Installing XS-Power hooker style sidepipes

[SUPERPOWERS]

Here is an "how to" guide for installing side pipes on your C3 corvette.

First though a quick review if I may.
I ordered these XS-Power sidepipes on Monday and they showed up on Friday, so I am very happy with the turn around. The packaging was exceptional, it took me over 10 minutes to get the stuff un- packed!

http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/4649/sidepipeexhaust001.jpg

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/4585/sidepipeexhaust002.jpg

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/6839/sidepipeexhaust003.jpg

The pipes are mirror polished stainless steel. The welds are all tigged and they are very nice welds. The primaries are 1 7/8" into a 5" collector and then tapers down to 4" and the side pipes are 4".

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/3733/sidepipeexhaust004.jpg

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/223/sidepipeexhaust005.jpg

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/9752/sidepipeexhaust008.jpg

The very first thing you need to do is disconnect the battery.

Jack the front of the car up and secure it on jack stands

Next remove the stock exhaust and headers from the car.

http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/5336/sidepipeexhaust009.jpg

http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/5325/sidepipeexhaust010.jpg

On the driver side. Remove the Z-bar if you have a manual transmission.

Un-plug the spark plug wires from the plugs, you can leave the plugs on, just be careful!

Install the side pipe header from the bottom of the car. I used a jack stand to hold the collector up while I bolted the header to the block.

http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/7624/sidepipeexhaust012.jpg

http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/7161/sidepipeexhaust011.jpg

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/3969/sidepipeexhaust013.jpg

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/669/sidepipeexhaust014.jpg

Reinstall the Z-bar.

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/7436/sidepipeexhaust022.jpg

You can now put your plug wires on and re-install your spark plug looms if you have them.

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/4060/sidepipeexhaust017.jpg

[SUPERPOWERS]

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/1134/sidepipeexhaust024.jpg

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/5715/sidepipeexhaust025.jpg

Notice how nicely the pipes fit around the steering gear box.

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/553/sidepipeexhaust021.jpg

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/5126/sidepipeexhaust020.jpg

They fit nice and tight to the frame. They have awesome ground clearance.


http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/5316/sidepipeexhaust027.jpg


Now lets move onto the passenger side.

Remove the dipstick.

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/8176/sidepipeexhaust016.jpg

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/1558/sidepipeexhaust015.jpg

Un-plug the spark plug wires from the plugs, you can leave the plugs on, just be careful!

Install the side pipe header from the bottom of the car. Again I used a jack stand to hold the collector up while I bolted the header to the block.

Now re-install your plug wires and looms and you are ready to move to the pipes.

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/1088/sidepipeexhaust033.jpg

Slide the pipes over the collector and tighten the clamp on the pipe with the hardware that you bought at the store. You remembered to get hardware didn't you. :lookinup:

Mark the frame through the hole in the mounting tab welded onto the pipe. Drill the hole then thread the hole and screw in your fastener.

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/7783/sidepipeexhaust034.jpg


http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/6316/sidepipeexhaust032.jpg

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/6119/sidepipeexhaust031.jpg

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/5707/sidepipeexhaust030.jpg

Guess what YOU ARE DONE. Go hook up your battery and then go out and scare your neighbors! :devil:

Here is a video of the newly installed sidepipes. The pipes are surprisingly mellow when the car is idling and even cruising. I could even hold a conversation without yelling. But when I opened it up...man did those pipes come alive. We also noticed the idle got alittle more lumpy. Must have been all of that extra air the car was able to shed because of the giant primaries.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lcVvt5rLPM

The install took a couple hours and very few tools. The fit was great and the polished stainless looks awesome! And I saved a ton of money over the hookers.

My overall impression of these XS-Power sidepipes is: AWESOME!

[fishslayer143@yahoo.com]

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/1134/sidepipeexhaust024.jpg

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/5715/sidepipeexhaust025.jpg

Notice how nicely the pipes fit around the steering gear box.

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/553/sidepipeexhaust021.jpg

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/5126/sidepipeexhaust020.jpg

They fit nice and tight to the frame. They have awesome ground clearance.


http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/5316/sidepipeexhaust027.jpg


Now lets move onto the passenger side.

Remove the dipstick.

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/8176/sidepipeexhaust016.jpg

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/1558/sidepipeexhaust015.jpg

Un-plug the spark plug wires from the plugs, you can leave the plugs on, just be careful!

Install the side pipe header from the bottom of the car. Again I used a jack stand to hold the collector up while I bolted the header to the block.

Now re-install your plug wires and looms and you are ready to move to the pipes.

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/1088/sidepipeexhaust033.jpg

Slide the pipes over the collector and tighten the clamp on the pipe with the hardware that you bought at the store. You remembered to get hardware didn't you. :lookinup:

Mark the frame through the hole in the mounting tab welded onto the pipe. Drill the hole then thread the hole and screw in your fastener.

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/7783/sidepipeexhaust034.jpg


http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/6316/sidepipeexhaust032.jpg

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/6119/sidepipeexhaust031.jpg

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/5707/sidepipeexhaust030.jpg

Guess what YOU ARE DONE. Go hook up your battery and then go out and scare your neighbors! :devil:

Here is a video of the newly installed sidepipes. The pipes are surprisingly mellow when the car is idling and even cruising. I could even hold a conversation without yelling. But when I opened it up...man did those pipes come alive. We also noticed the idle got alittle more lumpy. Must have been all of that extra air the car was able to shed because of the giant primaries.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lcVvt5rLPM

The install took a couple hours and very few tools. The fit was great and the polished stainless looks awesome! And I saved a ton of money over the hookers.

