Side pipes, what do ya think?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
1.) Make sure that who ever you buy headers from..the flange plate is as thick as possible so this will give the headers strength when mounted to the cylinder heads. You get what you pay for.
2.) Spark plug wire routing may change..along with the ends that attach to the spark plugs and you might want to invest in the "socks" that protect the end of the wires from the heat from the tubes.
3.) Very good gaskets should be used and some of the "trick" header bolts would be wise so that get locked into place when tightened.
4.) You might also want to drive your car for a while before you do this and take infra-red temp readings on the frame, fuel lines and starter, floorboards, etc. If the car still has factory cast manifolds...you might be surprised on how much hotter things can get from the headers...even those that have a heat coating on them. Just a thought.
I have several customers who have them on their Corvettes...and they love them. I personally would not have anything but a factory style of side exhaust with the covers so my wife would not burn her leg getting out of the car....but that is just me.
DUB
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,000
Likes: 299
From: New York
Keep in mind the noise is now below your ear , so that will have an effect and if you baffle it down to accommodate noise your choking off the motor.
Look at vendor sale section , XS Power has a set , also look at the XS Power stainless headers in case you decide to go full exhaust.
Look at vendor sale section , XS Power has a set , also look at the XS Power stainless headers in case you decide to go full exhaust.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 293
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Here's this to keep in mind if you go with obx pipes. I have yet to hear from obx on this issue. Th store I purchased them from (super saver accessories) will not refund or stand behind their product.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...oing-this.html
That being said.....I have classic chambered inserts. I like them. Good sound and loud at wot.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...oing-this.html
That being said.....I have classic chambered inserts. I like them. Good sound and loud at wot.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,713
Likes: 31
From: Shreveport LA
LA Events Coordinator
Here's this to keep in mind if you go with obx pipes. I have yet to hear from obx on this issue. Th store I purchased them from (super saver accessories) will not refund or stand behind their product.
That being said.....I have classic chambered inserts. I like them. Good sound and loud at wot.
That being said.....I have classic chambered inserts. I like them. Good sound and loud at wot.
From one Louisianaian to another...LOOKING AND SOUNDING GOOD!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,187
Likes: 830
From: Chapel Hill NC
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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A PO installed Hooker Header chrome side pipes on my 68 BB. Very happy with the look and sound. Burning bare legs is an issue. I have factory style side pipes on my 66 SB.
In my opinion, side pipes do not enhance the highway driving experience, but I'm at the point where I don't think I'd own a C2 or C3 without side pipes.
In my opinion, side pipes do not enhance the highway driving experience, but I'm at the point where I don't think I'd own a C2 or C3 without side pipes.
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19,365
Likes: 5,244
From: Cape Cod, Mass.
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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I have factory side exhaust on both my 69 and 65 convertibles. To me it is absolute music, even on a trip. Both have factory exhaust manifolds. They will be louder with headers. You need to go for a ride with someone who has them and make up your mind. Everybody's ear and tolerance level is different. The factory covers eliminate the issue of burned legs.
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Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,226
Likes: 643
From: Orange County Ca
I bought a used set of chrome Hookers. Chrome was pretty bad so I got them cheap. I sandblasted them and painted them with high temp flat black paint. They did need a little tweeking to fit well. I have the max flow inserts and I love them. The flat black is real easy to touch up if needed.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 956
Likes: 86
From: McDonough Georgia
I bought a used set of chrome Hookers. Chrome was pretty bad so I got them cheap. I sandblasted them and painted them with high temp flat black paint. They did need a little tweeking to fit well. I have the max flow inserts and I love them. The flat black is real easy to touch up if needed.
i did the same thing. Used Hooker long tube headers. I also cleaned, scuffed and painted them black.
i purchased new Hooker chrome turn outs with the baffles.
I then put on powder coated heat shields. They look really good with the 4 inch chrome tips. They sound great and you can talk and hear stereo at highway speeds.
Only minor drawback is sometimes the fumes blow in when stopped or at a light with the windows down.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 456
Likes: 0
From: Forty Fort PA
I installed Hooker Super Comps with the silver ceramic coating from Jet Hot. Fit was great, no dings required. I also added stainless covers. They really do prevent burns. The Sweet Thunder inserts make me want to coast through some residential areas. Wouldn't go back to under car.
langg
langg
Racer
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 269
Likes: 7
From: carpentersville ill.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 816
Likes: 107
I absolutely love the pipes on my car....they have always been there and honestly I think the car would look funny if they weren't. It has 1 7/8" primaries and one set of race baffles in the pipes.....so needless to say she is noisy. I don't think I could drive long periods of time with it....I have done a car show that was an hour away and it just about gives you a headache ...LOL!
But I did not build it to be a driver....its a car show hopper around town and then I beat on it at the track.......Its loud in your face and I love it!
But I did not build it to be a driver....its a car show hopper around town and then I beat on it at the track.......Its loud in your face and I love it!
Pro
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 600
Likes: 6
From: Key West Florida
mine were already installed when i purchased my vette, i thought i would hate them, but i love them! so much room under the car, and i put the vettepack inserts in mine and they dont get nearly as hot as the reverse flow ones did, the new inserts were one of the best mods ive done to the car, next to the TKO 500
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 271
Likes: 97
From: NJ
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2015 C3 of the Year Winner
69 vette at idle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaoM0...ature=youtu.be
here is one on the road
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBWfy...ature=youtu.be
454, hooker headers with sweet thunder inserts
love the sound, not bad on the highway with the 5 speed trans
here is one on the road
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBWfy...ature=youtu.be
454, hooker headers with sweet thunder inserts
love the sound, not bad on the highway with the 5 speed trans
Last edited by Dream Theater Fan; Jan 7, 2014 at 05:21 PM.