Topic: Dougs Headers and Side Pipes
in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems
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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
Pat
Daytona Yellow '75 350 Muncie 4 spd
'73 454 on the engine stand.
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Overland Park, KS - USA
Joined: 7/9/2003
Posts: 914
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.
2023 Accelerate Yellow HTC Stingray
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.
Now if you take the inserts out, they are rather loud.
1973 L-82 4 spd
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.
Limited Member
Send PM
Overland Park, KS - USA
Joined: 7/9/2003
Posts: 914
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.
2023 Accelerate Yellow HTC Stingray
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.
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
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.
Limited Member
Send PM
Overland Park, KS - USA
Joined: 7/9/2003
Posts: 914
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.
2023 Accelerate Yellow HTC Stingray
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
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
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.
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
in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems
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