Every car is different, I would install the headers, make some cardboard templates and work from them. 
Hooker Sidepipe install
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
From: IL
Hooker Sidepipe install
So I ordered my S/S Hooker Sidepipes in Sept. I just recieved the headers only, so far the sidepipes are still on B/O. My question to those who have already have Hooker Sidepipes is, how much of the side trim plate/rocker panel really needed to be removed? The directions give a cartoon drawing of the proper cut out dimensions. At $300 each for the side rocker trim I don't want to cut these. But on the other hand it will look stupid with out it. Any close up pics?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 10,258
Likes: 1
From: Calif.
Originally Posted by GasketDude
So I ordered my S/S Hooker Sidepipes in Sept. I just recieved the headers only, so far the sidepipes are still on B/O. My question to those who have already have Hooker Sidepipes is, how much of the side trim plate/rocker panel really needed to be removed? The directions give a cartoon drawing of the proper cut out dimensions. At $300 each for the side rocker trim I don't want to cut these. But on the other hand it will look stupid with out it. Any close up pics?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,216
Likes: 4
From: Smile, it's just the internet.
I just cut mine this morning before work. Took about an hour. I didn't get any pics...dammit. I didn't cut that much, really. The trim turns under at the bottom and has two slotted bolt holes at the front that mount to the fender. I removed the front 12"-14" of the turn down, including the bolt holes. I just made cut parallel to the big face of the trim. It's got a sort of "knife edge" now. Only a flat chipmunk could tell, though, since it's all under the car when mounted. I also had to cut a 1/4" "high" by 2" wide notch to clear the #2 (from front) primary. That was the same primary that interferred with teh fender. That's all there was to it.
I left the sidepipe mounting bolts at the standard length, but I may go back sometime and shorten them. They bow out the moulding some. It's not bad, though. Only a C3 nut would notice...even then it's not obvious.
The car looks MUCH better at 20ft or less than without the moulding. I'm never putting the under-car exhaust on, so I didn't have any problems cutting up mine.
I left the sidepipe mounting bolts at the standard length, but I may go back sometime and shorten them. They bow out the moulding some. It's not bad, though. Only a C3 nut would notice...even then it's not obvious.
The car looks MUCH better at 20ft or less than without the moulding. I'm never putting the under-car exhaust on, so I didn't have any problems cutting up mine.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 624
Likes: 0
From: Marietta ga
I will try and have some pictures posted by tomorrow. Just take your time and only cut what you need. I was worried about mine at first, but they came out great. First make reference points from your fiber glass to your aluminum rocker panels. Then cut the fiber glass as needed for the side pipes, it's ok if you cut a little more than what u need, it will be covered up by the rocker panels. Then put your sidepipes on, cut more fiber glass if necessary. Then using your reference points and measurements begin cutting the pannels. Use a wax pen to mark them before cutting. This time cut less than what you need and try to cut it into the shape of the pipe, a small quailty jig saw will do the job. Mock them up and cut more if necessary. REMEBER, you would rather have to go back and cut the pannels numerous times than cut too much and have a big gap! Go back when you are done and debur the panels, it will give you a great finished look! Mine came out great and follow the shape of my pipes, you are going to love these suckers!!
Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 624
Likes: 0
From: Marietta ga
what mufflers are you running, I would recoment the JCl's they are the best sounding and "so they say" make the most power. They also have great coustomer service and good directions, because they require drilling 2 small holes in specific places on the pipe.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Bakersfield CA.
I cut mine like the pics above. I used a cardboard template that I cut just like the side trim. then made small cuts,little at a time.then left a little extra on the actual trim piece when I made my first cut. I used the small cutting wheels and grinders on my air grinder,just like the ones on the dremel.go slow and dont rush. good luck.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
From: IL
Thanks folks, just thought I'd ask. I'm a ways off from installing them, my engines on the floor,Tremec trans on a bench, and I'm trying to schedule time to do it all (including headers) at once.
Thanks for the how-to's, but when the time comes I'll make it all look nice, just wondering what problems/hurdles you all had.
Nice pics, keep'm coming.
Haven't bought the muffs yet, figured I got time, I'd keep checking here for reviews.
Later, time to fight traffic!
(Rush Hour Road Chess)
Thanks for the how-to's, but when the time comes I'll make it all look nice, just wondering what problems/hurdles you all had.
Nice pics, keep'm coming.
Haven't bought the muffs yet, figured I got time, I'd keep checking here for reviews.
Later, time to fight traffic!
(Rush Hour Road Chess)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 7,804
Likes: 4
From: Standing still with all my might Texas
Cruise-In X Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09-'11
I will be installing mine this weekend (along with STS baffles). I'll try to get some pics as I progress and get them posted on Monday.
