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Factory side pipes performance

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Old Nov 21, 2010 | 02:36 PM
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Default Factory side pipes performance

Hi,

I am in the process of putting a big block in my 69. I love the "hooker" style sidepipes on corvettes, but I have a 2 year old son, and I know even with heat sheilds he will get burned!
I also like the look of the factory sidepipes with fibreglass covers, I would assume these would be less likely to burn the the metal covers?

The big question is how restrictive are the factory style side pipes? Didn't the L-88 have "hooker" style pipes?

Guess the other option is to purchase the fibreglass covers and fabricate some 3 inch tube side pipes to go under factory style covers.

My big block should be in the 500hp range so will need a reasonable exhaust, I will run headers if i use factory style pipes, modify to fit
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Old Nov 21, 2010 | 03:40 PM
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Hi r,
I think most people agree that the 69 style side exhaust are not very good for performance. It's about looks and sound. Many people say too much sound.
The original chrome covers have an insulator under them and get warm but that's all. Certainly if your son reached his fingers under the cover or at the turn-out tip he'd get burned.
With any side exhaust I'd think you'd have to keep an eye on him until he learns what's hot; and hopefully not the hard (hot) way.
Regards,
Alan
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Old Nov 21, 2010 | 05:31 PM
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richiev88
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Originally Posted by Alan 71
Hi r,
I think most people agree that the 69 style side exhaust are not very good for performance. It's about looks and sound. Many people say too much sound.
The original chrome covers have an insulator under them and get warm but that's all. Certainly if your son reached his fingers under the cover or at the turn-out tip he'd get burned.
With any side exhaust I'd think you'd have to keep an eye on him until he learns what's hot; and hopefully not the hard (hot) way.
Regards,
Alan
Thanks Alan,

He is very aware with hot things ( we have a under bench oven), but I know for experence with a AC cobra side pipes that is easy to get burned getting in and out of the vehicle. N
Not so bad if its just warm to touch, he would probably stay away, but full contact with even the hot metal guards flesh tends to stick, serious burn instantly!
May have to fire up the welder and fabricate some pipes to go under the factory style glass covers, insulation under them is a good idea.
Do you know what baffles we inside factory pipes?

Regards Richie
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Old Nov 21, 2010 | 05:40 PM
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H Richie,
I've never seen one of the mufflers cut open so I don't know what's in there.
I'm sure someone else will know.
Regards,
Alan
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Old Nov 21, 2010 | 07:11 PM
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Allen's makes 2-1/2" pipes and can ship in a kit, with the inlet tubes shipped loose to fit/connect to your headers. I don't believe 3" pipes will fit under the factory style covers and 3" inlet tubes will have a clearance problem making the turn under the frame/front fenders.
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