also, they are a total pain to take off, as for the sound well, with just the tubes and headers its ridiculously loud. It's alright for a while, kinda made me feel like I was driving a race car but my hearing was crap for a few hours after driving it. You may want to look into Sweet thunder side pipe inserts, Ive got the 2.5in ones or the STS baffles, they seem to be very popular,I have no personal experience with them but board members from everything Ive read like them. Good luck with whatever you decide.
-alex
-alex
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Just talked to Mike at MC Productions (Sweet Thunder) and he asked me to let everyone know that they have just introduced a 2.75" insert that's not on the site yet. Check them out at http://www.sweet-thunder.com where you can listen to a sound file of a small block with their inserts
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,653
Likes: 6
From: North Royalton, OH
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Jimmy - make sure the crimp spot is spread a bit where the single bolt tightens the pipe onto the collector. Use a screwdriver and gently tap with a hammer to open it up a bit. And heat is your enemy - it expands metal. I've had good luck filling a large zip-lok bag with ice and leaving it resting on the pipes for 30 minutes or so, then using a wood block and rubber mallet, start tapping off the pipe using the mounting brackets as your base. Don't hit so hard that the brackets bend. A shot of lube around the area before the ice goes on couldn't hurt. 
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,170
Likes: 48
From: Clarence N.Y.
Thanks guys! Was able to remove the left side collector. I do have chrome pipes and after the wd40 soak I needed to use some heat.
Will try the right side one soon.
Now that the collector is off,how do you take the original muffler out?
Looks like a real tight fit.
Again this forum is the best!!! You guys are great
Jimmy
Will try the right side one soon.
Now that the collector is off,how do you take the original muffler out?
Looks like a real tight fit.
Again this forum is the best!!! You guys are great
Jimmy
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 393
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, TX
Here's a link to my car with open pipes it was filmed by a crappy digital camera so the quality is so so, it may give you an idea of what to expect, turn the volume all the way up and enjoy. http://youtube.com/watch?v=8qqy2A7Dl4c as for the inserts here's the link to the sweet thunder inserts http://www.sweet-thunder.com/chamber..._corvette.html good luck with what ever size you pick, they sound awesome.
-alex
-alex
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,170
Likes: 48
From: Clarence N.Y.
Alex, I loved the clip you sent,sounds great!!! Bet the local police won't be too happy with it though. And thanks for the link for the
Sweet Thunders. I will go that route after I drive the 77 some with the mufflers removed.
Jimmy
Sweet Thunders. I will go that route after I drive the 77 some with the mufflers removed.
Jimmy
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
