What Does Straight Pipes Mean???
 

I'm buying a Vette with "custom Ecklers straight pipe exhaust." It has two exhaust tips on each side in the rear. Does this mean it has two separate pipes from the engine on each side? No mufflers? It sounds great!

I realize this is probably something anyone should know but I'm not a wrench turner - just a Corvette lover. Thanks.

Straight pipes is supposed to mean from the manifolds or headers all te way back to the tips no mufflers no catalytic converters. More recently people have been callin straight pipes the same as just removing the cats. It usually having straight pipes both sides of the engine have their own piping all the way back no y pipe or x pipe connecting the left and right

As Jesse said, it could mean either no cat, or no mufflers. Be sure 1) its legal in your state 2) that the appropriate followup work was performed. (Maybe a bigger carb, exhaust headers, etc. If someone just threw straight exhaust on a stock motor Id suspect the previous owner was either ignorant of engine tuning or may have cut several corners elsewhere)

The car passed NY state inspection in April - if that tells you anything.

you answered it in your question

Not to be a smart a**, but bring a blanket or sheet to put on the ground and look under the car, if you don't have access to a lift. You can then see what exactly is going on there, from the front to the rear, and it will help you understand better what exhaust is really on the car. It is also my suggestion to have the Vette checked out by your mechanic before you buy to make sure everything is operating as it should be, even though its past inspection, it also needs to pass your inspection with a qualified person, since you are not a "wrench turner"
Lots of luck and what year is the Vette?

It tells me that the owner knew the guy who inspected the car. Anything post 79 has to have cats here in NY. (You didnt mention what year it was)

Honestly, you are a self admitted newbie. I HIGHLY suggest you put out a net call here and ask for someone to come look the car over with you. Corvettes have some very peculiar problems. Im a car guy, but I didnt know squat about vettes when I bought mine and Ive been dealing with little problems since. I wish I had had a Corvette expert with me....

Hey, if the car is still in NY, (Im in central NY), lemme know.

1981. Take a look at the car in the C3 for sale postings (page 2). There's a video also. It's the thread that says 1981/NY Crate engine. I'd like to know what you think. There's also a restoraion thread by the seller.

Thanks

Straight threw in the world of engine exhaust means no restrictions and/or mufflers ........ancient term probably since the beginning of cars or automobiles or even motorcycles......:thumbs:

Sorry, guy. The car's been sold.

I know, I bought it.

Thanks, everyone, for your interest.

I didn't know. :hide: Best of luck with it. :thumbs:

Thanks, it's due in Panama City Beach on Wednesday. To say I'm excited is an understatement. My first Vette since my '69 was sold in 1978.

I dont know Florida DMV laws, but here in NY that car would need cats to pass inspection. The PO must have known somebody, and you may have to grease a palm or two to get yours inspected. (Im by no means putting you or the PO down, I rip ALL the emissions controls out of all my hot rods and ask around until someone will work with me.) All in all I think you have a nice car. Now go drive the snot out of it!

Florida did away with inspections years and years ago. At 69 years old I didn't want some 190 horsepower automatic. Can't wait for the first car show and ride by the high C vette guys with the pipes rumbling. Of course, those old coggers will probably complain that it's too loud!

there are no vette's that are to loud...ever

This.

However Command tends to get on my back when I rev the engine on base. However the new Capt seems to like it, lol :cool: