I finished this project up months ago, but I've been so busy, I haven't been on C3VR in a while. Here's a picture, hopefully... Once I get the picture working, I'll post some lessons learned from the project...


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(modified image size)Adams' Apple2007-12-08 16:24:33

First, thanks so much for all the great advise on this forum.  You guys gave me the confidence that the pipes would be an easy project on the '81.  It was.

Details: Hooker sidepipes with Jet Hot's "Sterling" coating.  It has a sheen close to polished aluminum, so it matches the wheels really well.  The shields are from cobrastuf.com and have the same coating.

Lessons learned from the experience and from the great advice I received:
The 1-7/8" primary tubes are too big for optimal low-end torque.  However, It hasn't been intolerable, I love the looks and the mid-to-high RPM torque is still there.  I can't compare it to how this engine would perform with 1-5/8" headers, as I didn't try those first...

You WILL burn yourself severly, so get shields.  Actually, I didn't, but my 15 year old son did.  Very bad burn from a light bump.

I had to trim a little off the rocker covers to clear the tubes where they come under the front fender.  Expected that.  Didn't expect that I'd also have to trim them to allow clearance for the bolt that supports the rear of the pipes, plus two cutouts on each cover to allow the heat shield clamps to clear.  Still looks good, but the covers would be ruined for non-sidepipe use.

Sidepipes are very loud.  I went with Spiral Turbo Baffle mufflers.  Installed right out of the box, they are very load, even at idle.  At WOT, they sound like I'm at the drag strip or truck pull, seriously.   I like it, my son likes it, wife hates it.  I have to admit, it's a bit much for a car that I drive on weekends and and maybe an evening errand.  They are made by spiraling a piece of stainless steel around a 1-5/8" tube.  The exhaust going through the tube gets no baffling.  I toned them down a bit by putting a 1-/12" tailpipe expander in each of those tubes, tightening it and leaving it there.  Still pretty load, but makes the wife and neighbors a bit happier.  Also, I can get to them to remove or reinstall them with a ratchet, extension and flew joint, without having to remove dissemble anything else.