Header advice
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 52
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From: Reston Virginia
Header advice
I have read conflicting posts on headers on a stock LT1. Short versus long, gain in HP, no gain in HP, more low end torque. Is it worth the time and money to install headers if you are not making other mods?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Headers, yes. Shorties, no. Shorties are a waste of money, with or without other modifications. They are good for about 5+ hp. If you want that minuscule gain and are willing to pay the price for the shortie headers, to get it, then go for it. Most don't consider it cost effective.
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,671
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Okay, let me give you the other side of the story. You say you have a stock LT1. Do you need to keep your Vette emmissions legal? If so, the shorties can bolt right up to your oem cats. If you are looking for just hp improvements, then I would have to agree that shorties are not that good but neither are long tubes for a stock LT1. With that said, the shorties will reduce the heat under the hood especially if they are coated, but so will the long tubes. How about the sound...shorties sound great, hey, they use them on hot rods. The installation is much easier for shorties and they look much better than the rusty ole manifolds. Shorties are a way to put headers on your Vette that will improve the sound, remove some of the heat and cost you less. NOW, if you plan on increasing the hp in the future, go with the long tubes now. If not, the shorties will be just fine.
