73 C3
Looking to spend under $800.
Long Tube or Mid headers(Coated or Stainless preference)
Decent side pipes.
vortec 350 engine

Anyone running a similar setup mind sharing?

Please let me know any suggestions.

 

Side pipes use different headers and to my knowledge, are all the same. So no real option for long tube, etc. For that price you will probably have to find something used. OBX can be had around that price, but I havnt seen the small block version available in a while. Your next option is probably the Hookers. Dougs and a few others make them but they are a bit spendy.

Hopefully someone else will chime in if I have missed an option. It has been a while since I bought mine (OBX).

 

Thanks Vette Kid, I am trying to decide between Flowtech and Summit headers right now.. Figure I will just stick with the patriot side tubes as I do not want to spend $1500 when I can spend $400 and get the same look and sound..

I looked high and low for the small block OBX as you mentioned. After two days I am calling the mission a failure. Only CBB available.. no small block stuff.

Thanks for the reply!

 

The best I've found lately is the doug's headers and pipes from summit for about $750, but that doesn't include the inserts.

Someone on the forum here found a used set for a few hundred, lucky guy.

If I came across a good deal, I'd love to switch to side pipes on my '79. My current system is awful, although the headers I have seem to be nice

 

That seems pretty good for the dougs set up, is that in black? I thought I remembered them much more spendy when I was looking.

The OBX have been popular and many have good results. The flange on mine was a little warped so I had to use the extra thick graphite gaskets to get a seal. But as you noticed, they are in REAL short supply lately.

side pipe headers all flow pretty much the same and not as good as a full long tube set-up. I would buy whatever you can find in your price range. I don't think there are any issues with the patriot pipes. Look to classic chambered for the inserts.

 

Ah yeah, I should have mentioned, that is in black. The chrome setup, I think, is a few hundred more.

 

search maximizer on ebay same as obx in your price range

 

i have OBX , very pleased fit very well.

 

I understand that OBX/maximizer are the same thing. This deal on eBay is looking a little too good to be true:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Maximizer-He...-/171794324739

I'm resisting the purchase, but I don't know for how long.

Don't watch this video if you don't want to suddenly have the urge to buy side pipes:

 

thats about what OBX pipes cost.

 

This thread has me scared:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...oing-this.html

The doug's headers in black are a few hundred more, but black is black.

7t9l82, are yours still in good shape but requiring periodic polishing?

 

I went ahead and got a pair.. My bank account hates you.

Thanks for the heads up! Maximizer is apparently OBX with a different name. Good review.

 

Well now there is only one pair left! You don't mess around!

The doug's headers in black are a bit more from summit when you factor in the cost of shipping. I think I would prefer not to maintain the side pipes, and have the ability to pull them off and re-paint them black if necessary.

 

yes they still look great, i don't have to do much to them but i don't drive it everyday either. i think with reasonable care the will hold up fine. some people think washing them is too much work

 

Alright, the maximizers are $875 in stainless, shipped. Doug's from summit comes to $1056 after shipping and tax.

$181 difference approximately. If the Doug's headers are a better quality header, I think that's the better option for me. The black will go better with my car anyhow, and I'm far too lazy to be polishing anything.

Congrats on the buy Shi**ersFull, please report back your results and photos!

 

I have the bbc maximizers with classic chambered exhaust inserts! let me just say I am not sneaking up on anyone

 

Don't get in a hurry , I found these Hooker Super Comps w/ sidepipes on CL for 200$ , was looking for 5-6 months for a bargain to happen ..

 

check carefully around the collector and where the pipes touch for rust.if they are good its a nice find.

 

I ordered these today for the 78. Currently have shorty headers and aftermarket 69 side pipes. Looking forward to these .

 

Mine shipped today. Hes already sols 5+ of them. Grab one before they sell out.