CrossedFlags77

Hey im new to the whole corvette thing but I am having fun with it. I'm 16 and the funds are kinda limited, but I took my car in to the shop cause of an exhaust leak and they said I need to buy a whole new system. It is going to cost 700 dollars. I was wondering if these side pipes are any good. http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....06289~0000050g they are the item 2nd to the bottom on the page. They come with the headers and the pipes. Also would I need catalytic converters, my car is a 77, are they very restrictive. And are side pipes illegal on a 77 or should I just stick with dual exhaust. Thanks for helping me out. I love this car. :chevy


[Modified by RCDriveryo, 2:53 PM 2/25/2003]

MikeC

Welcome on board!
IF those are the hooker sidemounts, you won't be able to find a CAT for them. You might be able to fabricate something but that costs money!

For $700 for a new exhaust it sounds like they are taking you for a ride. You could probably buy a pre fabbed undercar exhaust system for a lot less than that and put it in yourself.

Good luck.

Smokehouse69

Just the page shows up with some information on the pipes, but no picture. Painter Hooker side exhaust are usually in the $600-$700 range with their very restrictive mufflers. If you buy then don't buy the mufflers, use JCL Spiral baffle mufflers.


[Modified by Smokehouse69, 9:17 AM 2/25/2003]

CrossedFlags77

http://www.parts123.com/PartFrame.as...rvette_Central
That is the new link sorry about that. They are the kit 2nd from the bottom of the page. Are those side pipes restrictive. Would they lower my performance. And are they illegal in Texas. Thanks again

fauxrs

As a general rule - sidepipes are more restrictive than an undercar true dual system with good mufflers - there are exceptions but i doubt these are one of them. That said, sidepipes, are probably less restrictive than the factory 2-1-2 exhaust so there shouldnt be any performance loss - even with a restrictive system.

You can purchase a complete dual system for easily half the price quoted to you by your muffler shop - simply get a Mid america catalog and order one of their dual systems. Then add Dynomax super turbos which are inexpensive and can be had in a kit that will install to those pipes. Install it yourself and then drive it to a shop to get it welded up.

Take my word for it you dont want an exhaust based on the cheap clamps that come with kits of this type. If you have to use clamps then use the band clamps available from dynomax which hold a whole heck of a lot better.


Sidepipes are illegal on a 77 everywhere, however if your locale doesnt inspect for emissions then you're not likely to get caught.

CrossedFlags77

Are you saying that I could get a complete side exhaust system for less than what the muffler shop told me or I can get an undercar dual exhaust system. Sorry im confused.


[Modified by RCDriveryo, 3:48 PM 2/25/2003]

Wrencher

Under car exhaust is the way to go in your case. Check the catalogs, and try a different exhaust shop! Side pipes are generally pretty loud, and a 16 YO doesn't need any extra attention driving a 'vette, IMHO... Dang, wish I had a vette when I was your age - what a babe magnet.

Hans

joe73vette

Mid America sells a complete undercar dual exhaust for $219 without mufflers. Their mufflers are pricey, $159 for the pair. You can get cheap turbo mufflers from summit for about $80 and get the elbows and tips you need to hook them up for another $20 from a local exhaust shop.

They also sell a stock exhaust system with hi-flow converter for $399 plus mufflers.

Joe


[Modified by joe73vette, 11:59 AM 2/25/2003]

88'Cubka

Why are they illegal? I know that I don't need a cat on my 80, so why wouldn't I beable to put on side pipes? I have to pass smog and have a proper gas cap, thats it.

vettery

Quote, "I know that I don't need a cat on my 80"

Thy car had one upon deliverence unto this world. Therefore, thou shalt have one now. :smash:

garagedweller2

All cars after 1975 have a cat

CrossedFlags77

I think I am just going to stick with the under car exhaust from mid america. I love my car, I saved up for it since I was 12. Thanks for all the info.

79corvette

I went with the Mid America dual exhaust for my 79. Being 17years old I am also a little low on funds (insurance :nopity ). They were having sale on the duals for $200 (must save $).

88'Cubka

Well I don't and I passed inspection and smog. :) Infact all I cut it off just behind the cat and put a cheapo muffler on it and it still passed. :P