[Three Peaks]

Originally Posted by 767Jockey

OK, some dumb questions from a guy with no fabricating skills. I have an old Contemporary with the original pipes. I assume that they are probably terribly restrictive. I'm putting a 482" sideoiler in the car, and projected horsepower is about 625 or so. I'm thinking of doing the pipes over with the classic chambered packed 3" pipes. I don't mind a rumble but I'm not going to be pleased with deafening loud, either. I guess the big 3" core with the packing is a good compromise. Has anyone used these, and what are the sound and performance levels like?

Anyway, the rear hanger bracket on my pipes now is welded on to the turnout pipe just behind the muffler body. The turnout pipes on the classic chambered site are 12" long, mine are 13" long and my mufflers are 20" long at the body. The math here doesn't work. What I figured is to use 22" mufflers, (which should theoretically be just a small amount quieter than the 20" as well) and make the rear turnout 11" long, giving the overall pipe the same length. Does this sound like a plan to you guys? Will it look OK? The potential problem now is that the bracket, if it goes to the same place, is now on the muffler body. I believe that I can mount the bracket on the new turnout, and just re-drill the outer frame sponson for the new location. However, while I get these all welded up, I will need a jig of some sort to have the bracket come off the pipe at the proper angle and location relative to the header, no?

Also, they recommend a transition piece to help the exhaust flow from my 3 1'2" collector into the 3" core. This too will add length. How much does the use of this thing usually add to the pipe assembled length? Right now the collector is welded right to the rounded end of the muffler body. Any ideas on if I need this flow reducer or not, what it looks like and how much longer it makes the assembled pipe? Any idea what I can expect to pay to get this all assembled and welded? How do you make this jig? Pictures, ideas, input of any sort is appreciated.

If you want some really gorgeous sidepipes, send them to Len Ewell in Tigard, Oregon. I've gotten to know him pretty well and his work is gorgeous. He can match just about anything you send him as he makes headers/sidepipes for a number of different cars. I was at his place last week and he was sending a set to India for a Cobra! I believe he also makes sidepipes for Finishline and several Cobra manufacturers here on the West Coast.

I can get you his contact information if you are interested.

Bob