side pipe questions
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 301
Likes: 170
From: Alabama
side pipe questions
I’m really not liking the compromised ground clearance with the standard under car exhaust. I prefer the way the stock 69-71 side pipe looks, and the added access to the stuff under the car is a giant plus, but with having a 1980, and an LS engine, obviously cannot just “use the stock stuff” that’s out there.
( Not a big fan of the cost either)
Additionally I have no clue as to the sound, or the smell. I don’t want it any louder than what I could muffle down under the car like the Magnaflows that are presently there, ( and they are far from quiet). And I’d think having the exhaust outlet right at the drivers door/window, that all kinds of fumes are there when the window is down.
Id be using the stock exhaust manifolds, with no plans for headers. I know Patriot makes a universal fit sidepipe, but no idea of how that sounds/ looks either. Also not a fan of chrome anything.
I may even attempt a custom solution.
Can someone answer the questions?
Thanks.
( Not a big fan of the cost either)
Additionally I have no clue as to the sound, or the smell. I don’t want it any louder than what I could muffle down under the car like the Magnaflows that are presently there, ( and they are far from quiet). And I’d think having the exhaust outlet right at the drivers door/window, that all kinds of fumes are there when the window is down.
Id be using the stock exhaust manifolds, with no plans for headers. I know Patriot makes a universal fit sidepipe, but no idea of how that sounds/ looks either. Also not a fan of chrome anything.
I may even attempt a custom solution.
Can someone answer the questions?
Thanks.
Last edited by MLM7447; Dec 1, 2022 at 08:26 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 34,454
Likes: 665
From: Republic of Texas
The sound will greatly depend on the choice of mufflers and engine (Stock vs choppy cam). The stock '69 mufflers will be the quietest, but at the cost of power. Personal experience, you will certainly have increased noise vs rear outlet as well as some fumes, just the nature of the beast having exhaust 4ft from your head.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 1,567
Likes: 576
From: Wisconsin
I don't notice any smell issues with the side pipes on mine, even idling in traffic with the windows down. Inside a structure, though, that's a different story, and is true of any exhaust without cats. Run your car inside the garage (with the doors open) and your clothes will stink until you wash them. That was the first thing I noticed going back to the catless cars of my youth from a 30-year hiatus. But anywhere outside, you are golden.
You can muffle side pipes down as much as any undercar exhaust.
You are right on the ground clearance and access to undercar components, side pipes will be superior in this regard.
You can muffle side pipes down as much as any undercar exhaust.
You are right on the ground clearance and access to undercar components, side pipes will be superior in this regard.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 195
Likes: 37
From: Poway CA
Although mine is a 68 BB, I have the 69 style pipes and covers. I love their look, as well as the mid 60's pipes as well. GM did a fantastic job with styling on these and I have not seen aftermarket pipes that can compare (except for the look alike fiberglass covers that you can get). I don't notice any fumes at any time when driving or idling and the sound is definitely an attention getter and can easily take away from the radio (if you even think about that while driving), but there are pipes available that are available in different sound levels. I have yet to see after market pipes that look good to me and many don't even have covers to prevent burning your legs. I do like the extra room underneath as well. Hopefully, you don't have to deal with smog laws in your state like the awful ones we have in CA- only cars older than '74 or '75 are smog exempt.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 34,454
Likes: 665
From: Republic of Texas
I think the fumes situation will differ coupe vs convertible with T-tops on/off with windows down and convertible top up and down.
Your are in much better shape having a coupe.
Your are in much better shape having a coupe.
Last edited by Corey_68; Dec 1, 2022 at 02:17 PM.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,209
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From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
I have a convertible and dont have any fume issues at all parked or driving and the noise is negligible with the top down and cruising....when I put the hardtop on and the windows down it is really loud inside the car, slightly less with the windows up ut more than when I go topless. I would do it. Look at sweet thunder pipes, they make them from stock to chambered and loud
https://highfloperformance.com/collections/c3
https://highfloperformance.com/collections/c3
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,404
Likes: 791
From: Redondo Beach, California
I have them on my 68. On the 68, with minimal insulation, they make the cabin and especially the driver's foot on the gas pedal, much cooler. With the stock exhaust, your foot is only inches away from scorching hot exhaust pipes....true there's perhaps a small air gap, 1/8 inch of fiberglass (?), and the carpet for heat protection. The side pipes were an option only in 1969. I believe they fit all C3s. There's a little maybe 1 1/2 by 2 inch piece of the fiberglass body by the front wheel well that has to be cut away, but it's hidden by the exhaust shroud....and I think it's also hidden if you revert to the standard early C3 rocker strips. Working on the transmission shifter rods, differential, strut rods is now easy. The factory style exhaust mufflers that are part of the system are louder, but I don't find it objectionable. Never noticed any problems with fumes. I have a convertible.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 9,256
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From: Lake Tahoe, CA
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 25
Likes: 12
From: Cleveland OH
I have a 1980 car and I put the 1969 style side exhaust with original 69 covers because I like the look of the factory side pipe option from 1969. I got the stainless set from highfloperformance.com and they bolted right to the original exhaust manifold. Adding the covers required some modification on the front quarter and new threaded inserts under the original kick plate, but the change was not all that bad. I think they sell the ultra quiet pipes as well. I prefer a louder exhaust and it was perfect for me. I can post some photos if you want to see what it looks like.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 301
Likes: 170
From: Alabama
I have a 1980 car and I put the 1969 style side exhaust with original 69 covers because I like the look of the factory side pipe option from 1969. I got the stainless set from highfloperformance.com and they bolted right to the original exhaust manifold. Adding the covers required some modification on the front quarter and new threaded inserts under the original kick plate, but the change was not all that bad. I think they sell the ultra quiet pipes as well. I prefer a louder exhaust and it was perfect for me. I can post some photos if you want to see what it looks like.
