Hooker Sidepipes Installed...but

[AKVETTE69]

Hi all...I've followed this forum for several years but this is the first time I've actually needed some help/advice! I had headers and sidepipes w/JCL baffles installed the other day on my '69 and they look and sound awesome!

BUT...unfortunately the installer was unable to remove the rocker panels without damaging them so, he modified the pipe brackets and mounted them a little further under the car. Since they're not mounted in the correct spot, I'm concerned there may be too much space between the rocker panel and the pipes but I don't have pictures or any other reference to compare them to.

Does anyone know what the clearance should be between the rocker panel and sidepipe? I would say the pipes currently sit about 1" away from the rocker panel. Is that correct or too far? Has anyone else ever mounted their pipes this way? Thx-Lynn

 

[72Mako]

Lynn, On my '72 I had to cut away some of the rocker trim panel to clear the pipes. It was no big deal for me as they were pitted anyway from the grit kicked back from the front wheel. I purchased some OEM rocker trim panels and put them away in case I ever want to restore her. From other posts I have read, I gather that whether you have to trim the rocker panels differs from car to car. Seem some cars can mount the sidepipes without trimming the rocker and some others (such as mine), the rockers will require slight trimming. I don't understand how he was able to move the pipes downward for clearance as the engine mounting dictates where the sidepipes end up at. Do the sidepipes run parallel to the frame or did they end up with some sloping? I feel that the sidepipes look the best up tight to the rocker panel and parallel to the frame,but thats my preference. If you do not mind trimming your rockers you might retry removing them. Hit the screws with some Kroil or Liquid wrench and use one of those impact screwdrivers to break the rocker trim screws loose. Charles

 

[AKVETTE69]

Charles,
Thanks for your response. What the installer did was instead of mounting the brackets in the holes behind the rocker, he bent the brackets down and mounted them on the frame a little farther under the car. They are perfectly parallel and you can't tell they're mounted different until you look under the car. There was minimal trimming on the rockers. They look fine mounted this way but I always thought they were supposed to fit tight against the rocker instead of having the gap. He told me he would remove them and mount them correctly or he would move the brackets back to fit them tight against the rocker. Keep in mind this is not a corvette shop so he thought if the pipes were too close to the rockers, the heat would damage them. I think I'll take it back and have him mount them flush against the rockers.
Thx again -Lynn

 

[72Mako]

Lynn, I see what you are talking about now. One of the benefits of mounting them in the side of the frame is that you are able to use the rubber isolators. This will keep the noise and vibrations from transmitting to the frame. BTW, consider using high temperature antiseize compound (Permatex makes this) where the tube slips onto the collector. Use plenty, won't hurt anything. If for any reason you have to get them apart at a future date, this will give you a fighting chance of getting the tube off the collector. Charles

 

[FLATOUT427]

Lynn, My Hookers Are Mounted To The Frame Like Yours And I Did Have To Trim The Rocker Panels. My Side Pipes Are Close Enough To The Rockers Where I Can Barely Get A Rag And My Fingers In To Clean Them. I Think It Looks Fine. Personally I Would Worry About The Heat If They Were Any Closer. By The Way What Are Jcl Baffles. I've Been Toying With The Idea Of Installing Vortex Cones To Try To Tone The Noise Down A Bit. Big Blocks Get Pretty Loud.

 

[72Mako]

Flatout, JCL spiral turbo baffles are replacements for the wimpy Hooker sidepipe muffler inserts. Try www.spiralturbobaffles.com. Charles