side exhaust for 81?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 956
Likes: 86
From: McDonough Georgia
I have Hookers headers, side pipes and mufflers.
Let me say that I REALLY like them.
Couple of small issues.
I had to tap the mufflers in using a piece of 2 x 4 and a hammer. I guess I could have left them like that, but didn't'. I tack welded them in place. On the bottom and the side towards the car to hide the blue spot on the chrome.
The boss on the side pipe for attaching to the header is on the inside. I had to cut slots in the rocker panels so they would fit.
Let me say that I REALLY like them.
Couple of small issues.
I had to tap the mufflers in using a piece of 2 x 4 and a hammer. I guess I could have left them like that, but didn't'. I tack welded them in place. On the bottom and the side towards the car to hide the blue spot on the chrome.
The boss on the side pipe for attaching to the header is on the inside. I had to cut slots in the rocker panels so they would fit.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 613
Likes: 11
From: EVANSVILLE Wisconsin
Search ebay for several vendors selling OBX and now a "new" brand called Maximizer HP. They're supposedly made by OBX and identical to the OBX that many here have had success with. I was not as lucky, but it would seem that I am among the minority that had challenges with fitment on my 80. They are 1/2 the cost of Hookers (neither Hooker nor OBX are apparently made in the states, so please don't flame me for saying that). If you search the forum for OBX you will find several threads about them.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,992
Likes: 56
From: Antioch IL
i installed the hooker stainless steel headers and side pipes and I love them. With the '81 if you plan on leaving the CCC you will need to add an O2 sensor bung. I did it to mine with out any problems
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Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 261
Likes: 1
From: Montgomery TX
I installed the factory style side exhaust on my 81. The mufflers bolted right up to the stock manifold. I had to drill and add mounting screw holes and access holes in the frame for the mufflers. They stopped putting them in the frame after 79. That was a bit of work. I used the repro fiberglass covers with the factory mounting brackets. I bought everything from Eklers when they had a sale on exhaust systems lasy year and saved about $250. The fiberglass covers are great heat shields. You can lay your hand on the cover after a hard drive. They get warm but not hot. No burned legs.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 613
Likes: 11
From: EVANSVILLE Wisconsin
I installed the factory style side exhaust on my 81. The mufflers bolted right up to the stock manifold. I had to drill and add mounting screw holes and access holes in the frame for the mufflers. They stopped putting them in the frame after 79. That was a bit of work. I used the repro fiberglass covers with the factory mounting brackets. I bought everything from Eklers when they had a sale on exhaust systems lasy year and saved about $250. The fiberglass covers are great heat shields. You can lay your hand on the cover after a hard drive. They get warm but not hot. No burned legs.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 261
Likes: 1
From: Montgomery TX
Got a deal on them at a local Discount Tire shop <$500/set out the door. Mounted BW out.
They are .5" less dia. and .375" narrower than stock 255. Hardly noticable.