Gage

I am assuming that factory side pipes on a 350 vette flow better than stock exhaust through the back. I ask this because as I embark on a project to add better flowing/higher compression heads and make the thing flow better, everyone keeps telling me to open up the exhaust so it can breathe and take advantage of the increased flow, which if I had normal dual exhaust would mean going to headers, bigger pipes, and better mufflers. But if I have factory side exhaust (which I love and would never take off) what can I do...A side exhaust car is much louder at the tailpipe than regular, so I am assuming it flows better anyway??? Any help here...

Solid LT1

The real benefit to a side exhaust is that it allows the car to sit lower to the ground! My LT-1 has an Allens Stainless Exhaust set (2.5" LT-1 stock pipes) connected to headers and custom piping to a pair of Dyno Max stainless Ultra Flow mufflers in the stock rear location. My low 12 second 1/4 mile times through the mufflers and more rear wheel HP than a modded Z06 at a recent Dyno Jet session tells me that a properly designed under car exhaust will work well. You may want to try the Magnaflow replacement mufflers that are a performance style replacment muffler that was recently introduced for our Corvettes, run a 2.5" LT-1 or big block system and it should work well for you. Side pipes can get old after a few miles on the freeway and one leg burn incident with your wife or girlfriend will immediatly put you into the dog house quickly. I do own a set of Hooker side pipe headers, I just haven't gotten the OK from my significant other to install them yet.

427V8

Unless you're going with 4" JCL's out the back is better, well can be made better, since you can run a 3" pipe to some big ol mufflers...

Space is a little cramped with side exhaust

reidry

427V8 - Do you really think 3 1/2 JCLs are too restrictive for a 350 ci motor?

Ryan

427V8

No I was just saying that it's easier to make rear exhaust flow better than side exhaust.

BTW, the factory side exhaust sucks. it has like a 1 3/4" opening :U

But 3.5" JCL's would be fine

Ganey

The Corvette C3 undercar system is ideal & the stock side pipes are restrictive.
If you want info., you might want to see what many refer to as my Exhaust topic. http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/ganeyexhaust.htm

sjr1971

I've had my'71 BB 4speed vert since the mid 80's. It has sidepipes. Ran it the last 2 summers. Listening to all the forum members talk about C-3 heating up in the summer, I have to say mine should be one of the hottest. It is not. I think the exhaust, funneled out the sides rather under the frame has a lot to do with this.