I have an opportunity to buy NOS side pipes for my 66 SB coupe.I have the original window sticker as I know it did not come with the car.
My car is pretty matching numbers down to the correct 3 digit carburetor and all other numbers.Alternator,starter,manifold,etc. ....
Would be nice to have a little additional rumble out of the car. I think they are cool looking also.Just do not know if it takes away from the value of the car.
Do I leave well enough alone?

 

#justsayno

 

don't give future buyers an excuse to low ball you .

 

I bought a '66 coupe 16 years ago after it was inspected by provette67 (Poncho). Numbers matching bla, bla, bla except for the side pipes which were added during the restoration. FWIW, I thought it added value b/c I like the sound and looks. Thats just me

 

I would not

 

If you’re a purist no. If not, it’s your car, do whatever makes you smile. I do!

 

Did you buy an investment piece to hang on the wall, or park in the garage to just admire???

Or, did you buy a car you really like, and you want to make an addition to it to make it even more attractive and fun for you to enjoy???

If it is the latter, I would say add them..... it is not that significant of a change, it is an option that could have come on the car, and it could be an option that is a plus to a future buyer......

Just my opinion, nothing more than that...... but these are still just cars, unless it is some super rare model...... I don't know that it really makes that big of a difference.....

Like it or not, the number of people who are that hung up on 'absolute originality', I think, are dwindling...... compound that with the 'all original' cars that are in collections now, that will be coming up for sale in the coming years, when people move on, and it is time to sell.......

Trying to 'future proof' your investment is fine, if that is what it is, solely an investment...... but, if it is a car you want to drive, enjoy and have fun with, and if something like this change would make it more fun and enjoyable to you...... then go have fun and enjoy life with your car...... life is short....... have fun now.......

 

IMO…

YES!

it’s your car, do what makes YOU happy…

perhaps it will reduce the value when it comes time to sell…. Perhaps it will increase the desireability. It just depends to what the future buyers want.

IF you are that worried about value, do you drive the car on public streets? Or is it kept in a climate controlled, hermetically sealed cocoon?

because chips and wear will reduce the value as well.

IMO, perhaps if it was something really rare and desireable such as an L88, L89, tanker or maybe a Fuelie, I think it’s more important to make yourself happy.


but perhaps you should consider the “off-road”exhaust…. Same basic under-car system except louder mufflers…

 

Sure, if that's what you'd like to do. Just keep all the parts that you take off in case down the road you want to put it back to the undercar exhaust.

 

I am more of a purist... but... Side exhaust is easily added and easily removed. You won't hurt anything and you can keep the rocker panels and under car exhaust and reinstall them later. You will need a side-exhaust rear valance panel.

 

Also, instead of cutting them, I would just bend back the tabs that mount the side rocker panels and in addition I would save the small pieces of fiberglass that go near and under the front part of the side rocker moldings.

You will have to cut off a two or three inch section of fiberglass from each side. Make it easy to switch back in case you tire of the sound or the next buyer tries to push down the sale price because you don't have everything necessary to easily put it back to under the body exhaust.

C.J.

 

If your body # on the trim tag starts with an A instead of S, it is an AOSmith built body and was not available with sidepipes. Adding would be more of a disadvantage than a St Louis built body. if it is truly a number's matching car, I would not. My advice would be to try to drive a car with sidepipes at different speeds and you may find it gets annoying after a while, there is a definite drone at rpm's that is not pleasant.
It's not quite as easy as some hint. You would have to replace the rear panel (and paint the new one) where the underbody pipes come out, store the old panel and rocker moldings ,buy replacement rocker moldings, and make some modifications to your rocker panel mounts, etc. If you have spent a bit of time with a sidepipe car and it makes that much difference to you, then it's your choice. I have had several of each, and I would much prefer the underbody pipes.

 

delete

 

So why do you want side pipes? If for performance better get the Off Road exhaust and they have a nice outside sound. Side pipes typically have a loud inside care sound which bother some. Follow 65GGvert suggestions

If it's a good deal $ and actually NOS you can always sell them.

 

This is the correct answer. Also, remember it much more involved than simply bolting on side pipes and if you plan on selling in the future, I wouldn’t do it.

 

Basically, it all up to you and what you want to enjoy in life, + or - what is does to the value is minuscule.
Us with the side pipes say do it, those who do not enjoy side pipes say don't, the decision is all yours, if you do it, don't skimp, get all the right parts and keep all the stuff you take off

(Mine is a number matching 1967 L68 (engine accessories included), mine came from the factory with the side pipes and I like the sound)

 

In my book, the ONLY thing better than a Corvette with factory style side pipes---------------------------- is TWO of 'um!

 

Opinions are like belly buttons...we all have them, and they're all different.
My opinion...do whatever blows your skirt up...it's your car. Now, with that being said, always do whatever you can to preserve and not destroy your car for the next caretaker. Keep all the old parts, and as was mentioned, don't cut off metal the rocker tabs...simply bend them up and out of the way.
I love the look and, with the correct mufflers, the sound is music...mellow not loud. Another huge advantage, especially if you have a coupe, is all that under car heat is now on the outside of the car instead of underneath and radiating into the cabin. Easier to work under the car, as well, with side exhaust.
Video of mine for your consideration...

 

That is Tom Parsons to a T! I love my NON-NCRS 56 with a SB400, FI, airbox, Muncie, posi, HD brakes/susp.

 

Depends on when you expect to sell it. If you're selling it in the next few months, I would not make the change.

If you have no current plans to sell it, then I would do whatever pleases you. It's your car and you should enjoy it. Trying to predict the value of the car 1, 2, 5, or 10 years from now is a fool's game.