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I imagine this has been discussed zillion times over the years- but just got my 71 and trying to get it road worthy. guy said needed little exhaust work- got shipped to me with exhaust cut off just before the cross member with the big exhaust holes in it. anyway- amonst other issues the passenger floor had 1ich of antifreeze on it. I got a new heater core on order- got my old out (but messed it up) but as I wait on the new core thought I'd buy the new heater hoses- radiator hoses- and a complete exhaust system from stock (or headers if must) back, I'd like opinions on stock or close as can to stock-verses- chrome side pipes with mufflers (not interested in real loud but nice rumble) Has anyone bought stock and wished they had gone side pipes? or vise versa? I'm 65+ so don't want crazy loud as I'd like to hear radio and talk in car.. but I do tend to like the looks of side pipes. really stuck on what way to go..and need to get them ordered while in waiting stage. It is a 71 w/350 (auto) and is Ontario orange in color. thank you
You got heater core out but messed it up? Tragic loss. To side pipe or not to side pipe? That is the question. Do you have a spousal unit? Do you want to hear what a POS that car is cuz can she burnt her leg on the side pipe?
You got heater core out but messed it up? Tragic loss. To side pipe or not to side pipe? That is the question. Do you have a spousal unit? Do you want to hear what a POS that car is cuz can she burnt her leg on the side pipe?
No spousal unit- had one for 40 years- but died 2 years ago. no worry's on the burning leg issue.. well not from passenger side anyway. Is this a real issue with them though? seems a lot of older vette's have them but don't hear that much on burning?.. can see where it could be though.
Sux. Sorry to hear it. Does make it easier to buy Corvettes though. Mine would rather I spent the money on girl stuff...
I know what you mean. On the flip side... She got after me for years when I sold my first vette (68 convert) but then that was 27 years ago so it wasn't real old then so it was nice looking and no work or $ was being dumped into it. paid $6200 for it and was 427 w/ 37,000 mi. ( and it was owned by Burbanks studios in CA on top of it)- wish I still had it. I actually bought this current vette to kind of make amends but she'd be happy I did or didn't.
I know what you mean. On the flip side... She got after me for years when I sold my first vette (68 convert) but then that was 27 years ago so it wasn't real old then so it was nice looking and no work or $ was being dumped into it. paid $6200 for it and was 427 w/ 37,000 mi. ( and it was owned by Burbanks studios in CA on top of it)- wish I still had it. I actually bought this current vette to kind of make amends but she'd be happy I did or didn't.
correction on my reply- first vette was 37 years ago not 27- (bought in 1980)
Sidepipes are great looking. But they are noisy, smell and have the burn issue. I had them on a 427 in my 77. The quietest inserts were still loud. I smelled like exhaust. And I did burn myself. I used to pull up next to someone and they would roll up their windows. They were great looking like I said but I took them off.
As stated above... it`s a personal choice that can only be made by the owner of the car.
That being said, I LOVE our 71 coupe just as it is, WITHOUT side pipes.
I think the rectangle exhaust tips in the back look very good.
I picked up a 71 this spring that had dealer installed GM sidepipes on it.my first thought was I am going to loose them and put a stock exhaust back on the car. I got several comments about the looks of them and decided to leave them on. no burn issues with the wife so far but they have shields on them that helps with the hot pipe issue. as far as noise they are no louder maybe less than my old 69 Camaro was with flowmaster 40's on it. I had Lars rebuild my carb so rich exhaust fumes are not an issue either. its your car give it the look you like.
There is probably a reason that GM only offered them as a factory option for ONE year (1969) on the C3's. That being said, it's your car and you should do what pleases you.
And the primaries are the right length. And the collectors are the right length. My 75 came with side pipes. It also came with a totaled title. Probably going to have to get a whole stock exhaust system put it under the car get it inspected and then throw it away. Well maybe give it back to whoever I borrowed it from for a week.
One of the reasons for C3 side pipes for 1 year was due to drive by noise restrictions - same reason hood scoops stopped opening later in the muscle car life cycle.
Side pipes look great but the issue is heat and noise. My 67 has factory side pipes and I'm considering the QUIET side pipes at RICKS CORVETTE. It's ok on short drive but after a 1/2 hour the noise gets annoying.
On most trips factory side pipes are not that hot, Hooker - etc pipes will severely burn your skin. Be careful with side pipes some towns frown on them.
I have factory style pipes on my 71 with fiberglass covers. Burning your legs is not a issue with them.
I have been thing lately about taking them off, but believe it or not my wife wants them to stay on.
They don’t bother her a bit.
I have had them for 16 years. Really cool at first. But I am tired of smelling like exhaust and the cabin heat is not fun either. Eventually I will go back to original exhaust.
08-18-2018, 07:42 PM
exhaust opinions on 71.. side pipes or original
