68 BB Side pipe options/recommendations
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 444
Likes: 35
From: Michigan
68 BB Side pipe options/recommendations
I'm looking into the thought of removing the under car exhaust and going with side pipe/header system. Hooker seems to be getting pricey, anyone out there happy with their systems??
Please share all the noisy details on brands and insert types. Pics are optional but who doesn't like pictures.
Thanks,
Jim
Please share all the noisy details on brands and insert types. Pics are optional but who doesn't like pictures.
Thanks,
Jim
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Long term satisfied Hooker BB sidemount owner here. In fact I have two sets, in black. NOS set will be going on the '78 below when it goes back together, the old ones having been set aside for dyno duty. Yep, there's a 427 BB lurking under that hood...
Insert wise, if noise abatement is more important than performance you should get the reverse flow ones. If you want that distinctive 'glasspack sound, they're obviously less restrictive but not the best performing. MaxFlow inserts are Hooker's maximum performance insert (my choice), deliver a very deeply toned note and bark like a big dog when you get on it...
Among other brands which also fit inside the Hooker extensions are Sweet Thunders (my second choice), available in a range of inner tube diameters...
http://www.sweet-thunder.com/chamber..._corvette.html
STS baffles apparently suit many an owner, tho a bit tinny to my ear...
http://www.spiralturbobaffles.com/corvette.html
If you don't want to join the Hooker tattoo club (the pipes can burn exposed flesh if you're not careful getting in and out of the cabin), you might want to consider a set of SteelShields. And, they'll apparently take JetHot coatings if you wish, including matte black. FWIW, Bangkok Dean (Mr. Steel Shields) is a CF member...
http://www.steelshields.com/
Hope that helps get you going.
Insert wise, if noise abatement is more important than performance you should get the reverse flow ones. If you want that distinctive 'glasspack sound, they're obviously less restrictive but not the best performing. MaxFlow inserts are Hooker's maximum performance insert (my choice), deliver a very deeply toned note and bark like a big dog when you get on it...
Among other brands which also fit inside the Hooker extensions are Sweet Thunders (my second choice), available in a range of inner tube diameters...
http://www.sweet-thunder.com/chamber..._corvette.html
STS baffles apparently suit many an owner, tho a bit tinny to my ear...
http://www.spiralturbobaffles.com/corvette.html
If you don't want to join the Hooker tattoo club (the pipes can burn exposed flesh if you're not careful getting in and out of the cabin), you might want to consider a set of SteelShields. And, they'll apparently take JetHot coatings if you wish, including matte black. FWIW, Bangkok Dean (Mr. Steel Shields) is a CF member...
http://www.steelshields.com/
Hope that helps get you going.
Last edited by TheSkunkWorks; May 20, 2012 at 11:36 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,919
Likes: 3,333
From: NYC NY
After trying 2 brands of headers that did not fit (clearing the idler arm seems to an issue) we tried a set of Doug's Headers. They are 2 1/8" pipe and they cleared everything. No "dings" what so ever. They are competively priced as well. As for inserts we went with STS Baffles for performance reasons. IMO the Hooker Max Flos do sound better to my ears anyway. I would also suggest Dean's Shields. The car is a '68 NOM Big Block convertible.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 367
Likes: 1
From: Christchurch Canterbury
Got stainless custom chrome BB side pipes here. Price was great as was build quality. Fitment was good, came with SS reverse flow inserts, which promptly came out and Hooker max flows fitted.
Max flows are loud, nice deep tone, but you can hear the car from several blocks away, even driving like a nana
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/pict...ctureid=111440
Max flows are loud, nice deep tone, but you can hear the car from several blocks away, even driving like a nana
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/pict...ctureid=111440
Last edited by richiev88; May 22, 2012 at 03:08 AM. Reason: add pic
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
I'm not all that worried about MaxFlows being heard a "few" blocks away. I've been told that back when I had a Pete Jackson gear drive on a quite day you could hear me coming from over a mile just from the whine. Not planning to re-install it during the makeover (already suffered enough hearing damage from it), but on the plus side it did give women and children plenty of time to clear the area and lock the doors ahead of my arrival.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 456
Likes: 0
From: Forty Fort PA
Jet hot coated Hooker 2 1/8 headers here with sweet thunder 2 1/2 inch inserts. Headers installed on the 75 with zero problems. I later switched to a rack-and-pinion setup and got even more room. You will want to protect #1 and #3 plug wire ends though.
Lang
Lang
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 444
Likes: 35
From: Michigan
Thanks everyone for your recommendations. They all sound great and definitely going with the performance inserts. Will have to get some kind of a heat shield that I can roll up and keep next to the seat. Don't want the wife to become a skin donor..
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