I recently finished a complete brake system rebuild, including all new ss lines, new distro blocks and rebuild calipers as well as a complete front suspension rebuild. I would like to now add side pipes to my mostly stock '78 with a 350. I prefer the Hooker cannon look in SS and found part numbers 7507-3HKR for the headers and 7542-3HKR for the tubes. Can anyone verify that these are the correct ones for me? Also, what other parts do I need or headaches to look forward to?

Many thanks.

 

those part numbers are correct but you also need muffler inserts which there are many different choices depending on your tolerance of sound.

 

Thanks for the confirmation and yes. I am probably going with Sweet Thunder inserts. I like those.

 

they also have multiple sizes to choose from so be honest with yourself with regard to noise tolerance. They list a decible number for the different sizes.

 

always go quieter than you think you want...

 

This is true.....the exhaust outlet will be less than 3 feet from your ear at the beginning of a trip and 300 miles later.....

Jebby

 

Solid points guys. Thanks for the input. I did listen to one video of their inserts and it was very loud. I never drive with the tops on or windows up so I should think through it more.

That is the last piece of the puzzle so I have a little time.

 

One other thing to consider is that the other pipe is less than 3 feet from my wife’s ear. That might make the trips marginally less enjoyable as well.

 

Another factor is the rear gearing. At 60 to 70 mph with a 3.08 doing less than 3k rpm you may be fine with say a 2.25" Sweet Thunder but with a 3.55 or 3.70 rear gear doing 3k to 3.5k rpm it may become unpleasant on a long drive.

 

Pardon my ignorance here but how would I find this out? Crack the pumpkin? It appears from external inspection that the rear is the stock setup. Would that be the 3.08? While the Speedo is a little fried, the tach seems to work fine. Where should it read at a certain speed do you think with 3.08 gearing? Or is there a better method of figuring this out?

 

place the rear frame on jack stands. Car in neutral, parking brake off. Place a chalk mark on driveshaft, turn one rear wheel by hand 1 revolution and count how many turns the driveshaft turns.

 

I still bear the scar on my right leg from a set of Chrome plated Hooker Side-pipes. It happened over 40 years ago and the scar reminds me every time I look down my leg. My cousin's old 1967 Convertible had side pipes and it was absolutely UNBEARABLE to ride or drive the Corvette for more than 1/2 hour. I hope your Wife is going to be "extra" careful getting In and Out or any where near those pipes when HOT. My cousin liked driving side by side on the highway and the noise was so loud when he was next to me that I couldn't hear my own exhaust noise. The radio in his 1967 was useless unless the engine was shut off.

The sound that comes from Side Pipes can be pretty loud on some Corvettes. Here in Virginia I have a Buddy who has a 1967 C2 Coupe with side-pipes and he has been pulled over and ticketed for "excessive noise" several times. He has the factory side-pipes but without any baffling to help quiet them down a bit. I am sure with a little help the noise could be dampened a bit.

I decided I "like" the sound but want it going out the back of the Corvette so I went with Chambered Exhaust Systems from Allen's Stainless Exhaust in Indiana. The chambered pipes make a very similar sound to side-pipes and the noise level is a fraction of that with side pipes. When standing at the rear of the Corvette it is a bit noisy but while driving the noise follows behind you and it is possible to hear and listen to the radio or a passenger. My C3 has the 3.36 rear axle ratio and is quiet and comfortable on the highways.

I wish you the very best with your Corvette project! Merry Christmas and have a great Holiday Season!

 

You also will want heat shields , I use these http://cobrastuff.com/36inchshield.html , I used Dougs pipes with the loudest insert. It idles about 100DB, and full throttle is about 130DB. Personally I like it,.

 

I have been considering sidepipes on my 74, but am also concerned about the continuous noise.
I’ve been contemplating a dual setup utilizing an electric exhaust cutout. When closed, the exhaust will go straight through to the rear mufflers. With the cutout open, it will flow through a set of sidepipes. Best of both worlds, pleasant for long trips but loud as hell when I want. At the flip of a switch!
Best of luck with your endeavor!

 

If you are worried about the noise, I would not install the side pipes.
You would be better off installing a set of long tube headers and a 2.5" dual system all the way to the rear and exit through a good set of performance mufflers.
You will love the sound, your wife won't complain and your neighbors won't hate you and your car.

 

fixed it for you

 

Ok so she would make it unpleasant.

I saw one guy with a fold out flap for when you open the door. I have a few scars from dirt bikes as well so I am hoping not to get another.

 

Side pipes too loud? Use ear plugs for you and the wife. It's a win-win!

 

Side pipes are old school cool but loud regardless of what insert you use. Unless you have a amp'ed up radio forget listening to that. Find someone in a club with side pipes and ask for a ride to get a feel for the sound level.

 

You are right Mr D!
There are some really good videos on Corvette Racing on YouTube. There is one that has you in the drivers seat as this guys winds through the gears and it is pure MUSIC to the ears.