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Topic: Dougs Headers and Side Pipes

in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems


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Dougs Headers and Side Pipes (1/13)
 8/16/16 12:11pm
apesa63
Former Member

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Hillsboro, OR - USA

Vette(s):
1975 L48 4sp. Coupe... Rebuilt Motor


Joined: 7/20/2015
Posts: 49

Was wondering if anyone out there has used Doug's Headers before. I have a set of Hookers going into dual magnaflows now and they sound good. But I've always wanted a set of Headers/Side pipes. I had heard of Doug headers before, just never used them or known anyone who has them either. I am looking at the D380-B Headers and corresponding Side pipes in Black. Ill probably run a Powerstick Chambered muffler inside the Side pipe if they fit. Not too concerned with noise, just don't want a slew of noise related officer Bob tickets.

Comments welcome,
Pat


______________
Daytona Yellow '75 350 Muncie 4 spd
'73 454 on the engine stand.


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Re: Dougs Headers and Side Pipes (2/13)
 8/17/16 10:34pm
73shark
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Overland Park, KS - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day.


Joined: 7/9/2003
Posts: 864

I used a set of Hooker "Nest of Snakes" header/side pipes w/ slip-in mufflers for a while and they sounded good and not ticket loud.  They aren't any louder that the N11 side pipes, just a different sound.

Now if you take the inserts out, they are rather loud.

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1973 L-82 4 spd

Re: Dougs Headers and Side Pipes (3/13)
 8/18/16 2:16pm
apesa63
Former Member

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Hillsboro, OR - USA

Vette(s):
1975 L48 4sp. Coupe... Rebuilt Motor


Joined: 7/20/2015
Posts: 49

I saw the Hookers and they're nice but expensive. Doug's are almost half the price and are black which is what I am after. They're also the nest of snakes style. Just wondered about fit and finish on something that appears a lot cheaper in price.

______________
Daytona Yellow '75 350 Muncie 4 spd
'73 454 on the engine stand.


Re: Dougs Headers and Side Pipes (4/13)
 8/18/16 3:35pm
73shark
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Overland Park, KS - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day.


Joined: 7/9/2003
Posts: 864

I bought mine used and the chrome wasn't in very good shape so I painted them flat black.  I didn't know Doug's made side mount headers but a lesson I've learned repeatedly over the years is you usually get what you pay for.  That being said, sometimes you'll stumble across a good deal.

Do they have any warranty?

If I was buying new ones, I'd get them Jet-Hot coated as that is not only guaranteed, but also reduces the temperature.

______________

1973 L-82 4 spd

Re: Dougs Headers and Side Pipes (5/13)
 8/19/16 1:04pm
apesa63
Former Member

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Hillsboro, OR - USA

Vette(s):
1975 L48 4sp. Coupe... Rebuilt Motor


Joined: 7/20/2015
Posts: 49

How'd the paint hold up on the chrome? I' have only heard good things about Dougs on other forums. One mentions the great fit that clears the steering gear, Z-Bar and Idler arm and went in easily. I was hoping someone here had installed them.




______________
Daytona Yellow '75 350 Muncie 4 spd
'73 454 on the engine stand.


Re: Dougs Headers and Side Pipes (6/13)
 8/19/16 11:46pm
73shark
Limited Member
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Overland Park, KS - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day.


Joined: 7/9/2003
Posts: 864

   Since the chrome was pretty well shot, the VHT paint held up pretty well for about a year of daily driving. Like I said earlier, I would get unplated new ones and have them Jet-Hot coated.

______________

1973 L-82 4 spd

Re: Dougs Headers and Side Pipes (7/13)
 8/20/16 2:09pm
Toolmaker
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LOGANSPORT, IN - USA

Vette(s):
1979 Red/Red L-82 Coupe 1995 White/Red Coupe


Joined: 6/22/2016
Posts: 7

Regarding side pipes, I put my Hookers on my '79 in 1998. I bought them direct from Jet Hot at a good price compared to other places. The price also included a free re-plate whenever. I had them replated about 5 years ago. The Jet Hot coating holds up really good, doesn't chip or turn blue, and shines like polished aluminum. I originally got the reverse-flow insert mufflers but later changed to the glass-pack inserts because the reverse-flows weren't loud enough. :-)   Good luck with what ever you decide upon. By the way, you can install them without a lift. All you need are jackstands and you will have enough room to do the job.
Toolmaker
Re: Dougs Headers and Side Pipes (8/13)
 8/22/16 1:13pm
apesa63
Former Member

