Well, I went and did it now... I bought a set of Hooker Super Comp Side Pipes/headers for my 82! They are used but in very good condition and will be shipped to me next week.
  From all that I have read, they will go on with no major issues, but any advice available from those that have installed these - let me know please.
I can hardly wait!
Phill's Vette2008-12-29 20:47:07

Phill, you'll love them. Which ones did you order (chrome, black, stainless, coated)? What mufflers are you going to insert into the side pipes? You will have to mount the side pipes to the frame under the side rocker moldings. There are holes already in the frame. Also you need to consider covers for the hot pipes. You and your wife don't want Corvette tattoo's. Have fun!

Sidepipes Rock!

  They are the coated pipes. I don't know what kind of mufflers are in them yet. I really like the bare (No covers) look for the side pipes; but I'm sure that will change after a few burns.....

 Recently, I finally got my current dual exhaust system just where I wanted it - H-pipe, headers, Flowmaster 40's. Oh well, I will just moth ball the old and save it for future Vette #2.
Thanks!

  Hey, how do you guys jack up a vette with side pipes without damage?? Just now thought about that! I have a good low profile floor jack but would I need to use blocks or something? I have always used the side frame rails when jacking, never from the front or rear. Just when I thought I knew everything...

You can still use the side frame rails to jack the car. The bottom of the side pipes are about the same height as the frame except where they come out. make sure you have a bung to mount your O2 sensor into. You need the O2 sensor for your computer. You will most likely loose some low end torque because those headers are so much bigger than the stock ones. The sound and look of them is worth it though. DaveM2008-12-13 06:21:24

So Phill, what does your wife think......now that you are very interested in "HOOKERS"?

The Hookers are for both me AND my wife.....
My "wife" I should mention, is 4 feet tall, age 26, dark skinned and sexy as all hell even though she weights over 3,000 pounds.....
That IS the only girl in my life right now and I can only afford one at a time

Dave,
  Thanks for the reminder for the O2 sensor, I didn't even think about that!
I would have had everything all ready to take out and would have seen the sensor, then I would have remembered.....
Beautiful 82 you have Dave!!!

So this leads to another question: Where do I weld in the O2 sensor bung??
Thanks!
Phill's Vette2008-12-14 01:56:05

It can go on one of the tubes, it does not have to be on the collector. Pick a spot that does not hang down where it can be hit by road junk. Make sure it's in a spot that you can remove the sensor after the headers are in the car. If you reuse the old sensor put anti-seize on the threads, a new one has it on there already.

[QUOTE=Phill's Vette] The Hookers are for both me AND my wife.....
My "wife" I should mention, is 4 feet tall, age 26, dark skinned and sexy as all hell even though she weights over 3,000 pounds.....
[/QUOTE]

Dave is probably the resident expert on installation. He has pictures and threads from his install that should help anyone.

One thing that might be worthy of mentioning is that the frame access holes are behind the rocker moldings. You will need to drop the moldings down to locate them..

Tuxblacray2008-12-14 06:34:53