Side Pipes & Lake Pipes

Side Pipes vs. Lake Pipes: What's the Difference

Side pipes are working exhaust that carries your engine's exhaust out along the rocker panels. Lake pipes are usually capped pipes that stay closed for street driving. Many lake pipes today are decorative or act as a secondary outlet behind a removable cap.

That difference changes what you buy. A true side exhaust needs tubes, mufflers and the right header connection.

A lake pipe setup often pairs with a conventional rear system built from exhaust piping. Dual rear systems may also use H-pipe and X-pipe exhaust kits, while the caps handle the look.

If you're restoring a classic, this guide to exhaust pipe types for vintage cars shows how period styles compare. Pick the style that matches how you drive: full-time side exhaust for sound, or capped lake pipes for a quieter street setup.

Corvette Side Pipes and Sidemount Headers

Corvette side pipes for 1963-1982 Chevy Corvettes start with exhaust headers that turn the exhaust out through the body sides. Doug's Headers offers Sidemount Headers for these Corvettes in part numbers D380 and D381. They cover small-block engines and 1965-1974 big-block engines.

Doug's sidemount headers come in several finishes, including chrome and 304 stainless. That range lets you match the headers to your side tubes or to a factory-style restoration.

Hooker Headers makes Side Pipe Tubes for 1963-1982 Chevy Corvettes under part numbers 50735-1 and 50735-3. Hooker also offers Side Pipe Tubes that fit its 520-2234/2233 and 520-2224/2222 headers, so you can build a matched set from one brand.

Before you order, match your engine family and model year to the right part number. Check both on each listing before you add it to your cart.

Side Pipe Tubes, Mufflers and Lake Pipe Caps

Side pipe tubes, side tube mufflers and lake pipe caps are the core parts in this category, and each one handles a different job. Here's what you can choose from:

• Doug's Headers Side Tubes, including D930 ceramic-coated, plus black-painted, chrome-plated and 304 stainless versions
• Doug's Headers Side Tube Mufflers in Glass Pack (D950) and Maximum Flow (D952) styles
• Hooker Headers Side Pipe Tubes for 1963-1982 Chevy Corvettes (50735-1, 50735-3)
• JEGS Shielded Side Pipes in a 60-inch length (555-30582)
• Patriot Exhaust Lake Pipe Caps Only, 2/pkg (H1286)
• Patriot Exhaust Lake Pipe Caps & Hardware, 2/pkg (H1285)

Pick the mufflers by the sound you want. Choose the caps with hardware if you're starting from scratch, or the caps-only pack if your mounts are already in place.

Mixing brands? Use this guide to measuring exhaust inlet and outlet diameter so every connection lines up.

Choosing Side Pipe Materials and Finishes

Choose your side pipe finish based on how you drive, how much upkeep you want and the look you're after. Doug's Headers offers side tubes and sidemount headers in several finishes, so you can match the pipes to the headers.

Here's how the options compare. 304 stainless suits cars that see regular street miles and weather. Chrome-plated tubes give you a bright, classic look for show cars and restorations.

Ceramic-coated parts help manage surface heat along the rockers without the shine of chrome. Painted and black-painted finishes keep the look understated, though you may need to touch them up over time.

Think about the whole system, too. This overview of full exhaust system types helps you see how side pipes fit into the rest of your layout. Once you've picked a finish, shop side pipes in the same finish as your headers for a consistent look.

Installing Side Exhaust: Fitment, Heat and Clearance

Installing side exhaust starts with confirming fitment, then planning for heat and ground clearance. Confirm every part number with the JEGS vehicle fitment tool before you order. Side pipe tubes and headers are matched to specific years, engines and header part numbers.

Heat is the next concern. Side pipes run along the rocker panels, right where you step in and out. Keep the pipes clear of fuel and brake lines, and warn passengers about the hot surface.

Clearance comes last. Check ground clearance, jack points and body mounts, since the pipes sit low along the body sides. Test-fit the tubes and hangers before final tightening.

If you keep a rear exhaust alongside capped lake pipes, plan room for the exhaust tailpipes too. Leave space for heat shielding where the pipes pass near the floor.