Best side pipes?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 412
Likes: 12
From: Carrollton, Georgia
Best side pipes?
So car is getting painted, when it gets back, time to put the motor in. Looking for advice on side pipes? It's a 77. I know side pipes are anti performance, but what kind are the best for performance. It's a blue print small block 396. And I have to buy headers specifically for side pipes right?
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 129
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
Sidepipes aren't anti-performance.
Some sidepipe BAFFLES are anti-performance.
Very generally speaking, the louder the baffle, the less restrictive the sidepipe, the better the performance. That's a very general summary, though.
I run STS baffles and they match my solid roller engine very well. They aren't too loud at cruise, but SCREAM at full throttle. A good scream.
Some sidepipe BAFFLES are anti-performance.
Very generally speaking, the louder the baffle, the less restrictive the sidepipe, the better the performance. That's a very general summary, though.
I run STS baffles and they match my solid roller engine very well. They aren't too loud at cruise, but SCREAM at full throttle. A good scream.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 412
Likes: 12
From: Carrollton, Georgia
Sidepipes aren't anti-performance.
Some sidepipe BAFFLES are anti-performance.
Very generally speaking, the louder the baffle, the less restrictive the sidepipe, the better the performance. That's a very general summary, though.
I run STS baffles and they match my solid roller engine very well. They aren't too loud at cruise, but SCREAM at full throttle. A good scream.
Some sidepipe BAFFLES are anti-performance.
Very generally speaking, the louder the baffle, the less restrictive the sidepipe, the better the performance. That's a very general summary, though.
I run STS baffles and they match my solid roller engine very well. They aren't too loud at cruise, but SCREAM at full throttle. A good scream.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 109
From: Las Vegas NV
The baffle is the muffler insert that goes in the large main pipe that runs from the header collector to the rear edge of your door. Some kits ship a pipe with no insert at all and that would be absolutely loud just like running open headers.
I bought a Doug's kit and chose the muffler/baffle/insert/whatever you want to call it that was in the middle of the 3 different noise/flow options. It is still a bit louder than I'd like but I don't know anyone with sidepipes that I could have called to listen to what its like. Videos online don't really paint the picture as far as sound goes.
I bought a Doug's kit and chose the muffler/baffle/insert/whatever you want to call it that was in the middle of the 3 different noise/flow options. It is still a bit louder than I'd like but I don't know anyone with sidepipes that I could have called to listen to what its like. Videos online don't really paint the picture as far as sound goes.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 412
Likes: 12
From: Carrollton, Georgia
The baffle is the muffler insert that goes in the large main pipe that runs from the header collector to the rear edge of your door. Some kits ship a pipe with no insert at all and that would be absolutely loud just like running open headers.
I bought a Doug's kit and chose the muffler/baffle/insert/whatever you want to call it that was in the middle of the 3 different noise/flow options. It is still a bit louder than I'd like but I don't know anyone with sidepipes that I could have called to listen to what its like. Videos online don't really paint the picture as far as sound goes.
I bought a Doug's kit and chose the muffler/baffle/insert/whatever you want to call it that was in the middle of the 3 different noise/flow options. It is still a bit louder than I'd like but I don't know anyone with sidepipes that I could have called to listen to what its like. Videos online don't really paint the picture as far as sound goes.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 226
From: Cape Neddick Maine
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
not sure if you like the looks of the OEM style but you can get them in different pipe diameters from Sweet Thunder. I am running a set on mine they are 2.5 pipes not too obnoxious till you stand on it they do make chambered mufflers too. John was great to deal with there.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
I have Maximizer Stainless Sidepipes with HOOKER Maxflow inserts (part 21046) and based on dyno tests and track results, the maxflow mufflers give you close to open header performance, so, with that setup, you certainly will have more HP than with regular exhaust.. I just went from regular exhaust to the Maximizers and Maxflows and I can feel that the car has more power with this setup.
Cost is fairly low.. You can get the Maximizers on Ebay for $699 + $100 shipping.. Maxflow mufflers are about $178.. So, for about a grand, you have a nice looking setup that gives you great performance!
Cost is fairly low.. You can get the Maximizers on Ebay for $699 + $100 shipping.. Maxflow mufflers are about $178.. So, for about a grand, you have a nice looking setup that gives you great performance!
Last edited by GrandSportC3; Sep 1, 2015 at 12:24 PM.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
Thanks.. I just got it in June... Had less than 58k original miles on it. Other than the side pipes, the car was just the way it is now.. I love the paint scheme. I probably wouldn't even have looked at the car if it didn't have the stripe.. It makes it different.. I also love the T-handle hurst shifter.. I had the same one on my first C3 ever.... over 20 years ago..
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
Ran with baffles and did not like the way car sounded with them at all, switched to Hooker Maxflow and absolutely love the sound !
Here is couple videos with Hooker Maxflows.
https://youtu.be/zpZBcfqBNaM
https://youtu.be/buCU4GCFKNI
Here is couple videos with Hooker Maxflows.
https://youtu.be/zpZBcfqBNaM
https://youtu.be/buCU4GCFKNI
Another vote for the Maxflows...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 412
Likes: 12
From: Carrollton, Georgia
I have Maximizer Stainless Sidepipes with HOOKER Maxflow inserts (part 21046) and based on dyno tests and track results, the maxflow mufflers give you close to open header performance, so, with that setup, you certainly will have more HP than with regular exhaust.. I just went from regular exhaust to the Maximizers and Maxflows and I can feel that the car has more power with this setup.
Cost is fairly low.. You can get the Maximizers on Ebay for $699 + $100 shipping.. Maxflow mufflers are about $178.. So, for about a grand, you have a nice looking setup that gives you great performance!
Cost is fairly low.. You can get the Maximizers on Ebay for $699 + $100 shipping.. Maxflow mufflers are about $178.. So, for about a grand, you have a nice looking setup that gives you great performance!
Is this it?
http://m.ebay.com/itm/151793670531?fits=Model%3ACorvette
As nd mufflers?
http://www.jegs.com/i/Hooker/520/210...tmKBoC77fw_wcB
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
Maximizer stainless steel side pipes and hooker max flow inserts. What about mounting hardware. Was all that with it. Forgive me, I have zero experience with side pipes.
Is this it?
http://m.ebay.com/itm/151793670531?f...del%3ACorvette
As nd mufflers?
http://www.jegs.com/i/Hooker/520/210...tmKBoC77fw_wcB
Is this it?
http://m.ebay.com/itm/151793670531?f...del%3ACorvette
As nd mufflers?
http://www.jegs.com/i/Hooker/520/210...tmKBoC77fw_wcB
Installation is fairly straight forward for anyone with moderate mechanical skills.. Probably a 4 on a scale from 1 to 10 where 10 is the most difficult job. The only challenging part is to jack up the car to at least 20 inches (frame to ground).. I had to get extra high 6 ton jack stands to get the car that high and use 2 screwed together 2 x 4's on top of my jack to get the car high enough as my jack would only go to 17 inches.. If you get the car high enough, it's fairly easy to get the pipes up into the engine compartment.
Last edited by GrandSportC3; Sep 1, 2015 at 01:46 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
