You should not have to trim anything. You remove the rocker panel to access the mounting bolts for the side pipes but it it goes back on . I had no problems with them.

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Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82

   

I`VE TALKED WITH SEVERAL PEOPLE WHO HAD INSTALLED THEM PRIOR TO MY INSTALLATION. SOME SAID THEY HAD TO TRIM SOME DIDN`T. I HAD TO TRIM A LITTLE AT THE SIDE PIPE MOUNTS. CAN`T TELL .

 What about the alt. and airconditioning components on the 77

YOU SHOULDN`T HAVE ANY ISSUES WITH THOSE UNITS. HOOKER SUPPLIE A NEW BRACKET FOR THE AC. IF YOU HAVE THE LONG BALONEY AC. BOLTING IT UP WILL BE A HASSLE. YOU`LL NEED TO MOVE THE COMPRESSOR OUT OF THE WAY WHILE TIGHTINING UP THE BRACKET AND HEADER. HAVE SOME BANDAGES ON HAND.

  Thanks for the info

WHO ARE YOU BUYING THE SYSTEM FROM? ARE YOU BUYING CHROME OR CERAMIC COATED? I SUGGEST YOU PURCHASED THE CERAMIC COATED  IN STERLING FINISH FROM   JET-HOT.  AS I HAVE FINISH PROBLEMS TWICE FROM SUMMIT AND HAD TO RETURN THEM. THEY DODN`T GIVE YOU ANYTHING IN RETURN FOR YOUR LABOR.

 I was looking in Jegs, they also list stainless steel

I got the ceramic sterling silver coated from Jet Hot, very happy with them. Jet Hot's price was the best I found also.

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Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82

   

YES THE JET HOT PRODUCT IS GOOD. ALTHOUGH I PAID $300  MORE  THAN SUMMIT.

I had to do some trimming on my rockers, but it seems to be different from vette to vette, left side to right. You probably will not know until you get them installed. No big deal though - use a good jig saw/blades and make a pattern from cardboard FIRST for dry fit.

  If you are doing the install yourself:
1) Do not tighten the header bolts down until you get the side pipes connected - much easier this way.
2) Use a good manifold gaskets; I used layered aluminum which I heard work good. No problems so far and I have a good 4k miles on them.
3) Have a good floor jack that can lift the drivers side up at least 24" to clear the steering box and slip the headers up in from the bottom.

I'm sure others here may have more to add - these guys sure helped me when I did my side pipes! Also, you are going to LOVE the sound and its in stereo!

Good luck and post some pics when you are through!

When I boought my '72 it already had the Hooker sidepipes. When I rebuilt the motor, the headers had to come off of course. And, at least with my application, in order to remove the headers I had to first remove the dipstick tube! The header WOULD NOT clear it. In order to remve that tube, I needed to remove the oil pan and, using a metal dowel and hammer, lightly tap the tube out of the block. And it worked fine. The assembly was naturally reversed, first the header bolts up to the heads and then the tube gets put back into place.

So what is the consensus on type of finish? Im partial to the all chrome look.

I bought mine straight form JetHot - they definitely aren't as shiny as stainless, but there has been no discoloration or rusting. I'm very happy with them.

I grew up with chrome bumpers, wheels, grilles and other bits & pieces, so I'm partial to the chrome pipes. Although too much chrome can be overdone also. It's an individual thing, it's great that there are choices.

[QUOTE=jgoglick]I bought mine straight form JetHot - they definitely aren't as shiny as stainless, but there has been no discoloration or rusting. I'm very happy with them. [/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=VETTERBOB]WHO ARE YOU BUYING THE SYSTEM FROM? ARE YOU BUYING CHROME OR CERAMIC COATED? I SUGGEST YOU PURCHASED THE CERAMIC COATED  IN STERLING FINISH FROM   JET-HOT.  AS I HAVE FINISH PROBLEMS TWICE FROM SUMMIT AND HAD TO RETURN THEM. THEY DODN`T GIVE YOU ANYTHING IN RETURN FOR YOUR LABOR. [/QUOTE] Rafterman2009-04-25 12:06:33

The Chrome definitely catches the eye; a little bit more work but worth it.

[QUOTE=Rafterman]So what is the consensus on type of finish? Im partial to the all chrome look.[/QUOTE]

The sound is going to be personal taste. When I first got my car the mufflers inserts were 90% gone and the the car sounded like NASCAR Live - it was great but the neighbors and my wife didn't apreciate it. I ordered the complete replacement system from Mid-America as it was the only place I could find at he time with decent prices. The Muffler inserts appeared to be galvenized steel with perferations - According to Mid America - their standard offering is the "Louder Version", but I question that now that I have seen the glass pack option.

At first I liked the way mine sounded. But after awhile it started becoming annoying. I do like to listen to the radio sometimes and having a conversation with my passenger. And any trip other than just local, my ears would end ringing. So, I replaced the muffler inserts with a quiter set. It's quieter but still louder than stock, deffinately. Mine are chrome and will need replacing soon. I'll replace them with another set of chrome ones. The only place I get the bluing is in the area of the first bend and slightly thereafter of the heads. I keep my car garaged all the time and drive it very little (1k to 3k ms. a year depending on the weather). But, like anything, it's a personal choice. Whatever you decide on you'll enjoy, I'm sure.

I have these on my 79.  I'm probably repeating some of what was already said....BUT...I had to do some trimming to the rocker panels. The headers come with a sheet that tells you the measurements for trimming the panels. Follow those and you will be golden.  I have the ceramic headers and side pipes..ordered from Summit...no regrets.

As far as what needs to be removed...I have a manual...had to remove the oil dip-stick, clutch assembly (the push-rod that attaches to the block), and the oil pressure sending unit.  Nothing too major. Fishing the headers up under the car will be a challenge. Took me and a buddy the better part of 6 hours to complete the job.

As far as mufflers...i ran open headers for about 5 months. after I failed my hearing test i finally went with the hooker max-flow inserts.  I would highly recommend them. Not too loud, comfortable to drive, but still mean as hell when you stand on the throttle.

Finally...i went with a copper gasket and have the stage 8 header bolts to prevent them from backing out.

Hope this helps, and sorry if i repeated info from other posts.
good luck with everything.

-Shane