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Side pipes are as much about sound and looks as flow on a C3 — the classic 1968–1982 Corvette silhouette practically demands them. The picks below range from direct bolt-on replacements to fully custom setups, in stainless or aluminized steel depending on budget and how much rust resistance you want.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Billy Boat Exhaust Insulated Side Pipes (C2/C3) | $900–$1,300 | Amazon |
| 2 | HighFlo Performance C3 Side Pipe Kit | $600–$1,100 | Amazon |
| 3 | Corvette Central Side Pipe & Cover Set | $700–$1,200 | Amazon |
The picks, in detail
Billy Boat Exhaust Insulated Side Pipes (C2/C3)
A direct replacement for the factory-style insulated side pipe, with two stages of internal packing for a deeper tone and a larger inside diameter for better flow.
- Brushed stainless steel finish
- Two-stage internal sound packing
- Larger ID than stock for improved flow
- Direct bolt-on fit
- Well-regarded, purpose-built C3 fitment
- Deeper tone than a generic universal pipe
- Stainless resists rust long-term
- Premium price point
- Insulated design is heavier than an open side pipe
HighFlo Performance C3 Side Pipe Kit
A custom C2-style side pipe kit with a chambered muffler, available in aluminized or stainless, with selectable Stock/Mild/Wild sound levels.
- Aluminized or stainless steel options
- Chambered muffler design
- Correct factory-style hanger welded in place
- Selectable sound tuning
- Bolt-on installation with correct hangers
- Sound level choice to match your taste
- More affordable than premium stainless-only kits
- Aluminized option won’t last as long as stainless in wet climates
- Custom-build lead times can be longer than off-the-shelf
Corvette Central Side Pipe & Cover Set
A reproduction-focused option from a C3 specialty parts house — built to restore the factory look with correct covers for a numbers-matching or resto build.
- Reproduction-correct styling
- Matching side pipe covers included
- Fitment specific to 1968–1982 C3 body styles
- Best choice for factory-correct restorations
- Covers included, no separate sourcing needed
- Specialist C3 fitment knowledge
- Less aggressive tone than a performance-oriented kit
- Reproduction covers can require trimming for a perfect fit
Buying tips
- Confirm your C3’s model year before ordering — side pipe and cover fitment changed across the 1968–1982 production run.
- Stainless costs more up front but avoids the surface rust that aluminized pipes eventually show, especially in humid or salted-road climates.
- Side pipes run hot and close to the rocker panels — heat shielding underneath is worth checking if you carry passengers regularly.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.