Help with factory side pipe installation
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: Upstate New York
Help with factory side pipe installation
Are there any threads out there for installing factory pipes on a 69? I did a search and didn't find too much.
I am going to start working on it tomorrow and could use any helpful input for the procedure.
I am going to start working on it tomorrow and could use any helpful input for the procedure.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
From: Rockford MI
The factory assembly manual helped me out a great deal. You will need to cut the body just aft of the front tire where your rocker panel is now to provide pipe clearance. The manual details the dimentions of the cut. Also, it illustrates the correct bracketry and fasteners that both the covers and pipes mount to the frame with. The front cover bracket is rivited to the cover, the rear is bolted. I purchased the brackets and cover fasteners from Paragon, which I believe is the manufacturer and new ss pipes from Mike at Sweet Thunder (also the manufacturer) in Caddillac, MI. http://www.sweet-thunder.com/corvett...pes_68_74.html
Good luck!
Good luck!
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
I think this might help you? Good Luck I was thinking about adding some to mine jus when I get the 383 for it.
http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/4680/index.html
http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/4680/index.html
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: Upstate New York
The factory assembly manual helped me out a great deal. You will need to cut the body just aft of the front tire where your rocker panel is now to provide pipe clearance. The manual details the dimentions of the cut. Also, it illustrates the correct bracketry and fasteners that both the covers and pipes mount to the frame with. The front cover bracket is rivited to the cover, the rear is bolted. I purchased the brackets and cover fasteners from Paragon, which I believe is the manufacturer and new ss pipes from Mike at Sweet Thunder (also the manufacturer) in Caddillac, MI. http://www.sweet-thunder.com/corvett...pes_68_74.html
Good luck!
Good luck!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
The first instruction on the list is: Caution, Once done you can never return.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: Upstate New York
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
What, I meant was that when you install the side pipes, and cut the fenders, innerfenders, and plaster the rear panels, you can never return to stock. I assume that those things are alread changed, so it would make no difference.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: Upstate New York
I did do a little cutting and fitting today after figureing out how everything is going to go together. This is as far as I got...
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,134
Likes: 4,206
From: Westminster Maryland
ENG40,
Love pictures! Love factory style side pipes. Looking forward to seeing them finished.
I've had side exhaust on my 71 since 71. They seem to have gotten louder as the years have gone by. Maybe my ears are wearing out?
Regards,
Alan
Love pictures! Love factory style side pipes. Looking forward to seeing them finished.
I've had side exhaust on my 71 since 71. They seem to have gotten louder as the years have gone by. Maybe my ears are wearing out?
Regards,
Alan
Pro
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
ENG40,
Just looking at your pics, one bit of advice I would offer is make sure you get the mufflers as high as possible.
Here's some pics of mine when I first started installing.
I found that the mufflers hung down quite abit below the covers. After talking with tech support from the vendor I was able to get them up higher by adjusting the angle where the pipes bolted up to the manifolds. I was trying to make them bolt up straight. You need to tighten them so that they will pull the muffler up as much as possible. The donut gasket will provide a good seal if installed properly.
When finished the mufflers do hang a little below the covers, but you can't notice it unless you lie under the car.
Dave
Just looking at your pics, one bit of advice I would offer is make sure you get the mufflers as high as possible.
Here's some pics of mine when I first started installing.
I found that the mufflers hung down quite abit below the covers. After talking with tech support from the vendor I was able to get them up higher by adjusting the angle where the pipes bolted up to the manifolds. I was trying to make them bolt up straight. You need to tighten them so that they will pull the muffler up as much as possible. The donut gasket will provide a good seal if installed properly.
When finished the mufflers do hang a little below the covers, but you can't notice it unless you lie under the car.
Dave
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: Upstate New York
Thanks Dave. I see in the picture your pipes are well below the fenders and we had to cut out some of the glass to make a good fit. Here's the result.
The picture from yesterday showed the pipes on the car but they were not tightened in place. The pipes do stick down a little below the covers.
The picture from yesterday showed the pipes on the car but they were not tightened in place. The pipes do stick down a little below the covers.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
ENG40,
Yes, those pics were taken when I first mounted them. After talking with the supplier, I trimmed the fiberglass to allow them to be mounted higher.
At first I didn't think it necessary because I was trying to keep the mounting flange square with the manifold flange. After talking with the supplier and trimming the fiberglass we then retightened the flanges to pull the front of the mufflers up higher. I was surprised at the difference that it made.
Dave
Yes, those pics were taken when I first mounted them. After talking with the supplier, I trimmed the fiberglass to allow them to be mounted higher.
At first I didn't think it necessary because I was trying to keep the mounting flange square with the manifold flange. After talking with the supplier and trimming the fiberglass we then retightened the flanges to pull the front of the mufflers up higher. I was surprised at the difference that it made.
Dave
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: Upstate New York
Dave we had to heat the pipe on the drivers side to get it to align with the manifold exhaust flange. The pipe didn't fit very well but we tweaked it into place and it looks like the system will ride high enough for good ground clearance.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: Upstate New York
