How loud? Sidepipes w/ back-flow mufflers

Hi guys.  I really would like the look of the hooker 4-into-1 chrome headers and sidepipes against my black paint, but I have three reservations:

NOISE - Has anyone heard the Hooker pipes with either the reverse-flow mufflers installed or the spiral mufflers (diff. manufacturer)?  If so, how did they sound?  I'd like something that is pretty loud when I get on it, but is not too awfully load at idle or partial throttle.  Is that just to much to ask for sidepipes?

BURNS - Does anyone make a good looking sidepipe that has a shield on it that does NOT look like the original shields on Vettes of the 60's, but instead looks more like the pipe itself?  I don't care for the painted and/or fluted look of the 60's shielded pipes...

HEAT - I have heard the heat from the pipes can even be too much for a good working A/C (which I have) to overcome.  What are your experiences?

Thanks!

I have a picture of an '82 two tone that has the side pipes.  Looks  but not on mine.   Here's the pictures:   http://iron82.smugmug.com/gallery/590874/6/24800169

http://iron82.smugmug.com/gallery/590874/18/24806880

But on black is even better.  

Enjoy your pipes. 

Mid-America has the full Hooker set-up, CHROMED, for $1,200.  I hadn't seen it for less than $2000 before.  So, I just may have to do it.  From what I've heard about them, I probably would get the "Spiral Turbo Baffles" also, as everyone says they sound awesome.  I just haven't heard any of these systems for myself, so I'm a little afraid I might end up with a system that annoys my wife and neighbors, or worse, me on longer trips.

The mid-america deal comes with choice of glass-pack or reverse flow mufflers.  I think I'd be better off getting the reverse flow.  I've heard they sound pretty wimpy, but I figure if the spiral turbos are too loud for me, the reverse flows would be a quieter plan B.

I'd appreciate any feedback anyone has to help me make this decision.

Hey Guys,

I have a 71 with the Hooker headers. Do NOT GET CHROME! They rust at the welds, Turn blue, and worse if you hit a plastic bag you can never get it off and you cant use any abrasive pads on them. I have all 3 problems. They started to show rust at the welds within the first year, and my car only sees water from a hose. I would definitly get the Jet-Hot package. It is the same Hooker headers just coated. I will be sending mine to Jet-hot when i have some down time, They will strip them and coat them for me for a decent price.  They are also supposed to be much cooler, reducing the burn factor. Every time someone gets out of the car i say "HOT PIPES" and they still burn themselves. The pipes sound great, especially with a nice cam. I have the Voodoo cam and it is awsome. Hope this helps.

As for the heat, We have had the pipes on since we finished the resto, There is some heat but I cant say if its more or less. Everywhere we go people love the looks and the sound.

I keep going back and forth.  I thiught I had my mind made up to get them, then I read RobBender's advise to not get chrome.  I don't know if I want them if I don't get chrome.  Have others had the same problem with chrome Hookers rusting so soon?  I know Jet-Hot now has a finish that is supposed to have a shine comparable to zink or polished aluninum, but I just really like chrome. Opinions?

Also, does anyone know if the '81s came pre-drilled for the sidepipe hangers?  I know I've heard that Chevy continued to provide the pre-drilled holes long after they offered sidepipes.

Thanks!

Hey Chesh,

Jet-Hot will send you a free information package including a DVD.

I do not want to discourage you from getting the pipes, they look and sound great, especially on a black vette. I am just a little dissapointed in the quality and customer service of Hooker.