Opinions on sidepipes vs. undercar exhaust for judging

[Danny W.]

Gentlemen,
I have a 69 L89 with loads of documentation. The car was special ordered and at the time, side exhaust was not an option. ( not on documents ). The original owner of the car bought the complete side exhaust system & covers from the dealer new in 1970. I am on the downhill side of completely restoring the car and will have it judged, which it should do very well retaining most of its original parts. My question is, since I have a complete NOS side exhaust system ( I love side exhaust ), should I try & go back installing side exhaust, or should I go back as the car came with undercar exhaust, which I don't have the complete set for. Any advise or experience will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Danny Watkins

[Joel F.]

Re: Opinions on sidepipes vs. undercar exhaust for judging

I say that it is your car and you should do what will make you happy. If you intend to drive the car a lot, the side pipes could become tiresome as they are pretty loud, but they sure do look cool.

From a judging perspective, you can expect the non-original side pipes will be detected at a regional or national event, and expect a full deduction of the exhaust system. This is not the death knell as far as your Top Flight dreams go, but it is a lot of points to lose in one shot.

[Philip C.]

Re: Opinions on sidepipes vs. undercar exhaust for judging

Just to add to good advice above, the 69 rear quarters are different on side ex 69 cars, so to install them per factory is more than just adding the pipes. I build them the way I like em, (what goes up also goes down) Phil 8063

[Paul H.]

Re: Opinions on sidepipes vs. undercar exhaust for judging

I'm a sidepipe guy. I love the look and the sound. If that's the way you like your car you should keep them. Take the hit on the judging and make sure everything else is in order. To me it's more important to have the car you want than a certificate to hang on the wall (even though that's nice too )

[David N.]

Re: Opinions on sidepipes vs. undercar exhaust for judging

Paul,
As an owner of an original '69 sidepipe BB convertible, I agree with Paul in that your car is for you! I am not into total NCRS judging since I am more of a driver. Also participate in Corvette Club of Michigan autocross events.
Yes, you definitely got to love that LOUD SOUND OF POWER that comes with factory exhaust. When I first bought the car back in 1975, it came with the "stovepipe" headers and steel insert "mufflers." When I started it up in the garage it shook everything within it. Often set off my wife's alarm on her '94 Explorer! Now that is loud! One winter some mouse/mice built a nest inside one of the pipes. I only found it after it was blown out when starting the engine.
David
PS And since I am old school, save the wave~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Dick W.]

Re: Opinions on sidepipes vs. undercar exhaust for judging

It is your car so do what you want. BUT, be aware, if the change is detected on the judging field, you will take full deduction on the exhaust system and tips, rocker moldings, and a partial deduction on the fiberglass where the exhaust bezels were originally cut out.