OEM 69 Big Block sidepipes
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Team Owner
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From: Sydney, Australia
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St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-‘17, '22
OEM 69 Big Block sidepipes
Asking these questions on behalf of a friend. I've done a search and couldn't find anything that seemed to answer his questions.
My friend has an original 69 big block and is thinking of installing factory correct sidepipes in place of his current rear exiting exhaust system.
Is it still possible to buy correct sidepipes? If so, where is a good place to start looking for them? Aside from the pipes, what other trim fittings, hardware, etc is needed to change over to factory sidepipes?
TIA
My friend has an original 69 big block and is thinking of installing factory correct sidepipes in place of his current rear exiting exhaust system.
Is it still possible to buy correct sidepipes? If so, where is a good place to start looking for them? Aside from the pipes, what other trim fittings, hardware, etc is needed to change over to factory sidepipes?
TIA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: OEM 69 Big Block sidepipes (Red 90 L98 Coupe)
You need a rear valence filler panel AND to be CORRECT, both rear Quarter panels. There are filler panels made to convert to sidepipes but ...the factory seam is vertical whereas the conversion is made to match the cut out. :cheers:
Race Director
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From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Re: OEM 69 Big Block sidepipes (silvervetteman)
Paragon sells accurate pipes and covers. Cost is well in excess of 2K, maybe 2.5K. It's been awhile since I've checked. Chuck
Safety Car
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From: PA
Re: OEM 69 Big Block sidepipes
Good information presented here...
As Chuck stated, the reproduction pipes, covers, and associated mounting hardware will run you well over $2,500. Used original covers can be purchased and reconditioned, but by the time you're finished I would guess you'll have about the same wrapped up in those as well. This doesn't take into account that (as silvervetteman noted) the rear quarter panels and rear valance panel are specific to N-14 equipped cars which means that you will be doing some bodywork and painting if you want to keep everything looking "factory assembled."
Then there are the other side exhaust oddities and build date issues... Unless you are well versed with the N-14 application, it can be detected as a post delivery installation.
As you can see, it isn't nearly as easy as (or as inexpensive) as most people would like.
Regards,
As Chuck stated, the reproduction pipes, covers, and associated mounting hardware will run you well over $2,500. Used original covers can be purchased and reconditioned, but by the time you're finished I would guess you'll have about the same wrapped up in those as well. This doesn't take into account that (as silvervetteman noted) the rear quarter panels and rear valance panel are specific to N-14 equipped cars which means that you will be doing some bodywork and painting if you want to keep everything looking "factory assembled."
Then there are the other side exhaust oddities and build date issues... Unless you are well versed with the N-14 application, it can be detected as a post delivery installation.
As you can see, it isn't nearly as easy as (or as inexpensive) as most people would like.
Regards,
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St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-‘17, '22
Re: OEM 69 Big Block sidepipes (Chuck Gongloff)
Thanks for the replies, this good info is appreciated. :)
Looking at the Paragon online catalogue, I'm not too sure what specific parts are needed. I'm not too knowledgable on C3 exhausts (or much else C3-wise for that matter :bb :)).
I'm wondering, what specific parts does my friend need to order?
I see cover assemblies, insulators, fibreglass insulators, muffler assemblies, etc listed. Is anyone able to shed light on what specifc parts need to be ordered to do the whole conversion to side pipes as per the OEM setup?
The pair of cover assemblies for $2150 says "complete" but I'm not sure if that implies it is the whole sidepipe setup or cover assembly setup... :confused: Any clarification or pointers in the right direction would be appreciated...:)
edit Rowdy Rat, this topic (side exhaust) came up in conversation with my friend last night. He asked me what I thought it might cost hypothetically and then he told me his guess. Right now it looks like his guesstimate of $7K AUS might not have been the overestimation I thought :eek:.
[Modified by Red 90 L98 Coupe, 1:38 AM 4/11/2002]
Looking at the Paragon online catalogue, I'm not too sure what specific parts are needed. I'm not too knowledgable on C3 exhausts (or much else C3-wise for that matter :bb :)).
I'm wondering, what specific parts does my friend need to order?
I see cover assemblies, insulators, fibreglass insulators, muffler assemblies, etc listed. Is anyone able to shed light on what specifc parts need to be ordered to do the whole conversion to side pipes as per the OEM setup?
The pair of cover assemblies for $2150 says "complete" but I'm not sure if that implies it is the whole sidepipe setup or cover assembly setup... :confused: Any clarification or pointers in the right direction would be appreciated...:)
edit Rowdy Rat, this topic (side exhaust) came up in conversation with my friend last night. He asked me what I thought it might cost hypothetically and then he told me his guess. Right now it looks like his guesstimate of $7K AUS might not have been the overestimation I thought :eek:.
[Modified by Red 90 L98 Coupe, 1:38 AM 4/11/2002]
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: PA
Re: OEM 69 Big Block sidepipes
Rowdy Rat, this topic (side exhaust) came up in conversation with my friend last night. He asked me what I thought it might cost hypothetically and then he told me his guess. Right now it looks like his guesstimate of $7K AUS might not have been the overestimation I thought.
If you are content with simply adding the side exhaust to the car (good used covers and new aluminized steel pipes), adding the aftermarket rear valance panel that covers the undercar exhaust cutouts in the standard rear quarter panels, and forgoing some of the "detail" items found on real side exhaust cars then you could probably get by for $2,500... Maybe less if you're good at dealing in the used parts market.
As far as Paragon's catalog goes... When I asked about their reproduction covers a few years ago, I seem to remember that the cover assemblies include the insulators, but not the exhaust pipes themselves or any of the mounting hardware. I would guess that all of the exhaust parts from their catalog would run about $2,700+ not including shipping. I'm going from memory of a two or three year old telephone conversation though... Best thing to do would be to call and ask them! :)
If your friend decides to move forward on this, I wish him the best of luck with the project!
Regards,
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From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Re: OEM 69 Big Block sidepipes (Rowdy Rat)
I do believe that my friend, Stan is correct about the prices. Covers have the insulators only. Pipes...SS, Aluminized, or Carbon Steel are extra, as is the hardware. Besides the rear quarter panel issues, you also have to cut a lot of fiberglass of the trailing edges of both front quarter panels and the leading edges of both rear quarter panels. You need to do this so the side pipe itself will "fit" along the rocker panel area. If you check the AIM, you'll see how the factory cut it. Chuck
