Rhyn-o

I am in the process of installing side pipes on my '72 BB and could use some advice.

I bought the Hooker chrome headers and chrome side pipes. I also purchased the hooker reverse flow baffles but they are still in box and i think i am returning them after reading about their restrictive properties.

What i would like to know is: what are the preferred baffles for performance?

Yes, i have read lots of threads on this but i can't seem to lock anything down as definitive. If you have data on this, feel free to share!!!

Hooker Reverse flow
Hooker Glasspack
STS
Sweet Thunder
Other

LannyL81

Hooker Max Flow are probably the best for the buck...but not on the poll. And I would not even consider Hooker Reverse Flow in the "Performance" category....way too much restriction.

"Go with the Flow"....

blckslvr79

STS flow well and are tunable.

I love mine.

spot99

I have no data. Unbaffled are louder. Free flow exhausts require one to make a choice between low end torque and high end horsepower. The later of which is sorta useless. (like the runway behind you) I vote you leave it as is.

Flyinace3

I use max Flo's in mine. This is the first summer with my side pipes but so far I like them . the only issue I've had is the max flo baffles seem to be too small for a snug fit in the side pipes and would rattle at times. I've since made a fix to correct the rattling.

keithinspace

I have/had a VERY rusty and nasty set of reverse flows in my sidepipes. They are quiet and restrictive.

Some people may LIKE quiet and restrictive. But they were part of the reason my engine was next to useless near 5k RPM.

Without question, reverse flow hookers are the most restrictive baffle.

I've been between the Chambered Exhaust (Sweet Thunder?) and the STS spiral baffles.

I don't think there is any discussion that the STS baffles represent the greatest performance capacity. The only question is how loud they are. The good thing is that you can drill the end-cap of the center tube to tailor the baffles to your "endurance" of noise level. The bigger the hole, the greater the performance. And noise.

I am unquestionably getting the STS baffles. That's what I've decided on. I just hope my wife doesn't feel uncomfortable with the noise level at cruise. I'm PRETTY SURE it will be OK, but I'll feel better once they are installed and I'm puttering around.

palmbeachvette76

Another option not listed on your poll are the VettePacks from Classic Chambered exhaust. Best of both worlds, Sound and Flow. Chambered exhaust sound with more deep sound because of the resonator that also helps with the volume.

Coupe vs Convertible will make a big difference in the How loud it sounds inside the car.

I started with the Max Flows and took them out since they were really loud with my engine setup and had a deep annoying tone that didn't change throughout the rpm range. I then tried the Hooker regular glass packs that sound Okay but kinda blah and the performance dropped compared to the Max Flows.

When I had the VettePacks built (1st ones ) the performance returned and the volume level was a little bit less than the Max Flows but the tone is much better. Don't get me wrong these things will get your attention when you get into the loud pedal which is to be expected but cruising speed and on the highway its good. I tend to lean towards the center when my wife talks in order to hear her but it's not too bad.

Granted with a BB and depending on the cam and compression the sound and volume level will be different from one car to another.

Good luck with your choice.

Eric




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Flyinace3

Here is a sound clip from inside my car with the stock exhaust and after with sidepipes and max flo inserts

htown81vette

I'll be honest, I'm not 100% happy with the way my STS baffles sound. From the inside they are loud and get annoying after awhile. Although, I've gotten many compliments (from the outside of the car) and even from 1 of my neighbors (LOL) of how good the car sounds. I'm sure some of my other neighbors find it annoying too. But at least 1 neighbor thinks it sounds cool. But if you are performance minded then you probably ought to go with the STS, as I've heard they are much less restrictive than the rest. You can't hardly have performance AND quiet baffles when it comes to side pipes. You have to choose one or the other. I sure like the way my side-pipes look on the car though...I couldn't give them up and go back to mufflers just based on the looks alone...

htown81vette

Here is how mine sound:

427V8

speedway sells auger inserts.
They are really cheap, but you have to make your own pipes to put em in.

I'm pretty sure these are what STS baffles are based on, or vis versa?

I have 2 in some 3 1/2" custom pipes, sound great, great performance

VetteNURSE

I started with sweet thunder 2.5" a little too loud for me, not crazy loud but more than I wanted. Changed to glass packs and am happy with the sound. I would sell the sweet thunders cheap. Pm me.

Mike

7t9l82

i have sweet thunder 2.5 mufflers, i think a tad less noise would be perfect. so I'm thinking of pulling them out drilling holes in the narrow part of the tube and wrap it with a sound absorbing material, i don't think flow would be hurt much.

Super6

Eric,

You bad boy, when are you going to post some drive-by videos of your car with those Vettepacks?

Rhyn-o

I thank you all for your input. I am leaning towards the Vettepacks right now with the STS as a close second. Once i am all done, i will post a video.

1977L48

I vote for vettepacks, I got a set on order now after seeing Super6's video of his.

Richard454

I am looking for the best of both worlds...

Open- straight pipe-loud-minimal HP loss- when you want it.

But for the longer cruises - cops -nice and quiet...can deal w/ a little HP loss.

Here are 'Peacemakers' for Motorcycles- use an electric cut out to switch between the two.





I was thinking about getting something made like this-

Exhaust runs through a basic straight perforated pipe- then flip a switch( I know not a real good artist rendition)shuts the straight pipe closed. The exhaust flows from perforated pipe to perforated pipe then out... This design is for factory covers...but something could easily be done for inserts like the Peacemakers.

What do you think?

Richard

auavette

STS here

bluegtp

Vettepacks here....no complaints at all. Nice tolerable tone at idle, at wot they get get prety loud but still sound nice.

I actually think they're slightly more quiet than my 2.5" dual under car flowmaster 40 series setup. At wot is a different story though!

Chambered

Guys, I modeled the inserts (lengthwise) based on the Hooker inserts - 33-1/4" long overall. In the past few weeks in talking with customers, I believe the inserts for the C-3 Vettes can be quite a bit longer, which will give me more options on tuning & dBA control. So I ask you, with the inserts properly positioned inside the 4" OD sidepipes (slid in just so there is no interference at the inlets of the pipes), how much longer can they be before reaching the end of the straightaway of the pipes?