[rcweingart]

I kept the stock exhausts - for now - but installed the tips a little differently than the factory. I didn't use the large stainless bezels and didn't have the tips protrude below the lower body. I used stainless hose clamps to hold the tips up in place instead of the rubber donuts and pulled the tips up so they were flush with the body instead of protruding. I carefully cut the openings so they are only 1/4" larger than the projection of the tips and didn't use the stainless surrounds so, when you look underneath, all you see are two minimal oval holes, no projecting tips and no large stainless surrounds. Much cleaner looking.

That said and done, I've ordered the factory open side pipes and will install them as soon as they arrive. Peter Brock's car has custom stainless open side pipes with a single muffler. Very attractive but not representative of the original cars - but, if anyone can deviate, it is Peter. Back to Peter's exhaust, it is loud but not too excessive. The Sebring tribute car has the factory open side pipes and Lance Stander reports that they are quieter than Peter's and, from what I heard on TV watching the BJ, they sounded really good.

Using the open side pipes removes the "S" and "H" pipes with all their weight and heat so I can use the air ducts to cool the rear brakes instead of the exhaust and I can cover up the open space with a belly pan, as did Peter, for better aerodynamics.