69 side exhaust

[kelly theaker]

looking at installing side exhaust on the car and from the A.I.M it shows that the shield or cover that is in front of the rear wheel needs to be cut ? is this correct and it also shows dimentions for the front lower fender to be removed . does this still allow for the splash shield or lower cover that is held in place by the lower front fender to be installed ? the car was not originally a side exhaust car and it seems as though you have to hack the original fiberglass up somewhat , I also see a heat shield that is over the length of the inside of the rocker on the frame, can the insulation be slipped up in or does the body need to be lifted slightly? any thoughts from some one who has completed such a conversion . do you see any horsepower gains with this exhaust system since it seems less restrictive than the rear exit? on the b/b. i have a set of nos s/b pipes if someone has a set of b/b to trade?

[Dick W.]

Re: 69 side exhaust

If you are looking for performance, I would just convert the original 2" to 2 1/2" undercar. There would be very little difference between undercar and side exhaust, but mega buck differences in price. Last time I checked covers will cost you $2,200. That would buy you a lot of Dr. McCagh's "Beast"

[Jim T.]

Re: 69 side exhaust

Kelly I put the 69 real GM side exhaust system on my 70 Vette back in 1973 and used it for several years. I don't know of anything that is in front of the rear wheel that needs to be cut that you mentioned. My small block side exhaust pipes attached at the exhaust manifold and at the rear location where a bolt slips into the frame for securing the rear muffler brace. My splash shields remained in place. I did cut small section of the lower fender to allow adequate air gap for the exhaust pipe and the fiberglass body. Looking back I wonder if a person could flatten the exhaust pipe instead. After all factory undercar Corvette exhaust pipes are flattened. I did save my removed fibergalss pieces and reinstalled them after I converted to an 2 1/2 inch undercar exhaust. When the insides of the side exhaust mufflers become only an expansion chamber with years of use, they are loud. I know my neighbors were glad to see them changed out. The original real 69 exhaust heat shield mounts in the holes of your lower side moulding that is removed. There is a U-shaped bracket that I never installed near the front. If one could get the six chrome pieces for the price they cost in 73, you might see a lot of cars with the side exhaust. I liked the way they looked and wanted them when I saw them on 69's factory installed.

[kelly theaker]

Re: 69 side exhaust

thanks for the response , are you aware of the insulation the A.I.m shows that runs the length of the frame from#2 to #3 body mount ? it looks to be the swame contour as the frame rail and looks to fit under the rocker sill and over the top and sides of the frame . the materials on the back of the covers "fiberglass and heat shield can the white heat shield material be fixed it is slightly cracked? it looks to be fiberglass also but may be a composite with aspestas - not spelled right but you get the picture . thanks again for the time

[Jim T.]

Re: 69 side exhaust

Do not know about the insulation that runs the length of the frame. I am sure the white heat shield material cracks can be repaired. Have not done this repair though.

[Kent K.]

Re: 69 side exhaust

Kelly,
I recently read somewhere that the '69 side exhaust system was less efficient and depleted more horse power than an under-the-car system.
Kent #6201

[kelly theaker]

Re: 69 side exhaust

have you been able to find the article?

[Bill Stephenson]

Re: 69 side exhaust

-------Kelly,,,While it would be nice to find the article,I can flat guarantee that 69 sidepipes are not comparable to a good 2 1/2 inch undercar exhaust set-up. They might be comparable to the original 69 2 inch exhaust,however.......Bill S