C2 - Side Exhaust Conversion

[Rory Riedy]

I am in the middle of a frame off restoration of my 66 BB. Not shooting for Certificate Restoration, too many non-original parts & pieces. I am thinking of converting to Side Exhaust. Beside cost, what are the pro's & con's? What modification work has to be done? Is it a do it yourself project? Are there any publications/booklets/manuals out there to help?

Something about the looks & sound of that side exhaust. What can I say!

I'm sure this has been discussed many times by many of you experts.

Help &/or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Triple R

[Wayne M.]

Definitely do-it-yourself

You have already identified the major issue -- cost of the parts. Since you're not shooting for judging, it's a simple removal/addition. The hangers from the birdcage for attaching non-side exhaust rocker mouldings may have to be bent slightly away to prevent contact with the pipes. The front fender fiberglass projection (to which the forward screw of the rocker attaches) will either have to be cut back on the rear edge, or (preferably) cut off entirely and saved for when a future owner converts back to original configuration. The rear fiberglass arc cut-out [shown in AIM] is not necessary for clearance. Cosmetically, you may want to replace and save the rear exhaust valence, with its holes and bezels, again for future restoration. Note that the rubber dust seals (to the frame) on the outer splash shields (near fender side vents) may be affected by the heat of side exhaust; again may want to replace/keep.

Buy earplugs, forget about the radio, and enjoy.

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 - Side Exhaust Conversion

Rory-----

All I can say is that you'd NEVER catch me doing what you're contemplating. Quite the contrary, if I ever bought a Corvette with side exhaust, original or not, the VERY first thing that I'd do would be to remove it and replace it with undercar exhaust. I've offered this opinion many times before and "riled" a lot of the side exhaust afficionados, of which there are many.

For me, side exhaust is for hot rods. Undercar exhaust is for Corvettes. Corvettes, particularly 1963-72 models, had a VERY sophisticated and ABSOLUTELY UNIQUE sound with stock undercar exhaust. To me, it's part of the whole "character" of the car. Ferraris, for example, have a sound all their own. Their exhaust note is practically a "signature". 63-72 Corvettes, when new or with original GM replacement mufflers, had a "signature" sound, too. To me, the original Corvette sound is one of the most "endearing" features of the car.

Is that sound loud? NO, it's not. It's complex and sophisticated. It doesn't roar and snarl like a junkyard dog. It's like the difference between listening to "heavy metal" or "rap" music and listening to Mozart.

[Michael H.]

I Agree with Joe Lucia

We may be by far the minority on this opinion but as far as I'm concerned, Side exhaust is not fun if you drive your car often. You may want to take an extended drive in someone elses car that has side exhaust and get a real taste of the noise after an hour or two. It may be fun for a few miles but after an hour, it's just noise and it's annoying. It only impresses the troops and that's why most people want it to begin with. Build your car for you, not the troops. To me, at least, there's nothing sweeter than a solid lifter 63-67 with off road under car exhaust. Bet you get a lot of response on your post and I'm sure most will favor the side exhaust. Should be interesting.

Michael

[George C.]

Re: I Agree with Joe Lucia

Rory,
I have a 365 HP 65 Roadster with side exhaust added. It is not original to the car, but is original GM parts. I agree with the other posts, it is great fun for a couple of hours around town, but a couple of hours on the highway will drive you nuts. I am considering replacing it with an under car exhaust system, but am faced with a lot of cost for parts, if you go for it be sure to save all the original stuff as was suggested.

George
#36908

[Dale S.]

Re: I Agree with Joe Lucia

Rory, You need to take a ride on a 500 mile trip in a C2 with side pipes(any body's). I had one friend with 67 427 side pipe C2. We went to Amarillo Tx. and back. Never again and I was 29 yrs old then. Nice for a short spurt, enough said. Dale

[David N.]

Re: C2 - Side Exhaust Conversion

Rory,

Ah yes, you have hit on one of those elusive characteristics of the automotive world that is as personal as one's preference for politics, religion, or "esthetics." As beauty is in the "eye" of the beholder, an exhaust sound may be just noise to one person and yet to you as an individual it is "music" to your ears. As an owner of an original side exhaust 1969 BB convertible with NOS side exhaust currently in place, I would not vote for what I want, but say that "You" are the one making the decisions and since you are buying what pleases you, go for your "dream" sound.

