I'm looking at getting hooker headers, and then having my exhaust come out the sides along the running boards/below the door. Is there a premade system that will work with the hooker headers, or will I have to get it custom made? Plus, which would sound better? Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Matthew

 

As you're probably aware, Hooker makes a sidemount system that includes headers that exit out the side of the car into 4" pipes with slip-in mufflers. There are different slip-ins available so you can select the sound. Any exhaust exiting under your left ear is going to be loud.

If you want the factory style sidepipes, there are no ready-made header/sidepipe systems that I know of. you would have to get the headers and the sidepipes, and have a muffler shop bend up pipes to connect them together. Hedman makes a header with the collector aimed sideways instead of towards the back, which would make the pipe bending easier.

 

The best way to go about side pipes imo is with the Hooker header/ side pipe direct fit combo. It looks good, sounds mean, and you can even get covers for them at a later time with Corvette or Stingray in cut out lettering, which looks sick. Be ready to drop some cash though, like 1500, plus installation unless you do it yourself (which would be tough unless you have a lift). However be aware that side pipes are a commitment..they are LOUD, no matter which ones you choose, and you cannot get away from that noise...Also they get red hot, so you gotta watch your calves and so do your passengers because they will burn the crap outta you if your not careful.

You can also go with the headers with the collector turned to the side and get a muffler shop to build some side pipes for you, but they'll be even louder b/c it will be straight pipe with nothing to muffle the sound. I've made some for corvettes at my shop and the customers loved them. If you go that route, make sure you go to good muffler shop, or they could turn out looking terrible. Biggest diameter you could get those is probably 3". Think it through, I think true duals with 2 1/4 inch pipe all the way back, chambered mufflers, and 3 1/2 inch outlet tips make a sweeeeet sound and it's loud enough, but not to the point where you're gonna have hearing damage.