Karl, I spoke to Darrell about 45 minutes ago. Great guy! Does this as a side business/hobby, so each set is built to order (i.e. requires some lead time, so plan ahead). All pipes are mandrel bent and use larger diameters than factory SPF specs. The inner core on the sidepipe is also dimensionally larger by about 1/4" and packed with stainless steel mesh (vs. fiberglass).

His biggest dilemma has been to turn down business for non-SPF owners. With all the different engine and head configurations, he's had to specialize with what he knows, which are Superformance models.

Cost wise, I probably won't be in the market for a better set of headers until 1Q05. In the meantime, I might do some snooping around locally to determine if a local custom header shop wants to take a crack at improving my factory ones. As far as the sidepipes, I can foresee the day where they see the carbide-tipped blade and get re-cored and Jet-Hot coated. Paying $1,900 for Darrell's stainless steel versions (sidepipes only) is a bit steep for me right now. He priced the headers at $800, which is "reasonable" for a "build-to-suit" set in stainless steel.

I also want to upgrade my shocks to Bilsteins, so I need to stretch my upgrades $$$ for the time being.

-Deano

Why does ERA's pipes sound so much better than superformances? Or is it just big block ERA exhaust that sounds deeper?

pipes
 

P
I thinks it's the pipes...BB ERA's seem to sound better than BB Superformance?

"I thinks it's the pipes..."

[digs through tool chest] "I know that @#^$%! carbide tipped hacksaw blade is in here somewhere!!!" :LOL:

Dissected SPF pipes
 

The Stock SPF side pipe mufflers have a perforated 2" pipe wraped in steel wool. Check out my gallery for photos of a dissected SPF side pipe.
I'm considering building my own titanium or stainless steel side pipes to replace the factory SPF steel side pipes.

Side Pipe
 

Rodney,
How about removing SOME of the 2" perf and st wool......
Do you think it will be too loud without ANY baffle?

I am really looking forward to better sound and performance.
When do you think you'll be finished?
Thanks
Karl
#786

Has anyone tried the "chambered exhaust" yet"?

http://www.stainlessworks.net/Corvet...0Sidepipes.htm

Re: Side Pipe
 

Karl,

Even if you removed the steel wool, you still have a 3.5" header pipe feeding into a 2" orifice. It's still restrictive.

Rodney, great photos of the inside...thanks for posting!

I was (holding my fingers an inch apart) this close to pulling my sidepipes this past weekend and having some Dynomax bullet racing mufflers welded in place of the factory offering. But the inside diameter was 3" on the bullets and I didn't want to butt-up the 3.5" header and create another restriction (though smaller than factory stock). Even more important was that the case length on the bullets was roughly two inches shorter. It would have meant that the side bracket would also require customizing to work with an extended tailpipe (versus welding up to the muffler). I just took a long look at the process and decided I wasn't going to be happy with the final product.

So I'm going to have fabricated some custom 4" stainless mufflers from Stainless Specialties. They will make any length and inside diameter for around $150 each. This way I can get it done "right" without breaking the bank. I'll then have Alex at American Roadster in nearby Placentia tig-weld them up nice and clean for Jet-Hot coating.

I may not have this done for a few months, but you can bet the farm I will report on the process here (with photos).

Regards,

-Dean #747

Side Pipe
 

Thanks Dean...I'll wait and see how yours turn out!
This appears the way to go.
Karl
#786

Rodney, great photos. I've always wanted to see the inside of the SPF sidepipes. Curious how restrictive they really are.

Mark

New SPF pipes
 

Guy's. I'm currently building new side exhaust from 321 stainless steel, I don't mind an agressive exhaust note and I want a lighter overall exhaust system.
The heavy restrictive muffler will be replaced by a silencer that fits my needs, the Vortex Cone 4" dia., it slips between the collectors and the primary pipe. Supposed to be 27-36hp gains on a 450hp engine! I don't believe it, but at least it will be less restrictive and lighter in weight than the factory SPF pipes. The down side, way noisy!! I guess?
www.dynatechheader.com or for custom made stainless mufflers etc!! www.burnsstainless.com

I am running a set of pipes from EM on my Cobra, it is louder than my harley (harley has straight drag pipes, just open tubes). Maybe try EM pipes. Remember - "louder is safer, they'll hear you coming", true for Cars and Bikes.

Tom