Dougs Headers sidepipe inserts
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Dunlap Illinois
Dougs Headers sidepipe inserts
So I got my tax return and bonus from work and instead of doing something responsible with it, I decided I'm going to spend it all on my corvette. Among other things I am going to be replacing the leaking smog era 350 with a 383 I built a while ago (probably about 320 hp). While I'm doing that I am going to put sidepipes on it because I have always loved corvettes with sidepipes. I have decided I'm going to go with Dougs Headers sidepipes and am trying to decide on which muffler inserts to go with. They list three, max flow, reverse flow and glass packs. Does anyone have any experience with these? Does anyone suggest any other brands? I what a nice deep sound and don't mind if its a little on the loud side, I don't want it to cackle like some many rusted out trucks I hear here in Illinois, or be so loud I don't want to drive it.
Chris
Chris
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 140
Likes: 1
From: Melbourne
I found the loss of HP too much and decided on STS baffles.
http://www.spiralturbobaffles.com/
My 383 is a beast now, with an extra 1500+ rpm and bucket-load of performance.
Oh, she sounds absolutely amazing, now that's the bonus...
http://www.spiralturbobaffles.com/
My 383 is a beast now, with an extra 1500+ rpm and bucket-load of performance.
Oh, she sounds absolutely amazing, now that's the bonus...
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Colusa Ca
here's a you tube of what I have on mine, Its a stock 350 with hooker headers and classic chambered exhaust inserts. Its loud when your on it but has a great rumble when your cruising. just another option to pick from.
Paul
Paul
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 129
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
I am either going to get the Chambered Exhaust inserts or the STS baffles.
I honestly haven't decided.
I am NOT getting any one of the three 'Hooker' options. I don't think any of the 3 options are close to the sound attenuation vs. performance achieved by the STS baffles or Chambered Exhaust. I've heard that the Reverse Flow inserts DESTROY power through the high level of exhaust restriction.
I honestly haven't decided.
I am NOT getting any one of the three 'Hooker' options. I don't think any of the 3 options are close to the sound attenuation vs. performance achieved by the STS baffles or Chambered Exhaust. I've heard that the Reverse Flow inserts DESTROY power through the high level of exhaust restriction.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 370
Likes: 77
From: Perth Western Australia
I stated with STS baffles and then changed to Classic Chambered exhaust inserts.
There about the same noise level but the CC's have a deeper tone.
The clip is a 385 still with the STS baffles.
There about the same noise level but the CC's have a deeper tone.
The clip is a 385 still with the STS baffles.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 403
From: Nashville TN
St. Jude Donor '09
I've got the STS baffles too, but that chambered insert sounds GOOD! I like the STS because you can drill out the center cap to increase noise/flow or cap them back to original noise/performance level. So they are somewhat tunable. Currenly I have mine drilled out 5/8" (if I remember correctly) and the sound level is just right for me. They sound great at idle and WOT.
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,856
Likes: 3,308
From: NYC NY
This is comes up often. If you do a search using "baffles" there is lots of reading. Exhaust tone (noise) is some what subjective. What some may find as a nice rumble others may find as tinny. When it comes down to all out performance the STS Baffles "un-capped" seem to be the best performers. IMCO if you're not looking for that absolute last once of horsepower pick the inserts that sound the best to you.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 613
Likes: 11
From: EVANSVILLE Wisconsin
I just ordered the Classic Chambered inserts because of this video....
Nothing 'tinny' about the sound of these, just a nice deep rumble. His comment on the video was that he had the Hooker Max Flow's but they were obnoxious on the highway and after 5 minutes he wanted out. The CC inserts according to him were loud when he wants them to be, and just have a nice rumble to them without drone on the highway. Hope he's right because they are not cheap inserts.
Nothing 'tinny' about the sound of these, just a nice deep rumble. His comment on the video was that he had the Hooker Max Flow's but they were obnoxious on the highway and after 5 minutes he wanted out. The CC inserts according to him were loud when he wants them to be, and just have a nice rumble to them without drone on the highway. Hope he's right because they are not cheap inserts.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Colusa Ca
I just ordered the Classic Chambered inserts because of this video....
Nothing 'tinny' about the sound of these, just a nice deep rumble. His comment on the video was that he had the Hooker Max Flow's but they were obnoxious on the highway and after 5 minutes he wanted out. The CC inserts according to him were loud when he wants them to be, and just have a nice rumble to them without drone on the highway. Hope he's right because they are not cheap inserts.