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Hillsboro, OR - USA

Vette(s):
1975 L48 4sp. Coupe... Rebuilt Motor


Joined: 7/20/2015
Posts: 49

Toolmaker said: Regarding side pipes, I put my Hookers on my '79 in 1998. I bought them direct from Jet Hot at a good price compared to other places. The price also included a free re-plate whenever. I had them replated about 5 years ago. The Jet Hot coating holds up really good, doesn't chip or turn blue, and shines like polished aluminum. I originally got the reverse-flow insert mufflers but later changed to the glass-pack inserts because the reverse-flows weren't loud enough. :-)   Good luck with what ever you decide upon. By the way, you can install them without a lift. All you need are jackstands and you will have enough room to do the job.
Toolmaker

Thanks for all the info. I looked at Jet Hot, but it looks like they only provide coatings and not actual headers for sale. I am pretty sold on Doug's based on all I've read and the cost,  and I want the flat black side pipe look. I would consider Jet Hot coatings on the Headers as the aluminum look I have seen is nice. Did those Headers / side pipes you bought back a while have the Side Pipes jet hot coated too?

@73Shark... Dougs has been in the header business since the 50's in SoCal. I have never run a set, but I have known of them for long time. I have scoured the internet and have never read a bad review or forum post. In fact  all I keep reading is how good they fit out of the box and how easy to install. I don't believe everything I read, but I think these appear to be a good deal considering the Hooker cost is up around $1200 before inserts. BTW, thanks for the replies 



______________
Daytona Yellow '75 350 Muncie 4 spd
'73 454 on the engine stand.


Re: Dougs Headers and Side Pipes (9/13)
 8/22/16 2:05pm
Toolmaker
Former Member

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LOGANSPORT, IN - USA

Vette(s):
1979 Red/Red L-82 Coupe 1995 White/Red Coupe


Joined: 6/22/2016
Posts: 7

Yes...the side pipes were coated also. They shine up using Mother's Mag Polish. In talking to the rep, he said that the coating has an aluminum base. The black color on side pipes is also awesome in my book. It has a no-nonsense look about it...I'm here for business! Good luck on whatever you decide. Searching for the answers is half the fun!
Toolmaker 
Re: Dougs Headers and Side Pipes (10/13)
 8/22/16 7:40pm
F4GaryGold Member
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Grapevine, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air.


Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1407

I'd also buy some shin guards...

Ouch


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Re: Dougs Headers and Side Pipes (11/13)
 8/22/16 7:59pm
73shark
Limited Member
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Overland Park, KS - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day.


Joined: 7/9/2003
Posts: 864

Be sure to post some pics when you get them on.

I wonder if Doug's used to be Doug Thorley headers.

______________

1973 L-82 4 spd

Re: Dougs Headers and Side Pipes (12/13)
 8/24/16 1:17pm
apesa63
Former Member

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Hillsboro, OR - USA

Vette(s):
1975 L48 4sp. Coupe... Rebuilt Motor


Joined: 7/20/2015
Posts: 49

73shark said: Be sure to post some pics when you get them on.

I wonder if Doug's used to be Doug Thorley headers.


I will take some pics, Doug's Headers and Doug Thorley Headers are 2 different company's. Doug's is now owned by Pertronix and has been making all the exhaust products in Irwindale Ca. Doug Thorley is in Corona, Ca but not sure where they manufacture parts and I don't think they have the side pipes product.

______________
Daytona Yellow '75 350 Muncie 4 spd
'73 454 on the engine stand.


Re: Dougs Headers and Side Pipes (13/13)
 9/2/16 12:19pm
snake97
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Metairie, LA - USA

Vette(s):
1979 Black, Oyster interior purchased in March 1980


Joined: 7/7/2013
Posts: 24

after getting out of the car with side tubes 2-3 times, you learn to stick your legs straight out. I luckily didn't burn my legs too bad. No blisters.
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