Topic: 1977 side pipes
in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
It is time for a new exhaust on my 77. I really like the looks of side pipes. I have headers on the car now with straight back exhaust. Will it be hard to convert to the side pipes and what is involved when doing so. I'm sure several of you have done this so can you give me a guestimate as to how much the side pipes will cost with the labor. Finally, any pros and cons to the side pipes versus the straight back exhaust? Thanks for your time and help as always!
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
Side Pipes are great! 
I have the ones made by Hooker. I got them from Jet-Hot with their coating. Cost was roughly $1300.00 delivered. I put them on myself, so I can't help with the labor. The are defintely louder than a stock exhaust. It's almost a love it or hate it kind of thing. Just be carefull getting in and out - those suckers get hot! 
I have the ones made by Hooker. I got them from Jet-Hot with their coating. Cost was roughly $1300.00 delivered. I put them on myself, so I can't help with the labor. The are defintely louder than a stock exhaust. It's almost a love it or hate it kind of thing. Just be carefull getting in and out - those suckers get hot! 
Lifetime MemberBismarck, ND - USA
Joined: 10/1/2004
Posts: 380
Vette(s): 1970 stingray, t-top, mulsanne blue with black interior, 406 ci with 444 hp, racing suspension, hooker headers/sidepipes - SOLD :(
I have sidepipes on my 70...which it pains me to say, I might be selling.
anyway...I got my from Jet Hot with their coating also, and Spiral Turbo Specialties baffle mufflers...the mufflers were I believe 300, and the sidepipes/headers were delivered to me for the same price as stated by jgoglick. you should be able to put them on yourself...it's pretty easy, and there's a website out there that has step by step instructions with pictures, though I can't recall it right now.
the pros are the aggressive look and sound, and the feel of the entire car rumbling as you idle at a stoplight...the cons...they're difficult to keep clean, as dirt tends to bake in from the heat...and more than one woman has burned the hell out of the back of her legs getting out of my car.
as far as sound goes...here's some video clips of my car with its built 406 smallblock and the sidepipes/baffles, put together just to demonstrate how it sounds. the slight ticking is an exhaust leak from one of the header gaskets.
Don't make me show stuff like this again. It makes my heart hurt when I think about selling her. Bah.
Mike
My old Stingray...sure do miss it:
(click image to see a bigger version)
Mike .... THAT VIDEO IS KILLER DUDE ! 
Gold MemberIf you get the factory style sidepipes, you won't have an issue with exiting the vehicle and burning your legs. Also, (and I don't know if this is an issue with a '77, but it was with my '71), you might want to plug the "holes" in the rear facia where the old exhaust pipes used to exit.
Regardless - definitely go with sidepipes - they are absolutely cool!
fowler12, if you go to the Corvette Fever magazine web site, and search in their archived "How To" story files, you'll find a whole article devoted to the step-by-step installation of headers and side pipes on a C3--complete with photo illustration.
Hope you find it useful. This is something I'm planning on doing myself before the summer is out--so good luck with yours!SFVette 2007-08-07 13:35:17
Hope you find it useful. This is something I'm planning on doing myself before the summer is out--so good luck with yours!
I put Hooker Sidepipes (also from Jet-Hot) on my 1977 Corvette. I had somebody I knew put the headers on since you have to raise the car pretty high, but its a pretty straight forward installation. The installation instructions talk about possibly having to trim the rocker panels, but I didn't have to on mine. I also put the JCL spiral baffles in and they sound awesome! I still can't stop smiling when I get on the gas. I bought heat shields from cobrastuff.com and they have done a great job protecting me and others from burns so far.
1977 Corvette EX-L48
383 Stroker, Holley MPFI, MSD Ignition, BTO 700R4, VBP Street/Slalom, Hooker Sidepipes with JCL Spiral Baffles, Corbeau A4s w/ Shark Bar and Simpson 5-Points, 17" AR TTII's, Kumho MX's
(click to see a bigger version)
383 Stroker, Holley MPFI, MSD Ignition, BTO 700R4, VBP Street/Slalom, Hooker Sidepipes with JCL Spiral Baffles, Corbeau A4s w/ Shark Bar and Simpson 5-Points, 17" AR TTII's, Kumho MX's
(click to see a bigger version)
I've also got the factory style on my '80 from Ecklers. I love them. They are way loud so don't plan on any soft conversation however, they do quiet down at speed. Doppler effect does carry the sound away somewhat.
My wife burned her left leg twice and her right one once on the same trip prior to my getting the covers on. Some lessons in life are hard learned. She carries the scars a year and a half later.
With the covers on, they get warm, but definitely not hot. I have the factory rams horn headers so the bolt up is easy. If you have traditional and not shorty headers, you will have to have the pipes modified if you go with the factory type pipes.
Good Luck!!!
Mike, I hate to hear you might have to let her go. That sux, man.
in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)