Looking for side pipes or related exhaust piping to upgrade a car’s look and performance? This guide highlights five relevant products that fit the “side pipes for cars” theme. Each option targets different needs—nostalgic styling, flexible installation, or durable construction. The top picks are best for classic street rods, hot rods, and vehicles craving a bold undercarriage silhouette. Read on to compare suitability, installation notes, and who each product is best for.
Patriot H1165 Chrome Lake Pipe For Street Rods
Best for nostalgic styling on fenderless street rods. The Patriot H1165 features a fully welded header and is designed to fit models such as T-buckets, Model A’s, and 32-34 hi-boys. This option emphasizes classic lines with a chrome finish that stands out under a hot rod’s chassis. Best for builders prioritizing period-correct aesthetics and straightforward fitment on compatible bodies.
Who it’s best for: enthusiasts restoring or building vintage-style street rods who want a chrome, fully welded lake pipe silhouette. Why selected: its classic look and compatibility with common fenderless hot-rod bodies. Caution: installation may require specific mounting hardware or trimming for certain body configurations.
Patriot H1060 60″ Chrome Side Exhaust Silver
Better for custom builds needing flexible installation. The H1060 system provides large inlet and outlet pipes with low back pressure six-sided louvered core mufflers. A notable feature is full 360-degree rotation on both inlet and outlet pipes, enabling installation flexibility in tighter engine bays or unique chassis layouts. This makes it a good choice for builders seeking adaptable exhaust routing without heavy fabrication.
Who it’s best for: customizers who want adjustable piping angles and a chrome finish. Why selected: the rotation feature helps with non-standard fits. Caution: long 60-inch length may require trimming for smaller vehicles or certain wheelbase setups.
Patriot H1080 80″ Chrome Side Exhaust
Best for bold, long-side exhaust runs. The H1080 offers a similar shielded design with large inlet/outlet pipes and low back pressure six-sided mufflers. Its 80-inch length suits longer chassis layouts and riders seeking a pronounced side-exhaust presence. This option is ideal for classic cruisers and hot rods that aim for a dramatic undercarriage aesthetic while maintaining practical exhaust flow.
Who it’s best for: builders wanting a dramatic chrome side-exhaust silhouette on longer vehicle frames. Why selected: combines an extended run with a traditional look. Caution: lengthier pipes may require careful routing to avoid ground clearance issues on lowered builds.
Xotic Performance LP100 Intercooler Pipe Kit (OEM Replacement)
Best for high-performance upgrades in turbocharged systems. While not a traditional side exhaust, this heavy-duty aluminum intercooler pipe kit uses precision CNC-mandrel bent 3-inch tubing to optimize airflow. It also features reinforced 4-ply silicone boots designed to handle high boost pressures, making it a strong choice for performance-oriented builds that require reliable piping with low back-pressure characteristics. Recommended for Ford 6.7L Power Stroke platforms or similar turbo setups where airflow matters as much as style.
Who it’s best for: performance-focused builders who want durable, smooth-flow intercooler piping. Why selected: improved airflow and boost handling with high-quality construction. Caution: installation aligns with specific engine configurations; verify compatibility with your year/model before purchase.
Power Stroke Cold Side Intercooler Pipe (LIUWEIRACING)
Best for Ford 2017-2026 6.7L applications requiring robust aluminum piping. This cold-side intercooler pipe kit (LIUWEIRACING) uses heavy-duty 6061 aluminum and is designed for durability and corrosion resistance. It complements factory piping by offering a lower risk of cracking and better long-term reliability in demanding conditions. This option is ideal for owners seeking a durable upgrade that preserves performance with a simple replacement path.
Who it’s best for: Ford heavy-duty owners needing a sturdy aluminum pipe upgrade. Why selected: durable construction and corrosion resistance. Caution: verify exact part numbers and engine setup for your truck to ensure proper fitment.
Dorman 904-272 Cold Side Intercooler Pipe Kit
Best for replacement-on-a-budget scenarios. The Dorman 904-272 kit provides a metal replacement for a failed plastic intake tubing in certain Ford Super Duty and Excursion models. Included pipes and clamps support a complete repair package, offering a practical option for keeping a turbocharged system reliable without extensive fabrication. Choose this if you want a straightforward replacement kit rather than a full custom piping rebuild.
Who it’s best for: vehicle owners seeking an affordable, ready-to-install intercooler pipe replacement. Why selected: metal construction and kit completeness. Caution: intended for specific Ford models; ensure fit by checking application details before purchasing.
Buying Guide: Side Pipes And Related Piping For Cars
- Purpose and style: Decide if you want classic chrome lake pipes for a vintage look or modern aluminum piping for performance. Aesthetics influence compatibility with body style and wheelbase.
- Material and durability: Chrome finishes look period-correct but may require maintenance. Aluminum pipes are lighter and corrosion resistant, better for longevity in performance builds.
- Installation flexibility: Look for features like 360-degree rotation on side exhaust components or universal fitment in intercooler pipes to ease routing in tight spaces.
- Fitment and model compatibility: Confirm that the pipe kit matches your vehicle’s year, make, and model, especially for classic hot rods vs. modern trucks.
- Durability under boost and temperature: For intercooler piping, ensure silicone boots and clamps withstand boost pressures and heat. For side exhausts, verify muffler flow and back-pressure characteristics align with engine setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are side pipes best for on classic cars? They provide a bold look and can improve exhaust routing on fenderless or narrow-engine vehicles when properly installed.
- Are chrome side pipes durable? Chrome finishes look authentic but require maintenance to prevent corrosion and staining over time.
- Do intercooler pipes affect performance? Yes, properly designed pipes with smooth bends and secure boots reduce turbulence and boost reliability under high boost.
- How do I know which kit fits my truck? Check exact year, model, and engine code, then match to part numbers or fitment notes in product listings.
- Can I install these myself? Some kits are designed for DIY installation, but others may require professional fabrication or wheel-off access for proper routing.
- What should I avoid? Avoid overly long pipes on short wheelbase vehicles, which can affect clearance and ground protection.
| Product | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Patriot H1165 | Nostalgic street rods | Fully welded header; classic lake-pipe look |
| Patriot H1060 | Custom flexible exhaust routing | 360° rotation for inlet/outlet |
| Patriot H1080 | Longer side-exhaust runs | Bold chrome, dramatic silhouette |
| Xotic Performance LP100 | Performance intercooler piping | 3″ CNC mandrel bends; high-boost boots |
| LIUWEIRACING Power Stroke Kit | Durable cold-side pipe upgrade | 6061 aluminum, corrosion resistant |