non-original side-mounted exhaust

[Keith N.]

I have a 327-300 '67 optioned with M-21 trans, tinted windshield, AM/FM and whitewalls, but no side exhaust. I like the look of the standard dual exhaust ports with chrome tips, but have always wanted to add factory-correct side exhaust. I really like the way they sound, and look, but have never given it serious thought because they weren't original to the car, and I don't want to damage the car installing them, especially if I can't reverse the procedure without alot of fuss and return the car to its origional condition, with little or no trace of the infraction, when it came time to have it judged. was just wondering if anyone has done this, and how it worked out?

[Mike M.]

Re: non-original side-mounted exhaust

i installed outside exh on 3of our midyears in the late 70's and 80's before i got good sense. nowadays the parts would be awfully expensive, some of the front quarters need removed, the rocker panel attachment ponts gotta go or be bent inboards and last but not least, ya might as well remove the radio as its near impossible to enjoy . they do lokk good though. mike

[Keith N.]

Re: non-original side-mounted exhaust

Boy, I wish my car ran as long as that sentence! Sorry folks, will use periods next time.

[William C.]

Re: non-original side-mounted exhaust

Awfully noisy, especially in a convertible.

[Keith N.]

Re: non-original side-mounted exhaust

Thanks Mike. I never actually heard them from the inside. I read that they can actually get tired when driving a coupe, but the same author described it as "exhilerating" when installed on a roadster. (BTW, that run-on sentence crack was directed at myself...I just didn't get it posted fast enough).

Have a great New Year, and thanks for the inforamtion! Sounds like it would be too many mods to make sense.

Best Regards,

Keith

[Jean C.]

Re: non-original side-mounted exhaust

In addition to what Mike has stated, if you opt to plug the exhaust extension holes in the rear valance when installing the side pipes, you will have created something that would not easily be reversed. I believe your intent was to not do something that you couldn't easily put back to the original state.
Charlie

[Kent K.]

Re: non-original side-mounted exhaust

Hey Keith. Savor the idea of having, at least, one of two known documented '67 327/300 M21 convertibles with radio and factory deleted side exhaust.
Happy New Year, Kent

[Keith N.]

Re: non-original side-mounted exhaust

You're absolutely correct, I don't want to plug any exhaust extension holes. That is precisely the sort of thing I want to avoid. I 'thought' the rear valance pieces fasten to the body just behind the rear bumper (am probably wrong, but thought I saw the valences fastened in this manner in an old Chilton manual). I was under the impression you could replace ported valences with solid valences, and paint to match? If I can't do this, then it's time to re-direct my attention to another area. I was actually more concerned with the area along the underside of the doors, where the actual exhaust connections would have to be made, but plugging holes would be just cause to abandon the whole idea.

Thanks Charlie, and Happy New Year!

[Keith N.]

Re: non-original side-mounted exhaust

Thanks Kent! And I will savor that notion...I may even come to relish it by the time I'm through reading the feedback. BTW, am I to assume you are the other chap fortunate enough to own such a rare automobile? As I mentioned, I am very happy with it the way it is...I just liked the look and sound of the sidepipes. My first car was a '67 Healey 3000 with sidepipes, and it sounded like a 747 buzzing the tower every time I went under an interstate overpass. Sprinkle in a little Led Zepplin @ full volume and suddenly, @ 52 years of age with a head full of white hair, I become a completely incongruent sight to my son and his friends.

Happy New Year!

[Mike M.]

Re: non-original side-mounted exhaust

rear valences can be swapped out without too much problem. a nos outside exh valence would run ya 300-500 frogskins though.mike

[Larry S.]

Re: non-original side-mounted exhaust

Keiyh, I'm certainly no expert on side pipe installation, but I will add my $.02 to the noise issue. When I first bought my '67 327-300, I thought I couldn't live with the noise from the side pipes; I wore ear plugs when I drove it. I even bought a new set from Allen's Exhaust, thinking mine were worn out. Within a month, however, I came to love the sound; there's nothing like it and it 'sounds like a Corvette should sound'! Radio? Just roll up the driver's side window.

[David H.]

Re: non-original side-mounted exhaust

Leave the one you got 'as is' and now you've got a good excuse to get a BB w/side pipes! BTW I thought all '67 were BB w/ sidepipes?!

[Kent K.]

Re: non-original side-mounted exhaust

Keith,
Actually, there must be several '67 327/300 M21 Corvettes with radio and factory deleted side pipes. It a teaser that was used for my car at Old Town when we had almost all the '67s with side exhaust. I also have a '69 427/435 M21 with radio that has facotry installed side exhaust. Haven't started it since buying it from the original owner ... too much water in the gas tank and some other things I need to fix. One day, I'll crank it up and enjoy short drives makin' noise.
Happy New Year, Kent

PS - Consider an off-road exhaust system ... they make noise too.
PS2 - My first car was a '56 Austin Healy 300. No 1st or reverse, but FUN.

[Don S.]

Re: non-original side-mounted exhaust

If you want to have the car judged in the future, then I would not add the side pipes. We had our 65 (with sidepipes added) and received a second flite. The point deduction for the sidpipes are just too great. Others would know the exact amount of possible losses. but I would think that they may be about 3 points. I do not have the judging sheets with me but you get decuctions for exhaust, rocker panels , paint. body etc. etc. Tough to get a top flight when you have a 3 point handicap to start with. Sidepipes are noisy-- but hep
I recently bought a 67 and would like to put sides pipes on it because I like their looks. It is a small block with a big block hood.I have done the top flite thing on another car and would just like to do what I want --not what NCRS and "just as it came from the factory theory " deem correct. do what you gotta to keep yourself happy. The way I see it.

[Ronnie Robertson # 36786]

Re: non-original side-mounted exhaust

Side Exhaust are like women- You can find numerous reasons to Love them or numerous reasons to Hate them!
I have loved them (side exhaust) since I saw the first Chevrolet Corvette advertisement, and my all original 1966 327/300 Air Coupe has them (owner installed)- Wouldn't have it any other way. However, if judging is more important to you than enjoying your car the way you want it, I suggest you forget side exhaust. Of course, you can have it both ways- Have the car judged and get the Status you want, then add the side exhaust. Whose to know except the Elitist- And they are going to find faults somewhere!
Reversing side exhaust is not a big deal. Oh sure, it is not a easy-off easy-on procedure, but compared to most restoration efforts it ranks somewhere between rear suspension resto and carpet replacement.
Besides, if you really want side exhaust, adding them will just another Corvette Adventure.
Regardless, ENJOY your Corvette!

PS. There is no other SOUND like them.