Pipes or no? Would like your opinion
06-14-2013, 03:06 PM
#22
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Will they say "Stingray" backwards like in the picture?
That would bug me.
That would bug me.
06-14-2013, 03:25 PM
#24
Instructor
I have a black 78 with sidepipes and the heat shields with the laser cut "Corvette". I have the one with "cats" so it is loud but not too loud. It is a head turner ............ Go with the pipes .... If the GF is not telling you to do what makes you happy ...... need I say more.
06-14-2013, 05:42 PM
#26
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Side pipes are cool.
I have Bangkok Dean's Steel Shields and they are never hot. 
No leg burns but tons of head turns. We were in a parade last weekend and everyone loved them.
I have Bangkok Dean's Steel Shields and they are never hot. No leg burns but tons of head turns. We were in a parade last weekend and everyone loved them.
06-14-2013, 06:06 PM
#28
I'll jump in here since I have the Hooker set-up on mine.
To many, Corvettes and side pipes are one in the same! Pipes look odd on any other car, no matter the year! They look good, in my opinion, on just about all generations and models (except maybe C4s).
The good: Ground clearance is almost less of an issue over standard headers since the primaries are tight to the frame and come out below the front tires. I have hit many hidden speed bumps and potholes and have never hit a pipe. If you run the mufflers (unless you are single and still under 20) the pipes run pretty cool as well. They may heat up to the point of burning you if you idle for an hour in 100 degree+ temps, but, coming in from a normal drive they are no real danger to you or the better half. They do get attention!
The bad: They do make getting in or out a wee bit more of an acrobatic act than normal! Not impossible, but, you sort of have to swing your legs out and lift yourself out over them. They can also be loud depending on the inserts. Glass packs aren't bad, but, they will never be as quiet as standard exhaust.
Personally, although I do love the look (and sound at times), I am considering changing back to standard exhaust. I'm not as much of a 'kid' as I used to be (I am older than my car) and my 73 still has the rear cut-outs in the valance. I just cant see filling them in on an otherwise clean car.
To many, Corvettes and side pipes are one in the same! Pipes look odd on any other car, no matter the year! They look good, in my opinion, on just about all generations and models (except maybe C4s).
The good: Ground clearance is almost less of an issue over standard headers since the primaries are tight to the frame and come out below the front tires. I have hit many hidden speed bumps and potholes and have never hit a pipe. If you run the mufflers (unless you are single and still under 20) the pipes run pretty cool as well. They may heat up to the point of burning you if you idle for an hour in 100 degree+ temps, but, coming in from a normal drive they are no real danger to you or the better half. They do get attention!
The bad: They do make getting in or out a wee bit more of an acrobatic act than normal! Not impossible, but, you sort of have to swing your legs out and lift yourself out over them. They can also be loud depending on the inserts. Glass packs aren't bad, but, they will never be as quiet as standard exhaust.
Personally, although I do love the look (and sound at times), I am considering changing back to standard exhaust. I'm not as much of a 'kid' as I used to be (I am older than my car
) and my 73 still has the rear cut-outs in the valance. I just cant see filling them in on an otherwise clean car.
06-14-2013, 09:48 PM
#32
Melting Slicks
I like the photoshopped pic with the pipes. It goes good with your pavement scrubbing look.
I actually bought a set of side pipes and headers for my 72. Never put them on. I sold them to a friend who has a 76. I went with long tube headers and 2.5" exhaust out the back. Used magna flow mufflers.
I actually bought a set of side pipes and headers for my 72. Never put them on. I sold them to a friend who has a 76. I went with long tube headers and 2.5" exhaust out the back. Used magna flow mufflers.
06-14-2013, 11:25 PM
#33
Racer
I love the look of pipes, and with inserts I don't think they get hot enough to burn (at least not yet 
), and the better half hasn't burnt her legs cus if she did I would have the heat shields on already, lol. I think your vette looks great either way. love the vert look on a the later c3
), and the better half hasn't burnt her legs cus if she did I would have the heat shields on already, lol. I think your vette looks great either way. love the vert look on a the later c3
06-14-2013, 11:40 PM
#34
Melting Slicks
It is my car but I have had several opinions on the sidepipe thing. That's why I wanted to get a popular opinion poll from you guys. I'm a little old school and the pipes would work fine for me but......my GF (and there's the problem) loves the sleek more modern look without the pipes not to mention she has burned her leg once on my other cars pipes I appreciate all the input it will help with my (or should I say our) decision.
I appreciate all the input it will help with my (or should I say our) decision.Your GF will love whatever you decide - it's your car and if done correctly, she wouldn't have the concern of burning her leg.
06-15-2013, 01:09 AM
#35
Melting Slicks
I love my sidepipes. As was said above, the pipes don't get that hot with mufflers inside. I wrapped my mufflers with header wrap, so there's even less heat (not burned yet).
Clearance - I have more than with under-car exhaust because the tubes are even with the bottom of the frame (I have hookers, so they are 1 7/8" tubes side-by-side under the frame).
Heat - My car came with under car exhaust, and I never needed to use the heater. Now, I use the heater occasionally because the floors aren't trying to cook me.
Loud - they are, loud pipes save lives... and good heavens, the burble of side pipes is sex with clothes on. That said, I also keep ear plugs in my car for those with sensitive hearing.... I even offered them to a cop that was whining - fortunately, she had a sense of humor
Performance - under car exhaust is better, strange but true. That said, I'm going to turbo this thing eventually and run the exhaust through the side pipes - I'll let you know how that works for performance
Clearance - I have more than with under-car exhaust because the tubes are even with the bottom of the frame (I have hookers, so they are 1 7/8" tubes side-by-side under the frame).
Heat - My car came with under car exhaust, and I never needed to use the heater. Now, I use the heater occasionally because the floors aren't trying to cook me.
Loud - they are, loud pipes save lives... and good heavens, the burble of side pipes is sex with clothes on. That said, I also keep ear plugs in my car for those with sensitive hearing.... I even offered them to a cop that was whining - fortunately, she had a sense of humor
Performance - under car exhaust is better, strange but true. That said, I'm going to turbo this thing eventually and run the exhaust through the side pipes - I'll let you know how that works for performance
06-15-2013, 02:11 AM
#37
Burning Brakes
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It is my car but I have had several opinions on the sidepipe thing. That's why I wanted to get a popular opinion poll from you guys. I'm a little old school and the pipes would work fine for me but......my GF (and there's the problem) loves the sleek more modern look without the pipes not to mention she has burned her leg once on my other cars pipes I appreciate all the input it will help with my (or should I say our) decision.
I appreciate all the input it will help with my (or should I say our) decision.My personal opinion is always to go side pipes I only didn't because I couldn't afford to
