75 Side Pipes

[Sean D. Philippe]

I want to run side pipes on my 75. I have added hooker super compitition headers to a chevy 350/300 hp motor.

I realize I have departed from the original 165 hp boring configuration, but my question is as follows:

1- The frame and body look to be able to support side pipes even though it was not offered. Did GM stay with exsting designs on the frame and body?

2- Any suggestions for custom exhaust makers?

3- Will this car be prone to catch fire with the increased temperatures?

Regards,

Sean

[Joe L.]

Re: 75 Side Pipes

Sean-----

Usually, I am loathe to get involved in questions regarding sidepipes. I think that they're awful even on 65-67 and 69 Corvettes which were originally equipped with them. However, I'll offer the following:

1) The 69 style sidepipes are adaptable to just about any C3. Allen's Exhaust of Logansport, IN can fix you up with a system of high quality;

2) The car should be no more fire-prone than any other equipped with side pipes. I don't think that side-pipe induced fires were ever a problem on cars originally so-equipped;

3)Bear in mind that your 75 was originally equipped with a catalytic converter. This will have to be "eliminated" in order to install side pipes. Such a conversion is illegal under federal law and is illegal under the laws of most states. Of course, if you are not subject to emissions inspections AND ARE CERTAIN THAT THE CAR WILL NEVER BE SUBJECT TO EMISSIONS INSPECTIONS, then this point might be "academic". There are STIFF federal fines for cars which have tampered emissions control systems and catalytic converter removal is a VERY easy one to spot should the USEPA ever get serious about the issue. Tampered systems are also one of the issues which "fuel the fire" of environmental groups who would like to see tougher auto emissions control programs.

[Sean D. Philippe]

Thanks Joe

Thanks a lot Joe for the info. I now feel guilty about souping up my car and it sounds like I will be in federal prison soon.

Funny thing though, when I bought the car in Arizona it had a smog pump and CAT. As I disassembled the car for the resto I discoverd that the CAT had been gutted and was simply a hollow core. Also the smog pump tubes went up to but not into the manifolds. In other words the whole system was a sham.

Now that I live in RI where the standards are more lenient in terms of cars 10 years old and older, I think I can sneak by.

Again thanks a bunch for your help!!