69 Big Block sidepipes

[Dan Osborne]

I have an original N-14 big block 1969 that I purchased replacement pipes for (prior owner had rigged glasspacks on it). I bought the pipes and replacement factory shields. The pipes that I got are louder than I remember factory pipes and what struck me as strange is the manifold flanges come off of the factory manifolds at 2 1/2 inches then are immediately necked down to 2 inch pipes. The 90 degree bend has the 2 inch pipes narrowing considerably thus creating more restriction. I seem to remember the factory pipes having the full 2 1/2 inch pipes through the bend. Also is there a difference in the design of the actual muffler chambers? I think I may have bought a set of small block pipes with larger flanges just welded on at the manifold connection point. Any information would be appreciated.

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 Big Block sidepipes

Dan------

I believe that the only difference between the pipes used for small block and big block is the configuration of the pipe where it attaches to the manifold. If you had the wrong pipes (i.e. the small block version) then there'd be no way that you could attach the pipes to big block manifolds. That should be readily apparent if you examine the pipes and the manifold flanges.

For 1969, all Corvettes with undercar exhaust were 2", from base engine to ZL-1. I believe the same applied to side exhaust, too, although I've never really had any involvement with side exhaust and don't ever plan on it, haven't studied it and don't ever plan to, and don't own a single part connected with it and never plan to.

[Dan Osborne]

Re: 69 Big Block sidepipes

Thanks Joe, I still believe that I remember larger pipes ot the engine, the reduction at the turn looks rediculous. Anybody else have two cents?

[Mark D.]

Re: 69 Big Block sidepipes

This is a set of factory carbon steel pipes for a big block.

[Mark D.]

Re: 69 Big Block sidepipes *NM*