Side Pipes
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Side Pipes
I own a 1982 Corvette with stock Y pipe exhaust and I want to put side pipes on it but am worried about how it will affect back pressure. Performance wise, will the side pipes increase or decrease my cars performance? I do not use the car for racing, just for driving around.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 836
Likes: 26
From: Harrisburg Pa
Side pipes are sized in 2 forms, big block and small block. Most come with a header style manifold.
If the side pipes you order use the factory stock type manifold then you wont see any performance gain but if they come with headers then you will see a performance gain.
Also performance is measured at what type of muffler you install inside the side pipes. A quiet muffler will restrict flow because the exhaust has to go through packing or flow restrictions to make it quiet.
I have a 69 Big Block with Hooker type side pipes pushing out 800+ HP but the mufflers are pretty loud.
If the side pipes you order use the factory stock type manifold then you wont see any performance gain but if they come with headers then you will see a performance gain.
Also performance is measured at what type of muffler you install inside the side pipes. A quiet muffler will restrict flow because the exhaust has to go through packing or flow restrictions to make it quiet.
I have a 69 Big Block with Hooker type side pipes pushing out 800+ HP but the mufflers are pretty loud.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Side pipes are sized in 2 forms, big block and small block. Most come with a header style manifold.
If the side pipes you order use the factory stock type manifold then you wont see any performance gain but if they come with headers then you will see a performance gain.
Also performance is measured at what type of muffler you install inside the side pipes. A quiet muffler will restrict flow because the exhaust has to go through packing or flow restrictions to make it quiet.
I have a 69 Big Block with Hooker type side pipes pushing out 800+ HP but the mufflers are pretty loud.
If the side pipes you order use the factory stock type manifold then you wont see any performance gain but if they come with headers then you will see a performance gain.
Also performance is measured at what type of muffler you install inside the side pipes. A quiet muffler will restrict flow because the exhaust has to go through packing or flow restrictions to make it quiet.
I have a 69 Big Block with Hooker type side pipes pushing out 800+ HP but the mufflers are pretty loud.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
However,
I am not 100% sure that while they will allow your 82 to exhale better you might feel a little less off the line with them,
I will watch what a few gurus say, the insert might be enough back pressure to keep it from making a diffrence,
My car has hookers tried and true if i buy again i will score whoever makes them in stainless
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 24
Likes: 1
From: novato ca
do a search for "header help" I listed a lot there from searches I did .... I included a summary - on headers and side pipes in the thread - based on my searches there were way more positive comments on Dougs side pipes in these forms
Dougs – 909 599 5955
Dougs – 909 599 5955
- Side Pipes
- Chrome, Silver Ceramic, Black Paint, no BlackCeramic.
- Good comments on Form – all easy install,look & sound great, you do need to do some mods to the rocker panel to bolton the side pipe
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 163
The answer is Doug's side pipes with STS baffles. That's what I'm currently running. I did a ton of research before purchasing them. The fitment on the Doug's headers was perfect in mine (no clearnacing for the steering box needed). A lot of the power robbing in side pipes comes from the inserts (baffles) used. Many of them are very restrictive to help keep the noise down (because side pipes are essentially a straight pipe from the headers. STS baffles do an amazing job, they reduce some of the noise, they are tunable, and I felt no horsepower loss in the seat of the pants between straight side pipes and side pipes with STS inserts.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,284
Likes: 1,170
From: Hermosa
I run the STS inserts as well and like the sound and performance they give.
I have the Hooker header side pipes ceramic coated. If I were to do it again though I would now get the Doug's SS side pipes with the same inserts.
I also highly highly recommend using heat shields. The first time you get a 3rd degree burn from your side pipes you'll want them too.
Dean's shields are the best quality I have seen. I have a set of them. SS is so good that a magnet will not even stick. There are however cheaper options as well that will accomplish the same thing.
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Instructor
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 215
Likes: 26
From: Bismarck North Dakota
i took some header wrap and wrapped the baffles before i put them in the pipes, even after a good long drive in summer heat you can put your hand on them without burning yourself.
as for the 82 isnt it computer controlled so wont you need to put an o2 bung on there somewhere?
as for the 82 isnt it computer controlled so wont you need to put an o2 bung on there somewhere?
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,743
Likes: 289
From: Chardon Ohio
The answer is Doug's side pipes with STS baffles. That's what I'm currently running. I did a ton of research before purchasing them. The fitment on the Doug's headers was perfect in mine (no clearnacing for the steering box needed). A lot of the power robbing in side pipes comes from the inserts (baffles) used. Many of them are very restrictive to help keep the noise down (because side pipes are essentially a straight pipe from the headers. STS baffles do an amazing job, they reduce some of the noise, they are tunable, and I felt no horsepower loss in the seat of the pants between straight side pipes and side pipes with STS inserts.
waiting on $$$ 
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 366
Likes: 19
SS Hookers
I love side pipes have them on my mild 454 69, they look cool and are loud,
However,
I am not 100% sure that while they will allow your 82 to exhale better you might feel a little less off the line with them,
I will watch what a few gurus say, the insert might be enough back pressure to keep it from making a diffrence,
My car has hookers tried and true if i buy again i will score whoever makes them in stainless
However,
I am not 100% sure that while they will allow your 82 to exhale better you might feel a little less off the line with them,
I will watch what a few gurus say, the insert might be enough back pressure to keep it from making a diffrence,
My car has hookers tried and true if i buy again i will score whoever makes them in stainless
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 57
From: Mundelein Illinois
I agree with Knerf. If your car is stock you will need a bung installed on 1 of the headers. If you removed the computer, you will be fine.
I have hooker side pipes and love them, no fit issues but you have to remove starter on passenger side. Mine is manual trans so I had to remove Z bar but you won't have that problem.
You will gain some performance, but nothing to crazy.
Good luck
I have hooker side pipes and love them, no fit issues but you have to remove starter on passenger side. Mine is manual trans so I had to remove Z bar but you won't have that problem.
You will gain some performance, but nothing to crazy.
Good luck
