Installing Side Mounted Exhaust
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Jasper Indiana
Installing Side Mounted Exhaust
I really want to install side mounted exhaust on my 68. It is a 327/375 that was built for the strip in the early70's. It was retired a few years later. Anyways, I want the car to roar even louder. I'm not exactly sure what the process is to installing them. I don't know what to check for. If anyone can walk me through it or give me any feedback about my dilemma, it would be much appreciated.
Thank you,
Doug
Thank you,
Doug
Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 259
Likes: 8
From: Shortsville NY
For my '81, I just went on eBay and bought the style I wanted at the best price. You can always swap out the inserts to make them louder. My car is pretty low to the ground becuase I'm running wheels and tires at a lower ride height then stock. make sure your suspension is good also... my '81 was sagging in the front (springs were shot), and I needed to replace them in the front to make enough room under the car for the pipes... and the pipes WILL scrape the ground... even at stock ride height.
You can see in the image below where the pipes come out from under the car...
I bought a pair with the 60's style heat shield on them... I highly reccomend the heat shield, I can get out of the car after driving it any distance and touch the shield with my bare hand and not get burned... your ankles, calfs and girlfriend will thank you.
You can see in the image below where the pipes come out from under the car...
I bought a pair with the 60's style heat shield on them... I highly reccomend the heat shield, I can get out of the car after driving it any distance and touch the shield with my bare hand and not get burned... your ankles, calfs and girlfriend will thank you.
Last edited by darklordftt; Jan 17, 2008 at 02:36 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Jasper Indiana
I don't know what to measure. Do I need to measure the rocker panels and do I need to make any modifications to the body to install them? What size pipe does everyone recommend. What does darklordftt mean by inserts?
Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 259
Likes: 8
From: Shortsville NY
I know some... maybe not all, side pipes have an insert in them that acts as the muffler to dampen the sound. You can remove the insert to run a wide open exhaust, or replace them with other inserts to make the car louder or quieter.
To install the pipes, we drilled 2 holes under each side of the frame to mount the pipes with an "L" bracket that came with the kit, then bent some more pipe to reach from the side pipes up to the stock manifolds. I belive I have 3" pipes, but the piece that connects the manifolds to the pipes is 2", 2 1/4" or 2 1/2" (can't remember) and it is flared to 3" where it meets the side pipes
To install the pipes, we drilled 2 holes under each side of the frame to mount the pipes with an "L" bracket that came with the kit, then bent some more pipe to reach from the side pipes up to the stock manifolds. I belive I have 3" pipes, but the piece that connects the manifolds to the pipes is 2", 2 1/4" or 2 1/2" (can't remember) and it is flared to 3" where it meets the side pipes
Last edited by darklordftt; Jan 17, 2008 at 04:13 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,039
Likes: 670
From: FL
A good source is to buy them direct from JetHot who has a great ceramic coating plus they give a forum discount. Or, go with stainless steel and get them from Summit Racing.
These pics are from another member's car but gives you an idea how they install:
What people call inserts are the mufflers that go into the pipes. Do a search on the forum for "max flow", "sweet thunder", and "spiral baffles". Different types, different sounds.
Some people also like to have heat shields to help prevent burns. Search for "Stainless Steel Shields" or get the cobra ones like mine from www.cobrastuff.com.
IMHO, the Hookers are the best. They are the real deal and look great.
Last edited by SteveG75; Jan 17, 2008 at 06:24 PM.
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Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,039
Likes: 670
From: FL
The Hookers only come in one size, 4". They have 1-7/8' primaries on the headers and the sidepipe is 4" in diameter. The Hookers are a complete system designed to correctly fit our cars and the length is correct. See my post above.
The universal pipes like darklordfft has come with a 2" inlet and 3" outlet. They come in a 50", 60", 70", or 80" length and you have to fabricate the connection to your exhaust manifolds. I don't know what size you would use. Measure the length of the rocker panels.
Compare what comes in the Patriot kit to what I posted above for the Hookers.
Some assembly required.
The universal pipes like darklordfft has come with a 2" inlet and 3" outlet. They come in a 50", 60", 70", or 80" length and you have to fabricate the connection to your exhaust manifolds. I don't know what size you would use. Measure the length of the rocker panels.
Compare what comes in the Patriot kit to what I posted above for the Hookers.
Some assembly required.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,039
Likes: 670
From: FL
Pro
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 562
Likes: 1
Two compelling reasons for considering the Jet-Hot setup:
1. Their ceramic coating will keep the heat out of the engine bay--the biggest complaint people have with their Vettes. If it's out of the engine bay, it won't be in the cockpit.
2. The new sterling coating is a great new look that is hard to beat. It looks great with Bangkok Dean's stainless heat shields that you can order in three styles; he's a forum member and has a great product you'll need to save your legs from burns with. Passengers, too.
1. Their ceramic coating will keep the heat out of the engine bay--the biggest complaint people have with their Vettes. If it's out of the engine bay, it won't be in the cockpit.
2. The new sterling coating is a great new look that is hard to beat. It looks great with Bangkok Dean's stainless heat shields that you can order in three styles; he's a forum member and has a great product you'll need to save your legs from burns with. Passengers, too.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
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From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 249
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From: Avon Connecticut
im also planning on setting myself up with some siders.
I am most likely going with hooker headers
but i just dont know what to get...
chrome, stainless, or polished aluminum...
any suggestions....
i want the shine of chrome...but not the rust problems...which would be second best?
I am most likely going with hooker headers
but i just dont know what to get...
chrome, stainless, or polished aluminum...
any suggestions....
i want the shine of chrome...but not the rust problems...which would be second best?
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 718
Likes: 7
From: Jacksonville , NC
Two compelling reasons for considering the Jet-Hot setup:
1. Their ceramic coating will keep the heat out of the engine bay--the biggest complaint people have with their Vettes. If it's out of the engine bay, it won't be in the cockpit.
2. The new sterling coating is a great new look that is hard to beat. It looks great with Bangkok Dean's stainless heat shields that you can order in three styles; he's a forum member and has a great product you'll need to save your legs from burns with. Passengers, too.
1. Their ceramic coating will keep the heat out of the engine bay--the biggest complaint people have with their Vettes. If it's out of the engine bay, it won't be in the cockpit.
2. The new sterling coating is a great new look that is hard to beat. It looks great with Bangkok Dean's stainless heat shields that you can order in three styles; he's a forum member and has a great product you'll need to save your legs from burns with. Passengers, too.
Temperature without Jet Hot Sterling coatings were mid 700's at the exhaust ports, with Sterling low 300's and low 100's at the collerctors on the outside. Added Deans Steel Shields and no worries about heat what so ever.
I would order direct from Jet Hot both the headers and side pipes in Sterling.