My overall impression of these XS-Power sidepipes is: AWESOME!
i like the pipes, i had thrush side pipes on my 66 convertible. cant tell you how many burns on my left calf i got in the summertime, but they sure looked and sounded great

[dale martin]

Very nice pipes! Do they make these for big block also? :goodpost:

[silica]

Hi, very cool tutorial, now I know what the job is to remove them, I want to fit the rocker panel on my 69 with sidepipes...I bought it with sidepipes and there was no panels.. Did you remove yours? If yes, dont they fit with the sidepipes?...
Regards
Robert :beer-fresh:

[SUPERPOWERS]

Hi, very cool tutorial, now I know what the job is to remove them, I want to fit the rocker panel on my 69 with sidepipes...I bought it with sidepipes and there was no panels.. Did you remove yours? If yes, dont they fit with the sidepipes?...
Regards
Robert :beer-fresh:

sorry about the late response. For some reason I was not subscribed to the thread.

You may or may not have to remove and fit your rockers. Every body sits on the frame differently. Generally the driverside does not have to be fitted but the passenger side does.

[SUPERPOWERS]

Very nice pipes! Do they make these for big block also? :goodpost:

the big block pipes will be out soon! :drool5:

[PalmBeachVette76]

I really like the look and sound of these pipes and what a great write up, do you have a link to their website, I found what I believe is the site but they only show a late model system not the sidepipes and headers, thanks :thumbsup3:

[SUPERPOWERS]

I am handling the sales for the sidepipes. They are currently out of stock but they will be back in stock soon. Do you want me to put you on the list?

[SUPERPOWERS]

The big block pipes just showed up the other day. They will be available soon!!!

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/5011/img0722rh.jpg

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/3149/img0721v.jpg

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/1142/img0720ve.jpg

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/1139/img0719eb.jpg

[rmiller86]

I really like these!! How much are they and how do you find them online?

[PalmBeachVette76]

I am handling the sales for the sidepipes. They are currently out of stock but they will be back in stock soon. Do you want me to put you on the list?

I would be interested depending on the cost and shipping. How have they held up with heat regarding discoloration?

[SUPERPOWERS]

You find them right here, through me

the headers discolored like all stainless does but from the outside of the car you can see it. It stops about 3/4" down the primaries.

[PalmBeachVette76]

Sounds great and thanks for the reply, can you post the cost for a small block or PM me with it for the same set up in this write up that your running, thanks

[Saint's Shark]

Could you PM me as well with the cost/shipping info for a small block as well? Thanks!

[SUPERPOWERS]

As soon as I have a bunch of sets available I will be doing a group buy. Then I will be able to make the pricing available.

[USNChief]

I was fortunate that I was able to get a used pair in great condition. I only paid $150. for the headers and pipes. I had a shop put mine on. I was glad I did. There were issues. I need to update my photo to show the side pipes.

Oh, I think they make the hooker headers that are ceramic coated. If I understand correctly, they won't tarnish.

[SUPERPOWERS]

Waiting for pics...:nunu:

[USNChief]

I uploaded my pic's three times. Each time it said it was successfull. Yet, they do not show. :banghead: I posted a question about this in the stickey about uploading photos. I have noticed that there have not been any recent activity in new images. At least in the C3 section. I looked into photobucket. I didn't want to pay for the service. I wouldn't use it that much. Sort of frustrated here.:huh:

Thanks the fine folks of SV, my photos were to big. Hear that all time! :eek2:They are now posted. :D

[SUPERPOWERS]

they look damn good to me. What was the problem?

[USNChief]

Thanks! There was a head bolt that had broke off. They were able to get that out. When I bought the headers and side pipes, they were already connected. The shop decided not to take off the side pipes as the installed the headers. By chance, do you know of anything that will get rid of that tarnish look?

[SUPERPOWERS]

Thanks! There was a head bolt that had broke off. They were able to get that out. When I bought the headers and side pipes, they were already connected. The shop decided not to take off the side pipes as the installed the headers. By chance, do you know of anything that will get rid of that tarnish look?

So no issues with the actual pipes, just the installer.

as for the tarnish. You could polish them but it will just happen again. That is just what stainless steel does unfortunately.

[SUPERPOWERS]

Guys these are in stock and ready to ship! Get them while they are hot! :rockon6rk:

for a limited time they are $900 to your door.

you can pay with paypal to the following address: CUSTOMIMAGECORVETTES@GMAIL.COM

if you have any questions you can email Josh at customimagecorvettes@gmail.com

[S1gnal]

Guys these are in stock and ready to ship! Get them while they are hot! :rockon6rk:

for a limited time they are $900 to your door.

Are you still doing $900 shipped?

[SUPERPOWERS]

Yes they are.

[2_Late_I_Won]

That sounds like a pretty good deal!!! Do you have a sidepipe that will bolt up to a 1980 vette with hooker headers? Since I already have ceramic coated headers I don't really want to buy another set. I was just wondering if there was a pipe that you guys sell to bolt up to existing headers.

Thanks!!!

[SUPERPOWERS]

yea, we have side pipes that will work with the Hooker Headers.

shoot me an e-mail and I will get you taken care of. :thumbsup:

CustomImageCorvettes@gmail.com