Side Exhaust Pipes that are Close to Original Sound?

[Mike T.]

Re: Side Exhaust Pipes that are Close to Original Sound?

Thanks guys for all the feedback. I agree, the 'hotter' the engine, the louder the exhaust will sound and since GM stopped producing side pipes many years ago my only source right now will be the aftermarket pipes and so far, it looks like Allens and High-Flo Performance (formerly Sweet Thunder, so I've heard) appear to make what I'm looking for, an 'original sounding' side pipe.
Don, thanks a bunch for the pic. It looks identical to the pics I took of my GM side pipes on my Smallblock Coupes.

[Joe L.]

Re: Side Exhaust Pipes that are Close to Original Sound?

Mike------


Side pipes, GM or otherwise, are so obnoxiously loud that there really is no distinct "tone" or "character" to the sound. It's not at all like the sweet, dulcet and unique tone of GM undercar exhaust mufflers. Side pipes are pretty close to just open exhaust.

I can tell you that as a very young man I did not like the sound of Corvette side pipes in 1965, 1966, 1967 or 1969. I did not even consider ordering them on my 1969. I didn't like side pipes back then, have not liked them since, and don't like them now. To me, they are nothing more than a version of "lake pipes" often installed on hot rods in the old days. They also interrupt the smooth, taut lines of a Corvette so, even for appearance, I don't like them. I'd NEVER, EVER have them on a car that I own.

I have absolutely no components of the side pipe system in my collection, don't want any, and would not even have them as a gift.

[Mike T.]

Re: Side Exhaust Pipes that are Close to Original Sound?

Oh, come on now, Joe, tell me how you 'really' feel about side pipes :-). Just kidding.
As the old saying goes, 'That's Why They Made Chocolate 'and' Vanilla'.