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Hello i am new to corvettes so i was wondering what would i have to do to get side pipes on a 1981 Corvette. What parts i would have to get and does the engine size matter? Also how much would it cost me? Please help.
I ordered sidepipes from corvette central. they have sidepipes and headers for about $1400 I think. The only thing that matters is if its a big block or a small block. You may require a new bracket or something but I didnt need one. Good luck they're worth it
I have them on my '81 but the body isn't back on yet and I haven't tried to install the A/C compressor yet. Basically I called up Jet Hot and told them what year I had and they sent me what I needed. The pricing was great and I got exactly what I needed. I may have to work out a bracket for the A/C compressor but I do not know yet; I haven't tried to put it on.
I just bought some cheap hooker imitations from ebay. they were $560 and came with the headers, pipes, and mufflers. They installed well, but who knows how well they'll old up.
single greatest mod i think on my corvette, it sounds FANTASTIC and has lots of different sound levels with all the different baffles you can get, the look is absolutely stunning. I bought mine from Jet-Hot and the price was good and installation was fairly easy as long as you have a good lift or high jack stands, hooker i think is best way to go, you can get chrome, ceramic coated, or black at different prices.
Write a big check.
Get some good tools.
Get some cold beer and some friends to help.
Get ready for your weekend to be occupied.
Do a search on this forum for side pipe or side exhaust install.
Get ready for a grin you can't wipe off your face....cause chicks dig corvettes with side pipes!
almost forgot, be ready for your hooker tattoo, if you dont know, you will find out if i can find the pictures of a friends i will post them its BAD you can still see the scar
Hookers also come in polished stainless steel. You do not have to worry about rust. I bought the stainless pipes, stainless covers and STS baffles. The STS Baffles can be "adjusted" for increased flow and sound. The covers are a huge plus; keeps you from burning your legs on the pipes. At 6'4", I have a hard time crawling out of my car without hitting the pipe. The whole setup was about $2200. You can see some pics in My Corvette Photos under my avatar.
Last edited by redman76; Sep 23, 2008 at 09:53 PM.
almost forgot, be ready for your hooker tattoo, if you dont know, you will find out if i can find the pictures of a friends i will post them its BAD you can still see the scar
Side pipes do make a C3 look and sound great. You can find many types of side pipes starting @ $200 to $2500. My first set came from JC Whitney called patriot side pipes but they were chrome plated and rusted out easily plus were very restrictive in flow. Hookers are the way to get a great look, sound great and works great. You can look at the steel Hookers from Jethot or go to Summit racing web site and see the ceramic, chrome, painted or Stainless steel. I have stainless steel Hookers on my 81 with my home made stainless steel spiral baffles.
But as mentioned above they can and will get you your friends or family member a big leg scar if you don't get some sort of heat shield. There are several on the market from $180 (cheese graders) to $430 for high polished stainless steel from Steelshields.com.