webdzynes

Are long tube headers worth the extra expense over short tubes?

RyanC7

huge

MitchAlsup

Short Tube headers are simply smooth manifolds

Long Tube headers are devices that extract additional performance by harnessing the harmonic energy in the exhaust gasses and delivering this energy back to the intake.

LT headers connect 3 points in time on the cam. As the exhaust valve opens a strong pulse runs down the header tube. Upon running into the collectos a moderate negative pulse runs back up the header tube, at the same time the positive pressure wave runs across the collector. When it arrives at the exhaust valve (which is still open) it runs across the top of the cylinder head and starts to pull in fresh mixture into the cylinder even before the piston starts downward. When the positive pressure wave runs int the end of the collector, it reverses direction (still as a positive wave) and runs up the header where it pushes in any fresh mixture pulled into the exhaust by the negative wave just before the exhaust valve closes.

LT headers and an intake tuned for the same rev band can allow the engine to operate at up to 120% volumetric efficiencies. Street cars operate closer to 105% VE due to cam timing, cats, mufflers,...

Cavallo GT

Yeah, what he said!

LS1LT1

Yes.
I would sooner leave the relatively decent flowing stock manifolds on the car before paying the big ca$h for shorty headers.
Long tubes on the other hand, though expensive, have shown proven/worthy gains.

Zred06

Shorties give you minimal HP gains (5-10 hp) and a better sound, if you want the maximum performance gain, you must mount the LT's. Personally, I think it is a waste of money to put shorties on when you can probably get as much power increase from a CAI.