Now some say that there is no sound like the original GM exhaust systems. How many 1972 Corvette owners do you know that still have that "original" original exhaust system on their Corvette, especially if it has over 30,000 miles ? I know one such person. He removed the entire exhaust system once a year and "repaired" any rust he found then repainted the whole system with a "silver aluminized" exhaust "paint" and yes he maintained that very original sound. This is of course the exceptional case but, he is a very meticulous engineer who had lots of time on his hands. He also is of German heritage so maybe it was just in his genes. Richard's '72 Vette is the "cleanest" car I have ever had the privilege to have judged in a Concourse de Elegance. Oh, and he lives here in the rustbelt of Michigan, granted he has only been caught out in the rain once in the lifetime of his '72 Vette, and that was on the way to or from one of his Concourse shows.
David Nims member #19639 save the wave ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Rick S.]

Re: C2 - Side Exhaust Conversion

Rory,
I visit a fellow NCRS members cottage about 2 1/2 hours away several times during the summer driving my 327/350 hp side exhaust convertable using the two lane roads instead of the freeways and find it to be the best therapy around. If you want to travel with all comforts that we have been accustomed to (ie: cruise , climate control, CD w/ equalizer) then drive your SUV or full size car with all the creature comforts. Nothing beats hearing the car purr along the road while shifting the gears and having the sun and wind on your face! Nothing wrong with a new Vette either but why do we buy and covet the old Vettes? Therapy!!!! and side pipes!!!

Regards,
Rick

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 - Side Exhaust Conversion

David-----

Over the years I've acquired a virtually "inexhaustable supply" (no pun intended) of original GM Corvette SERVICE mufflers, including the off-road type (I prefer the standard exhaust, though). Original GM SERVICE, standard exhaust mufflers are identical to the original mufflers except for the bell joint connector which has no effect, whatsoever, on the sound produced. Of course, by "inexhaustable supply", I mean an inexhaustable supply FOR ME [none for sale].

Although I used a stainless steel system for many years and was, nominally, pleased with it, it just didn't have the exact original sound. When I'm "back on the road", my car will never again suffer the indignity of the loss of the oh-so-sweet and TOTALLY unique exhaust note produced only by the original design mufflers. Its dulcet exhaust tones will be "forever Corvette" and will preserve, for those fortunate enough to hear it, the "Corvette sound" in all its majesty.

[Michael H.]

Re: I Agree with Joe Lucia

In the 70's, I bought a 67 390 HP coupe with side exh in California. The car had a 3.08 diff and at highway speed, the RPM was at that "drone" point and the entire inside if the car, including me, rattled and buzzed for the entire 2200 miles back to Illinois. On that trip, I asked my father if he wanted to go along for a ride and he immediately said yes. When we returned to Illinois, he said "don't EVER ask me to ride in one of those things again". Coming across the 3000 miles of Nebraska, there's only two things to thing about. Corn and the constant droan of that side exhaust hour after hour.

I don't ever want another car with side exhaust. Or a 3.08 diff.

[David H.]

Re: C2 - Side Exhaust Conversion

Rory; I have to agree with Rick on that country road drive, there is nothing like hearing your "original GM SIDE exhaust" bounce off of those short bridge rails into your ears and heart. The gear ratio will however make a difference as to how long you can enjoy that beautiful sound! Oh-yea it makes for real easy clutch jobs and no more scrapeing under car exhaust on the curb. Gives the spare tire tub and rear quarter panels a break as well. David

[paul harrington]

Re: C2 - Side Exhaust Conversion

With all due respect to Joe and others who prefer the sound of the exhaust through mufflers, I have thoroughly enjoyed the sweet sound of side exhaust on my 65 350 hp roadster for 33 years. It is sweet music and distinctively Corvette. I have driven it on many long trips and have never found any offensive resonance.

[Donald W.]

Re: C2 - Side Exhaust Conversion

Side exhaust music from a 67 427/435, should be offered on DVD for traveling tunes in your every day driver. My sympathy's to all who have not had the pleasure.

Don

[Wayne K.]

Re: C2 - Side Exhaust Conversion

Rory,

For myself I always felt that factory side exhaust cars like the under body exhaust cars have their own unique sound. The first thing I did after purchasing our 67 350HP convertible was order a side system because that is what I wanted and you should make your decision based on what you want. With 3:70 gears yes it can be annoying at cruising speeds over 65mph with the top and windows up. With the top down I am never annoyed by the sound at any speed or length of drive. I contour bent the rocker panel tabs to clear the pipes and saved the other pieces from the original exhaust so it could be changed back but that will never happen as long as I own the car. You'll drop about 10% in HP but I don't miss them. Do what your heart desires and enjoy.

Wayne

[Ron Still]

Re: C2 - Side Exhaust Conversion

Paul, I must agree with you. I too have enjoyed the sound of the side exhaust in my 66 for 32 years. I have driven coast to coast several times and never found it annoying, I love the sound! To each his own.

Wayne, thanks for answering a question I was wondering about....the cutouts on rear qtr panel. I know the AIM shows this modification but I could never figure out why it was required, the ends of the pipes don't even come close to the cut out radius.

Ron Still