You are right, open pipes are no good for the street - too loud.
I loved my 27" Smithys for the two years I had them.
But when I installed the 12" Mellowtones, I finally got to hear my old 6 like I knew it could sound after the open pipe test.
Great idle sound, but best when accelerating on the freeway ramp with wide open carbs.
I love going up elevations around 2500rpm right next to concrete freeway dividers....
