Side Pipes on a 77?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 572
Likes: 21
From: Milford, CT
Side Pipes on a 77?
I have a 1977 L48 4 spd that I am thinking about putting side pipes on. My car DOES NOT have headers on it and I would prefer to keep the stock exhaust manifolds. Its a yellow car and it would be really nice to get a set of plain black side pipes for it. Can side pipes be installed on a car with stock manifolds? Is it common?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,478
Likes: 254
From: Downers Grove Illinois
Patriot has universal chrome sidepipes with a single 1 3/4" operational inlet and 3 "show" inlets. It won't really help performance, but might sound and look good. They are discontinued so might be hard to find.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2015
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From: Milford, CT
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 572
Likes: 21
From: Milford, CT
Because its much easier than removing them and installing headers. I am not looking for any performance gains. I was under the impression that the stock manifolds actually flow pretty good for a completely stock motor which mine is.
Had a 1976 L-82, 4-sp
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 1,213
From: Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.
Royal Canadian Navy
Headers are pretty easy to install and removing the existing exhaust pipes and mufflers is also easy with a sawzall. Might as well get some performance increase if you're going to change out most of your exhaust system.
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Verdad Gallardo
Pro
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: St. Petersburg Florida
If your exhaust is already out then go to headers. It'll probably be easier to install a header/side pipe kit than to try to install side pipes connected to your manifolds.
They'll sound better, look better, and perform better too.
They'll sound better, look better, and perform better too.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 572
Likes: 21
From: Milford, CT
I decided to go with headers because I really want to install a set of black side pipes on the car. My 77 is an L48 4spd with AC. I assume I need some sort of bracket for the AC compressor. Also... I think all the smog stuff has already been removed from my car. The manifolds look pretty easy to remove.
I need suggestions as to what headers fit the easiest with no hassles or mods. Its not a show car. Regarding durability... the car will rarely if ever get wet so I don't need show quality headers. I would prefer black headers to match the black side pipes.
Lastly... how high up does the car need to be on jackstands in order to fit the headers in from underneath?
I need suggestions as to what headers fit the easiest with no hassles or mods. Its not a show car. Regarding durability... the car will rarely if ever get wet so I don't need show quality headers. I would prefer black headers to match the black side pipes.
Lastly... how high up does the car need to be on jackstands in order to fit the headers in from underneath?
Had a 1976 L-82, 4-sp
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 1,213
From: Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.
Royal Canadian Navy
Black side pipes are cheaper and can be repainted when needed but may rust from the inside quicker. I would buy through Summit because if there are any defects like a warped flange they will replace the header. My SS header had a warped flange and they sent a replacement all the way up here in the GWN without charge. That's customer service!!!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 572
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From: Milford, CT
Yea, but I was thinking that black side pipes on a yellow car is a great combination. My car is garaged and will probably never see rain for as long as I own it. Its a weekend and cruise night car only. I may just stick with dual exhaust back to a set of nice mufflers but even if I do that I still want to install headers.
I am fairly sure that most of the smog equipment on my motor has already been removed. Emissions is exempt on cars in Connecticut that are 1990 or older. I would like to get rid of the stock air cleaner and duct and replace it with an open element version, swap out the blue valve covers for a nice set of finned aluminum covers and generally clean up the engine compartment.
From I read... the stock ramhorn manifolds flow pretty good but it will be easier to go with side pipes if I have headers. That's for sure.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
I always buy the black headers and strip the paint off of them and recoat with VHT high temp paint. The black paint that comes on them usually burns off after a few hours. The VHT will last a long time on a garaged car that doesn't get driven everyday.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,412
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
You should look at the factory 1969 stock sidepipe exhaust system. It's really great looking. The exhaust mounts up to the factory stock ram's horns exhaust manifold. The 1969 factory sidemount exhaust system and shrouds will fit, I believe, all C3s. I have them on my 68. They mount on with no modification, except that near the front wheel wells, you'll have to remove a 4 inch by 2 inch piece at the bottom of the front quarter panels just right after the wheels...When the shrouds are installed, this missing piece will be hidden.
Look at the Paragon catalog. They sell 1969 factory duplicate exhaust systems with the factory duplicate shrouds. Look for a little sticker shock...about $2,200.
With the factory 1969 sidemount exhaust system, your interior will run a lot cooler.
Look at the Paragon catalog. They sell 1969 factory duplicate exhaust systems with the factory duplicate shrouds. Look for a little sticker shock...about $2,200.
With the factory 1969 sidemount exhaust system, your interior will run a lot cooler.
Last edited by 68/70Vette; Jun 18, 2015 at 12:42 AM.