Corvette C3 Side Pipes: A Classic Feature of the 1969 Corvette
The 1969 Corvette featured stunning Corvette C3 Side Pipes, enhancing its image as a powerful and stylish car. The side pipes were not only functional but also gave it a distinctive look, setting it apart from other sports cars of the era. The chrome finish on the pipes added a touch of elegance to the car's aggressive styling.
The Corvette C3 side pipes were part of the optional N14 Side Mounted Exhaust package, which was available as a factory-installed option only for the 1969 model year. Side pipes were offered on the C2 Corvette from 1965 to 1967, but for some reason, they were not available in the first year of the Corvette C3 or after 1969.
In 1969, side pipes weren't very popular; only 4,355 Corvettes were ordered with this option. However, installing Corvette C3 side pipes has since become a popular modification among enthusiasts. In fact, all C3 Corvettes have mounting holes for the side pipes ready in the frame. Catalytic converters were introduced on Corvettes in 1975, making it impossible to install Corvette C3 side pipes on newer models in areas with strict emissions regulations.
The Corvette C3 Side Pipes were designed to enhance the car's performance by increasing exhaust flow and reducing back pressure. This allowed the engine to breathe more freely, resulting in improved horsepower and torque, although Chevrolet never officially acknowledged these performance gains.
The Corvette C3 Side Pipes were not without their drawbacks, however. They were known to get hot, making it difficult for passengers to get in and out of the car. They also produced a significant amount of noise, which some drivers found excessive.
Despite these drawbacks, the side pipes on the 1969 Corvette remain one of its most iconic features. They are a symbol of the car's power and performance and have become synonymous with the Corvette brand as a whole. In fact, many modern Corvettes still feature side pipes as an homage to this classic design element.
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General information:
- Corvette C3 years
- Corvette Specs, Colors, etc. by year:
1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 - Is the Corvette C3 always a Stingray?
- Corvette C3 charts
- Corvette C3 books
- Mako Shark II
- Corvette L88
- Greenwood Corvettes
- Reader's Wheels: Corvette 1968
- Restomod Corvette C3s
- Corvette C3 Buyer's Checklist
Technical:
- Corvette C3 & Rochester Quadrajet
- Corvette C3 engines
- Corvette C3 transmissions
- Corvette C3 RPM calculator
- Corvette C3 emission systems
- Corvette C3 birdcage and rust
- Number matching and RPO
- Corvette C3 oils
