BBC side pipe fitment
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
BBC side pipe fitment
So once my forced trip to S Korea is over I am thinking of treating myself to a new set of sidepipes for my 72 454. I was looking at the sterling silver coated ones from Hooker that you can get from jet hot. I have read a few times on here on how hooker has fitment issues but all of those threads were small blocks. Are they any fitment issues with the big blocks. Its been a long time since I got to really drive my car so id rather spend more time on the road and less time banging my head trying to will metal pipes into a different shape. Its either going to be the ceramic hookers or the stainless steel ones from XS Power. Almost the same price and supposedly the XS Power ones fit great but ceramic coating will be awesome for heat control.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Both having been re-engined w/BB's, I had to do a little trimming of the rocker moldings on my '78, but IIRC they went right on my former '70 without issue. In the case of the '78, it wasn't enough of an issue to cause me to decide against installing another fresh set of Hookers (already have them) this time around, tho I intend on doing a neater job with any trimming. I'm terminally addicted to the sound of those glorious pipes...
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
I figured a little trimming of the silver moulding around the bottom once the pipes are on. I have been reading about the headers not exiting correctly, or not clearing the steering box etc. I know the XS power ones were just redesigned to make sure that they clear so right now Im leaning towards them but I really want ceramic.
8th Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
Hey Skunkworks! So, what youre saying is that you put a set of these header sidepipes on your 78 WITH A BIG BLOCK in it? Does the engine cool ok? I have a 79 and getting ready to install a big block with this exhaust and im glad to hear it works out ok. Wasnt sure since the 79 is actually set up with the small block. Any more info on this swap, im all ears. Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,717
Likes: 121
From: Sulphur LA
St. Jude Donor '05-'06,'11,'13-'14,'16,'18,'19,'24, '25
bought mine off of eBay, they were sold as corvette side pipe headers. the fitment was very bad.
they hit the frame on the passenger side along with the idler arm and are very close to the AC box.
on the drivers side they hit the steering arm and are very close to the steering box.
It took a little work but they are on the car and I wouldn't trade them for anything.
It appears different for each car some fit and some take some work to get them installed.
I'm not sure how to handle the ceramic headers, I would hate to have to dent a set of coated headers and flake the coating off while doing it.
Some have commented on buying a set of non-coated and fitting them than send them and have the coating installed.
Neal
they hit the frame on the passenger side along with the idler arm and are very close to the AC box.
on the drivers side they hit the steering arm and are very close to the steering box.
It took a little work but they are on the car and I wouldn't trade them for anything.
It appears different for each car some fit and some take some work to get them installed.
I'm not sure how to handle the ceramic headers, I would hate to have to dent a set of coated headers and flake the coating off while doing it.
Some have commented on buying a set of non-coated and fitting them than send them and have the coating installed.
Neal
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 456
Likes: 0
From: Forty Fort PA
I put a BB in my 75 and then added Hooker Super Comps and side pipes. They have the silver Jet-Hot ceramic coating. I had zero problems with fit. All just bolted on. I have the GM ...188 rectangular port heads. I had stock power steering when I installed the headers. I have since changed to the Steeroids rack and pinion steering. Made the change without even loosening the headers.
Good luck.
Lang G
Good luck.
Lang G
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Hey Skunkworks! So, what youre saying is that you put a set of these header sidepipes on your 78 WITH A BIG BLOCK in it? Does the engine cool ok? I have a 79 and getting ready to install a big block with this exhaust and im glad to hear it works out ok. Wasnt sure since the 79 is actually set up with the small block. Any more info on this swap, im all ears. Thanks!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
My 69 has had Hooker sidepipes since 1971- It's on the 3rd set now- first set rotted out after 20+ years, I pulled the second set (painted black) in favor of Jet-Hot sterling coated ones. A 3 inch drum sander works great for opening the rocker molding for the primary tubes.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
I know, its just after reading Lar's recent post about how crappy the quality of the hooker sidepipes have become. I just dont want to save up the cash and then regret it.
