Some of you may have read posts where I've explored the options for adding side exhaust to a C4.

The obvious option is to locate a new/used "Side Effects" system which used to be made by Lawrence-Keech. However, in 2 1/2 years, I've only seen about half a dozen of these systems for sale. Surprisingly, two were new (never installed). However, they went fast, were hard to get, and their condition seems to vary greatly.

Pros/cons of the LK system are:

Pros: Proven design (with 23HP increase over a stock L98), jacking plates to lift car are built-in, fiberglass covers are well constructed, stock emissions remain intact, muffler is included. Clearance issues have been minimized thru the use of 1 1/2" x 3 1/2" 14-guage rectangular tubing.

Cons: System weighs 90 lbs!, many parts are steel (and more prone to rust), covers are breakable and non-replaceable at this point, other parts could not be replaced -- if damaged. In fairness, most part COULD be repaired if not excessively destroyed. Some modification may be required to adapt L98 systems to LT1's and visa versa. (Later units were more adaptable). System has been out-of-production for 3+ yrs and many parts are no longer available.

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Another option would be a DIY version. Many of you know that M.A.M.W. sells ABS simulated side exhaust covers. These are closely modeled like the Side Effect covers. However, the fake outlet would require (cutting) removal. This wouldn't be hard. The plastic is about .15" thick -- which is thin enough that L-brakets are required to attach it securely to the car. Assuming they can be plumbed -- without touching the plasic -- they'd probably provide a suitable cover for a DIY system. (I've talked to one forum member who's says he's done this).

After thinking about it for quite some time, I believe I have a "ideal" solution that would work (for L98s and/or LT1s). If you wanted to keep the system legal, both systems would have the cats located in the front "Y" pipe. For L98's, these could be high-flow bullet cats. If you wanted true duals, you could attach to the back of the cats and run pipes to a cross-over (dual in/dual out) muffler. I found one of these on a racing parts website (Walker). (An open chambered dual in/dual out muffler -- like Magnaflow/Dynomax might also serve well as a pressure balancing unit). Without duals, a single in/single out 3" center muffler would provide any sound dampening necessary.

With this type of a setup, emissions and sound muffling could be accomplished before the rear wheels. This would allow you (or your installer) to bend the exhaust toward the side of the car in front of the rear wheels.

Assuming you'd want covers, the pipes could actually head straight into the outlet (meaning no pipes would actually run the length of the car behind the cover -- and heat-to-plastic issues would be minimized).

To minimize ground clearance loss, the lateral pipes could be ovaled/flattened with a pipe bender -- especially where they pass under the jacking rails. Finally, they'd have to jog up slightly to hit the cover holes.

Tips could be an issue but could also be varied. I suspect it would be difficult to find good tips that neatly fit the ovaled hole in the covers. Specifically, the opening is 3.5" x 5.25". An oval that was 1/4" - 1/2" inch smaller in each direction would probably work the best. I suspect this part could be custom made by a stainless/steel specialist. Coatings could include chrome, high-temp paint, stainless, or maybe even ceramic (header) coatings. And, the tips could be replacable.

Jacking plates/blocks could also be attached to the factory jacking points to create the same utility as "Side Effects" provides.

Pros and cons of the DIY option:

Pros: MUCH LIGHTER WEIGHT! Any HP gains -- especially for the L98 would not be offset by adding close to 100lbs to the car. Parts would be replaceable -- including covers. Less bends in the system may also provide additional HP increase -- particularly as compared to the multiple bends which exist in the "Side Effects" system.

Cons: Larger pipe means more flattening/clearance problems in the lateral sections. (Meaning the larger pipe you select, the bigger the issue). Plastic side covers may not be as durable and may actually REQUIRE replacement more often. (I have not personally seen them)! If covers were discontinued, existing ABS covers would be more difficult to repair -- than the "Side Effects" resin (fiberglass) versions. More thinking/work/customization would be required to implement the lateral sectioning and the lateral pipe sections would be more prone to damage than the rectangular tubing used in "Side Effects".

End of comparison....
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Currently, I am trying to select between these options. After all this time, I've finally located a used setup that is reasonable priced. OTOH, you can see I've also figured out how I could make my own system -- which now seems like it may be the superior option in terms of real HP/weight gains. (Certainly, it would not "hurt" the power). I've also considered adding headers to my custom setup -- assuming the price and installation aren't excessive. (After reading Vader's website, it sounds like header MIGHT be more work than I would have guessed. Especially, if you have to pull the starter, flywheel cover, etc...)

While I type this out, it is helping me to itemize the pros/cons of each option as an aid to making my final decision. At the same time, it might also provide some of you with the "inspiration" to pursue side exhaust systems -- in the absence of a professional manufacturer.

I hope this proves to be valuable insight to those who've considered either option and I'd be happy to hear anyone's feedback on details provided so far.


Gregg

 

I have some news for you Gregg. The "side effects" as well as the full line of "Power Effects" are still manufactured today AND you can buy direct from the manufacturer.

www.powereffects.com

 

Edit: This post was initially incomplete. Please read my subsequent post for clarification on manufacturing status for both systems!

I appreciate the post. However, you are only half correct. The "Power Effects" system is still in production. However, the "Side Effects" system is out-of-production and has been for over 3 years!

Current status still does not provide for any change soon. My name was placed on the "order list" in Aug 2003. And, I ordered direct through Lawrence-Keech (powereffects.com).

I have called every few months since placing an order. Joe is very helpful and informative. Though Joe is optimistic, I'd have to say it's more realistic to assume this system may never be made again. Joe says they can't get a foundry to make the parts any more. He says its an issue of new automation techniques. He says they've considered suit against the foundry because they don't ever get around to making the parts anymore. But, a lawsuit would cost LK too much.

Personally, I'm thinking they may not be in high enough demand to accumulate an order list large enough to warrant (re)production. (Look how little response there is to this thread)!

 

When did Power Effects go back into production? It mustve been recently because the last time I spoke with Joe they had problems creating any new parts, not only Side Effects.

 

Since I've only been interested in Side Effects, I didn't know that. In fact, I thought I'd heard/read that Power Effects were still in production -- so I didn't want to say that Mr. Peabody was completely wrong.

To clear up this issue, I called Joe to verify the status. They no longer can get parts for either system. Both systems are due to foundry issues. That's gotta hurt!

 

Yeah the PE system has been out of production for over 2 years or thereabouts due to foundry issues. I was on the waiting list to get a set just after they started having the problems.

 

A lot of Speedvision teams used to run aero packages, and then cut a hole for the exhaust


The mid-year covers fit lenghwise, but you'd need to fab the exhaust.