Just Cruise

What's the difference between long tube headers like american racing and shorty headers like Billy Boat. I have someone who has a set of B@Bs for sale for a good price. Is the HP the same between the two. I just don't know why they make short tubes and long tubes.

fatlt1

you dont need anymore explaination than what im going to say. shorty headers use them if your emmissions in your state are strict.. they barely provide anymore power than your stock manifolds. long tube headers give you alot more power and torque. if your state is not strict i say long tubes all day long no questions asked. shorties on ls motors are worthless.

itzza427

You opened a can of worms here!! There are a LOT of passionate opinions here!! In actuality,,according to "hot rod" magazine tech columns,,there is NOT a lot of horse power difference between long and short tubes. There IS however a significant TORQUE advantage to long tubes,,,and that is ACTUALLY what you FEEL when you mash that gas!! There are NO long tube headers that are legal in California,,they must have a CARB (Cal.air resources bureau) number.Only a few shorty headers do have one!! Shorty headers with stock cats = small gain. Long tubes(That either have high flow cats or NO cats at all) with a tune will give a noticeable kick in the pants. Most claim 30 to 40 HP and TQ. Shorties and stock cats probably 15 HP. Not an expert,,just research a lot!! Horse power and opinions may vary,,professional driver on a closed course,,do not attempt at home!! Just for the record,, shorties are designed to use with the stock cats,,keeping them close to the exhaust port to maintain exhaust temp for a quick "light off" of the cats. Long tubes loose temp,,that's why they are not legal in California and other strict states!!

CliffB-99

All the high HP cars have long tubes. If shorties were better, they would have them.

I think there's a "that's what she said" joke in this thread somewhere too.

Just Cruise

Im definately going to go with long tubes. I have done alot of research and it seems for long tubes American Racing makes a 2 inch primary over the rest of the competition which is 1 3/4 or 17/8. What do you guys think. American Racing is also the most to buy as well.

sfc rick

2" primaries aren't necessary UNLESS you have a larger displacement engine or pushing lots of horespower in excess of 600rwhp or so.

1 3/4" primaries are absolutely FINE for moderately built up engines.

Vetteman Jack

You might want to discuss your performance upgrades with a good tuner or engine builder, or the vendor you intend to buy the headers from. For a relatively stock motor, I believe the 1 3/4 inch headers are plenty. Normally the bigger diameter headers are for cars that have significant performance upgrades.

peter pan

I had 1 3/4 headers and only picked up 7 RWHP when I went to 1 7/8 headers, and this was on my blowin setup














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20vette0107fatboy

Ive driven and 2003 with shortys before. 6-speed, CAI. He had the corsa X pipe. Ok Mine has the AR long tube headers catted. Night and day in power. Shortys, Your not going to get a whole alot of power from stock. Long tubes all the way.......