Side Pipes vs Mufflers

[LIRacer]

I have a 72 LT-1. I've done the customary speed work to it, headers, MSD, Hurst, suspension, etc, etc, etc. Recently, I decided I wanted Hooker Side Pipes. So I purchased them. The existing system on the LT-1 are Hooker Comp headers dumping into 3' pipes and running out the back (looks like stock) thru Cherry Bombs. My dilema is: Would the side pipes hurt or help in the power department?

 

[Gunther]

Hi
Thsi all depends on the muffler inserts you install.
HOOKER reverse flow mufflers = very restrictive , but not noisy.
HOOKER glass packs = less restrictive, more noise.
JCL's spiral turbo inserts = very little to no restriction, lots of members love them and they are on my wish list.
No inserts at all, depending on your police and nabors.
Good luck
Gunther

 

[LIRacer]

Thanks Gunther. I have the Hooker Glass PAcks. Where would I get the JCLs?

 

[Scott81]

You could get them through me if you like, let me know before hand and I'll set you up with the forum discount. Here's the page with a couple sound/video files of them in the mean time.

Baffles page

There are more HERE

 

[andrewmckernon]

what about headers?

I have a 68 convertible with a 69 350 in it. It currently has stock exhaust manifold and exhaust. I wanted to buy headers at least. What do you think is the best option for the price, or should i just save up for a nice pair of side pipes, and what kind...?

thanks,
-andrew

 

[Scott81]

Andrew,

Plain headers would obviously be the cheaper route. I guess it all depends on what YOU want. Do you want headers, do you want factory sidepipes or do you want the big 4" Hooker sidepipes? Choices, choices. I'm not sure what a plain set of headers goes for but I hear they are fairly cheap even with ceramic coating. A set of factory style sidepipes can be expensive, and the Hooker sidepipes can run from $600 for painted black ones up to $1300 for chrome. I believe ceramic coated ones from Jet-Hot are around $1100

 

[andrewmckernon]

Hooker Pipes vs. Stock

In Mid America (I think that's the one) the original stock setup, complete everything runs about $2600, which is a huge pile of dough. The entire hooker setup for chrome runs about $1100.

Do you know which sounds better, and gives better performance/horsepower? I dont want to dump over 2 grand on an original sidepipe system if it doesn't do anything more than give me 5 points for authenticity....

-andrew

 

[Gunther]

Hi Andrew

You have more choises with the HOOKERs due to different mufflers available.
I don't think there is a choise with the original side pipes ?
If you don't worry about the 5 points, get the HOOKERs.
They look agressive and powerfull and certainly are OK with the non restrictive inserts.

Good luck and don't forget to get a pair of earplugs too.
Gunther

 

[Gunther]

Hi LIBoater

Give me a E-mail and I send you JCL's direct E-mail address.
He is very helpfull and can give you an idea about the cost.
Than you can see what the forum discount gets you.
Good luck Gunther

 

[tonyk72]

Re: Hooker Pipes vs. Stock

In Mid America (I think that's the one) the original stock setup, complete everything runs about $2600, which is a huge pile of dough. The entire hooker setup for chrome runs about $1100.

Do you know which sounds better, and gives better performance/horsepower? I dont want to dump over 2 grand on an original sidepipe system if it doesn't do anything more than give me 5 points for authenticity....

-andrew

Andrew, if your going for authenticity and NCRS judging I don't think the '68's were available with sidepipes from the factory. I think '69 was the only year (for the C3's) that sidepipes were an option.