This is my first post so be gentle on me. I'm sure that the side pipe issue has been covered but I haven't look up the archives yet. What's Best Hooker or Stock style? Looks and performance balanced together. Pros and cons of each?

 

aqua80,

Hooker's are more performance oriented if you run as open pipes (extremely loud) or with the JCL spiral baffles. The stock Hooker mufflers are both restrictive and as loud or louder as the more free flowing JCL's.

The Stock setup is classy looking, but quite restrictive if using the factory reverse flow mufflers. If your engine is putting out less than 250 net horsepower, it really doesn't matter too much. The fiberglass covers are much cheaper than the original factory metal ones, but I really like the look of the polished metal ones better. You will look long and hard before you find a pair today. Be prepared to shell out some big bucks!

Both side pipe designs make for easier working under the car and less heat in the cabin and to the transmission. Personally, I like the sound of two pipes coming out the back better than from the side pipes. But, the ground clearance, weight, heat issues, and accessibility to driveline parts under the car over came my preference for the clean look and sound of an under car exhaust system.

Click on my url on my sig to hear mine.

Good luck to you and welcome on board!

Chuck


[Modified by Chuck Harmon, 5:33 PM 3/7/2002]

 

Hooker style are the way to go if performance is on your list because you are get headers and sidepipes. Factory 69 style will probably be an increase by removing your cat but not as much as the hooker style. The factory style will probably have fiberglass covers (the chrome ones are outragous) so you don't have to worry about burning your leg. They are louder than stock but not as loud as hooker style.
Unless all out perfomance is an issue, it becomes a matter of looks.

 

aqua80. Welcome to THE forum. It all depends on which look you want. Factory or aftermarket. Hookers aren't the only game in town for aftermarket. Stahl and Hedman are also good. Punch up "sidepipes" in the search area, and you'll get lots of pros and cons. Chucks post is a great start for getting sidepipes. JCL :cool: :cool: :chevy "Sidepipes are the way"

 

Aqua80,

You're used to wearing ear protectors...hanging around all those airplanes!

Go with the Hookers :D

 

JCL, do your baffles insert into the original '69 style?

 

Greg. Check your MAIL. JCL :cool: :cool: :chevy "Sidepipes are the way"

 

Since you've got an 80, neither is really "period appropriate" so I'd go look at a bunch of the pics in the forum, as you will definitely get to see all the styles. Since mine is a 68, I figured it was more appropriate to use factory style. Also i'm not going for any higher performance than I have now (350, probably around 325-350hp), but I wouldn't think the sidepipes are any more restrictive than the undercar system on it. One thing no one did mention was that if you wanted to do the higher performance retaining factory look, you could use the big block factory pipes, which are 2 1/2" rather than the 2" for small blocks..

 

I like the Hooker headers and sidepipes. Pricey though.

 

I like the factory pipes. I always wanted then. Then I meet this guy who just spent $30,000 to restore his T-top 69. He didn't like the sound of the side pipes and switched to under car exhaust. Sold me the whole set up for $250! He had no idea what they were worth. I guess some times you just step in it. :cool: I love the sound!!!


[Modified by TonyQT, 11:58 PM 3/11/2002]