Changing to Side Pipes, Dos & Don'ts ?

[Donald L.]

I am changing my exhaust to side pipes. Any advise or "watch out fors"?

[Larry M.]

Re: Changing to Side Pipes, Dos & Don'ts ?

I am changing my exhaust to side pipes. Any advise or "watch out fors"?

They are generally too loud for most guys after the first few months, they will result in loss of considerable judging points if you have your car judged, they may or may not decrease the value of your car, and they don't always fit correctly unless you buy NOS ($$$$$).

I have NOS sidepipes on my car because it came that way when I purchased it.......and I do like them. But I would not have changed from factory installed undercar exhaust. However, it is your car and your decision.

Larry

[Patrick H.]

Re: Changing to Side Pipes, Dos & Don'ts ?

Year of car? That makes a big difference.

If you just want the sound think about the undercar chambered exhaust. Far cheaper, same sound, no irreversible body modifications.

[Donald L.]

Re: Changing to Side Pipes, Dos & Don'ts ?

Thanks for getting back. It is a "67 427/390 Marlboro maroon. It was edgy when I got it. It appears to be an original car. I have kept what I replaced i.e.. radiator. Have a '65 327/300 Black on tan. Got the big block fever. I will keep the exhaust and valence in case I sell it some day.

[Larry M.]

Re: Changing to Side Pipes, Dos & Don'ts ?

Thanks for getting back. It is a "67 427/390 Marlboro maroon. It was edgy when I got it. It appears to be an original car. I have kept what I replaced i.e.. radiator. Have a '65 327/300 Black on tan. Got the big block fever. I will keep the exhaust and valence in case I sell it some day.

To do the job correctly, you will also need to cut off some of the lower fiberglass, and cut or bend the metal rocker cover support braces. It is not as easy to "go back" to original as it first sounds.

Most of us don't hot rod or race these cars anymore, but sidepipes on a BB car will also reduce rear wheel horsepower due to higher exhaust back pressure. This is probably not noticeable if you just drive around town.

A number of guys that want a better sound than regular factory mufflers provide, install the "off-road" muffler option. This provides a better sound, leaves the undercar exhaust, and actually increases (slightly) rear wheel horsepower. I believe that Corvette Central and Gardner Exhaust sell the "off-road" exhaust. The archives are full of onfo and comparisons on this.

Larry

[Keith B.]

Re: Changing to Side Pipes, Dos & Don'ts ?

Drive or ride in a car with side pipes down a road at one rpm for about 5 miles. Then see how much you like them

[Paul J.]

Re: Changing to Side Pipes, Dos & Don'ts ?

Don, the answers that you have gotten so far are the same ones that are in the archives when this came up four months ago. I think that they are great advice.

Personally, I love sidepipes, and I would like to own a car that had them. However, I've been assimilated by the NCRS so I would never put sidepipes on a car that did'nt come with them (well, almost never). I'm a big believer in buying the car you want, not making the car you want.

Paul