Nothing 'tinny' about the sound of these, just a nice deep rumble. His comment on the video was that he had the Hooker Max Flow's but they were obnoxious on the highway and after 5 minutes he wanted out. The CC inserts according to him were loud when he wants them to be, and just have a nice rumble to them without drone on the highway. Hope he's right because they are not cheap inserts.
Thats why I got mine and they are great. Im very please with them. I have that one video but ill be making more soon.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,707
Likes: 550
From: Seattle Washington
My project Car has what I think is an old set of Hooker Side pipes. By looking in the end what should I see to tell what Muffler I have? I know what a Glass Pack should look like inside, but what about the others. I doubt that anything has been done since 1985 on this car, so it would only have what was avalable before that.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 129
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
What WAS in yours. Those are reverse flows, right?
That is the "drink soda out of a swizzle stick" exhaust option...
As a side note, I just scored a brand new set of Hooker sidemount headers, black, from my engine guy's supplier for $300. I threw $50 at him for giving me the deal. Still saved me at least $200. One step closer to getting a completely new exhaust system with my engine rebuild!!! This was actually a big deal for me since I have aluminum heads and my old headers are warped. I didn't know how I'd be able to straighten them and was stressed about torquing down on them too hard to close the gap and stripping my heads. Don't have to worry now!
I'm probably going to spring for new sidetubes and get the chambered exhaust. Seems like folks are really happy with it.
Of the chambered exhaust users, what center pipe diameter are you using? There are a couple of options...
That is the "drink soda out of a swizzle stick" exhaust option...
As a side note, I just scored a brand new set of Hooker sidemount headers, black, from my engine guy's supplier for $300. I threw $50 at him for giving me the deal. Still saved me at least $200. One step closer to getting a completely new exhaust system with my engine rebuild!!! This was actually a big deal for me since I have aluminum heads and my old headers are warped. I didn't know how I'd be able to straighten them and was stressed about torquing down on them too hard to close the gap and stripping my heads. Don't have to worry now!
I'm probably going to spring for new sidetubes and get the chambered exhaust. Seems like folks are really happy with it.
Of the chambered exhaust users, what center pipe diameter are you using? There are a couple of options...
Last edited by keithinspace; Mar 13, 2013 at 06:06 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 871
Likes: 73
From: Memphis Tennessee
After hearing a bunch of guys rave on the STS inserts, and then looking at the price tag, I plan on making my own inserts. I have four of these from Summit for 15 bucks each.
The middle tube seems smaller than the STS, I don't know if that'll make them quiter or louder...
The middle tube seems smaller than the STS, I don't know if that'll make them quiter or louder...
Pro
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 613
Likes: 11
From: EVANSVILLE Wisconsin
Flowpath Diameter = 2 1/2"
Body Diameter + 3 1/2"
33-1/4" Overall Length (12” Chambered / 14” Resonated) + Ends
Greg
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,548
Likes: 379
From: Woodinville WA
I am either going to get the Chambered Exhaust inserts or the STS baffles.
I honestly haven't decided.
I am NOT getting any one of the three 'Hooker' options. I don't think any of the 3 options are close to the sound attenuation vs. performance achieved by the STS baffles or Chambered Exhaust. I've heard that the Reverse Flow inserts DESTROY power through the high level of exhaust restriction.
I honestly haven't decided.
I am NOT getting any one of the three 'Hooker' options. I don't think any of the 3 options are close to the sound attenuation vs. performance achieved by the STS baffles or Chambered Exhaust. I've heard that the Reverse Flow inserts DESTROY power through the high level of exhaust restriction.
I didn't know this - that there are different reverse flow inserts - the small and the large, I have the large (2" pipe). I put Dynomax inserts in - they are loud, very loud (awesome in my opinion). If I have to drive long distances (more than 1000 miles); I'll put the reverse flows - otherwise, what's left of my hearing would be gone... and I do wear earplug while driving around town. With that said, here's the rub, from the outside, it doesn't sound that loud - it grabs your attention, but it's not break-a-window loud
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,932
Likes: 166
From: Milford Michigan
Those (Hooker reverse flows) are absolute HP killers & I would bet could even cause some engine issues because of the extreme backpressure. MAJOR backlash at the entry of those inserts. I can't believe any exhaust manufacturer could market such pieces!
These inspired me to make my many versions.
These inspired me to make my many versions.
