Contemporary Sidepipe Fender Exit Question

Denis Bouchard · #1 (**permalink**) 03-26-2003, 08:10 PM

Back to the board for more guidance.

I've a Contemporary that I'm converting from under car exhaust to sidepipes; kids are now old enough to listen - or learn (hopefully the first).

The fenders have never been cut out for the sidepipes. The car is painted, and I've one chance to get it right.

I understand that ERA sources their pipes from the same supplier as Contemporary had, and I'm using one of the cut-out templates from the ERA manual.

The template for the opening is 5 1/2" high, with the upper limit 4 1/2" under the bottom of the louvered opening in the fender on the passenger side (4 3/4" driver side). According to the template, the forward most limit of the opening is 2" from the rear lip of the wheel arch. Make any sense? A technical writer I am not!

May I indulge a Contemporary owner whose computer may be handy to the garage to confirm these measurements. I expect some variance from ERA's numbers, and would be grateful for any feedback.

Thanks....Denis in the frozen north.

Bob Putnam · #2 (**permalink**) 03-27-2003, 05:21 AM

Denis,

I would be a little wary of using our numbers on a Contemporary, at least on the driver's side. Our early cars used the original "OEM" factory replacements, but we moved the pipes a bit forward when we lengthened the footboxes.

If you can't get the numbers from a Contempory owner, I think your best approach is to bolt the primary pipes on and use the sight, cut-and-try method.

bmalone · #3 (**permalink**) 03-27-2003, 07:55 AM

I would agree with Bob--my number were quite different than yours on the driver's side.

I checked last night and while your numbers were close on the passenger side, the driver's side numbers, especially the distance to the bottom of the louver--were way off.

Denis Bouchard · #4 (**permalink**) 03-27-2003, 08:54 PM

Bob and Bill,

Two more good reasons to enquire before cutting.

Looks like I'll have to rig everything up before finalizing where to position the hole.

Bill, would you mind reporting on the distance between the bottom of the louvered opening and the top of the pipe opening, as well as the distance between the rear most lip of the fender arch and the opening on both sides.

I understand that the Contemporary's were cut before shipping, so there should be some degree of consistency between cars. I picked up this body in 1995.

Thanks....Denis

bmalone · #5 (**permalink**) 03-27-2003, 09:51 PM

Okay, but will have to wait until tomorrow night.

Denis Bouchard · #6 (**permalink**) 03-28-2003, 05:34 PM

Bill,

Any assistance / insight you are able to provide is appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to respond.....Denis

bmalone · #7 (**permalink**) 03-28-2003, 09:23 PM

Sorry Denis, just now got done helping a friend move--all day. Simply too tired right now--I will help you--hang tight.

KobraKarl · #8 (**permalink**) 03-28-2003, 10:31 PM

Dennis.

here are the # off of my car, It is a big block! ,the cut outs were done by the builder !

driver side 61/4 " louver bottom/cutout top

passenger side 5" louver bottom/cutout top

cutout starts 1" rearward of fender flare

I really think tou should fit up your headers ,do a little math ,a little measuring , start with a small hole and enlarge it a couple times as you go .

you have a small block and that could make my #'s off for what you need

good luck, take your time ,have fun

Karl

Denis Bouchard · #9 (**permalink**) 03-29-2003, 07:22 AM

Thanks Karl. I have the BB sidepipes from Contemporary. I'm also using the Contemporary FIA (Windsor) headers, and will be fabricating a collector and flange to join the two. I'd like to avoid the slip fit leakage issues, and have about 13 inches to bridge.

As I am forced to arrange for some fabrication work anyway, my biggest concern is getting the opening at the right height relative to the louvered vent. Your numbers will be helpful.

I thought that Contemporary cut these holes at the factory, as I recall having to make a specific request that this not be done when I ordered the car. Funny thing, what started as a street version has become SC style; first wheels, then rollbar, then stripes and now sidepipes. Do these cars ever transition from project to finished product!

Denis

KobraKarl · #10 (**permalink**) 03-29-2003, 10:18 AM

Well.............. that would take a lot of the fun out of it

CCX33911 · #11 (**permalink**) 03-30-2003, 07:55 AM

I can photo and measure off of my BB Contemporary if you still need it.

Gary

Denis Bouchard · #12 (**permalink**) 03-31-2003, 09:13 PM

Gary,

Your offer would be helpful. I'll be laying everything out this weekend before cutting. A photo with measurements will make a great reference.

Thanks....Denis

CCX33911 · #13 (**permalink**) 03-31-2003, 09:46 PM

I'll get back to you this weekend.
Gary

bmalone · #14 (**permalink**) 04-03-2003, 09:43 PM

Hi Denis, sorry it took so long to get back to you.

Passenger side: 5 1/2" bottom of louvre to top of cutout. 1 1/2" from rear lip to cutout.

Driver side: 6 3/4" and 1/2".

CCX33911 · #15 (**permalink**) 04-12-2003, 09:54 AM

I now have posted a few photos on my site with dimensions. On the left side of the car the front of the exhaust opening is right at the crease between the flair and the body. On the right side the front of the opening is ~1" behind this crease.

Please see:
http://www.2gmotorsports.com/cobra_exhaust.htm

Denis Bouchard · #16 (**permalink**) 04-13-2003, 08:01 AM

Gary and Bill,

I've been on the road.

Thanks for the feedback. I guess there is consistency in the types of differences between the driver and passenger sides, although the exact numbers differ between your cars. This will situate me in the proper ballpark.

I removed the undercar exhaust and headers, and trial fitted the SB Contemporary headers. The collectors for the headers and exhaust will be in the right neighborhood, and bridging the gap will not be too large a head cramp.

Merci.....Denis