Side Pipes for Later Model C3's

[Cream79L82]

Sorry if you clicked this topic looking for info, because I just have questions. When was the last year they put stock sidepipes on vettes? Were they ever on small blocks? Has anyone ever hooked a set up on a late 70's, say '79 vette? Or can anyone point me to a good manufacturer that might make a setup for that year.
For those of you with side pipes.. what are your favorite and least favorite things about em. I hear that they can be obnoxious on long rides and have a knack for bumping and grinding things for a regularly used street car. There's just something about em though. Anyway.... if anyone has a pic of a vette with the large hatch and 80's rear end I would be most appreciative to see what might be possible.



Thanks for reading,
-Jon

 

[69autoXr]

factory sidepipes

The last year for factory side exhaust option was 69, and they were available for big and small blocks. They work just fine on later model C3's, you can get them through Eckler's, and maybe Mid-America.

 

[Pepe Le Pew]

Hi Jon,
I have an 80 vette with side pipes. They were on the car when I bought it. When I was shopping for my Corvette, side pipes were definitely a must for me. I just love the sound of the engine. From what I can see I have Hedman Hedders coming off the engine. After that It looks like a a custom job with some type of pipe wrapped with a chrome sleeve. My profile picture shows them.
I am fortunate to live in an area that is not strict on smog laws yet. So my advise to you would be to check with your local garage to see what's legal in your area. There is nothing like hearing them pipes sing on warm sunny day with the tops off. WOW!
The only downfall is that you have to be carefull entering and exiting the car, they get really hot. It hurts like heck when you put the back of your leg against themad
Hope that helps a little.

 

[Ala75Vette]

I don't have them yet, but they're at the top of my 'about to buy with income tax return' list. I'll be getting Hooker headers/sidepipes, ceramic coated inside & out (they're cooler that way, so you only get 2nd degree burns instead of 3rd degree burns when you brush them with your leg) from Jet Hot Direct (http://www.jet-hot.com/direct.html), plus STS spiral baffles (versus the glass pack or regular slip-in mufflers that come standard with Hooker headers & sidepipes) from the C3 Shark Tank (info: http://www.spiralturbobaffles.com/products.html, to buy: http://www.c3sharktank.com/). Personally, I like the look of the 4-into-1 Hooker headers/sidepipes, versus the 'stock' sidepipes. And as long as you have a C3 Corvette (68-82), they'll fit (easy for me to say, though.... I haven't installed mine, yet). I anxiously await having the look/sound of them on my '75....

Frank

 

[Cream79L82]

That's great info guys. Looks like you just lucked out Pepe. They do look good on our model style. I've got that rear lip too, as you can see on my profile pic, so we'd match nicely. Those are great links Frank. That's an awesome setup you're talkin about getting. I gaurantee you'll enjoy that. I want to hear some videos and sound files of it here in a couple of months though, understood? I don't think I'll get to make those noises for a while though. Priorities I guess. I want a 6-speed and a hotter motor first. All in time my friend.


-Jon

 

[groovyjay]

I have set of Stahl headers connected to my stainless custom made sidepipes with Spiral baffles. LOUDPIPES SAVES LIVES!