C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Header HELP! PLEASE!

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Old Sep 14, 2015 | 12:57 AM
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Default Header HELP! PLEASE!

Ok folks, I know this horse has been beat down quite a bit But I need a hand. I'm looking to go with headers for my '96 LT4. I've read on the forum that the factory CI manifolds flow just as good, if not better than the shorty headers (hard for me to believe that). So I'm not looking to spend a lot on this car right now because I'm not sure how long I want it around. I do know that Doug's Headers have a L98 style shorty, and JBA has a SS piece, that reminds me of the old ram's horn manifolds. Then of course we got the ARH and Stainless Works LT headers, that both cost more than twice what either of the shorty's go for. So please no hate replies for bringing this topic up again, but any experiences and/or opinions on the options I've listed, considering what I've stated. As always, thanks in advance
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Old Sep 14, 2015 | 10:53 AM
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Originally Posted by GRKLGHTNG
Ok folks, I know this horse has been beat down quite a bit But I need a hand. I'm looking to go with headers for my '96 LT4. I've read on the forum that the factory CI manifolds flow just as good, if not better than the shorty headers (hard for me to believe that). So I'm not looking to spend a lot on this car right now because I'm not sure how long I want it around. I do know that Doug's Headers have a L98 style shorty, and JBA has a SS piece, that reminds me of the old ram's horn manifolds. Then of course we got the ARH and Stainless Works LT headers, that both cost more than twice what either of the shorty's go for. So please no hate replies for bringing this topic up again, but any experiences and/or opinions on the options I've listed, considering what I've stated. As always, thanks in advance
Most say the shorties give you nothing, except sometimes a poor fit. I have the Hooker shorties, and noticed a huge seat of the pants gain. Of course, I put them on when I went from stock to a 383 with a supercharger, so that may have had something to do with the gain
That was when I still had to pass the emissions sniff test. Now I have historic tags and no longer have to take the test, so I will be going with the ARH full length headers, as soon as I have the cash. I have done my research, seen them in person, and met Nick (the owner at ARH) at Carlisle, and feel his headers are the best choice.
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Old Sep 14, 2015 | 12:48 PM
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Originally Posted by POLOVETTE 94
Most say the shorties give you nothing, except sometimes a poor fit. I have the Hooker shorties, and noticed a huge seat of the pants gain. Of course, I put them on when I went from stock to a 383 with a supercharger, so that may have had something to do with the gain
That was when I still had to pass the emissions sniff test. Now I have historic tags and no longer have to take the test, so I will be going with the ARH full length headers, as soon as I have the cash. I have done my research, seen them in person, and met Nick (the owner at ARH) at Carlisle, and feel his headers are the best choice.
Thanks for the reply!
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Old Sep 14, 2015 | 05:42 PM
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Originally Posted by GRKLGHTNG
Thanks for the reply!
You get what you pay for. I am running Melrose long tube and happy with everything except there coating which didn't last to long on the bottom (road side) and the collectors. If you are all stock and don't know about how long you will keep it then I would wait and decide down the road if you do other mods. I would then go long tube for sure and you will also need the pipes that go around the trans so you mite be better off with a complete kit.
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Old Sep 14, 2015 | 08:01 PM
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Originally Posted by C4vettrn
You get what you pay for. I am running Melrose long tube and happy with everything except there coating which didn't last to long on the bottom (road side) and the collectors. If you are all stock and don't know about how long you will keep it then I would wait and decide down the road if you do other mods. I would then go long tube for sure and you will also need the pipes that go around the trans so you mite be better off with a complete kit.
Thank you for the input Definitely right about the, you get what you pay for.
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Old Sep 14, 2015 | 08:37 PM
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Many years ago I put shorties on my LT1 and found no improvement in 1/4 mile time or fuel mileage.
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Old Sep 16, 2015 | 11:13 AM
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Originally Posted by ckp
Many years ago I put shorties on my LT1 and found no improvement in 1/4 mile time or fuel mileage.
Ok, maybe I'm seeing a trend here So, if I got this straight, shorty's don't do Sugar Honey Ice Tea
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Old Sep 16, 2015 | 08:57 PM
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Originally Posted by GRKLGHTNG
Ok, maybe I'm seeing a trend here So, if I got this straight, shorty's don't do Sugar Honey Ice Tea
I put JBA shorty headers on my 96 C4. I had some other bolt on mods but there was a 10-15 hp improvement after a Dyno Tune. The motor was close to being an LT4. Not quite.
End result was 396 rwhp. 397 ft. lbs. torque.
My motto is a lot of small things end up to a big improvement.
Car ran in the high 12's.
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Old Sep 16, 2015 | 08:58 PM
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Originally Posted by GRKLGHTNG
Ok, maybe I'm seeing a trend here So, if I got this straight, shorty's don't do Sugar Honey Ice Tea
look for OBX headers for your car. long tubes. Cheap and stainless steel.
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Old Sep 17, 2015 | 12:31 AM
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Originally Posted by pologreen1
look for OBX headers for your car. long tubes. Cheap and stainless steel.
Hi there, I've heard varying things about the OBX headers here on the forum. So I'm a little hesitant to go with them. Can't remember from your past posts, do you run those?
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Old Sep 17, 2015 | 09:28 PM
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Originally Posted by GRKLGHTNG
Hi there, I've heard varying things about the OBX headers here on the forum. So I'm a little hesitant to go with them. Can't remember from your past posts, do you run those?
Nope, I have TPIS, but I wanted OBX. People complaining buy the wrong stuff or are not use to working on these cars much. There are 3 styles for the c4. Stainless and 400 bucks is awesome. Try the 1200+ versions from the other makers and see how different they are. Probably not worth the extra money, BUT.. to each his own.
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Old Sep 18, 2015 | 10:35 PM
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Originally Posted by pologreen1
Nope, I have TPIS, but I wanted OBX. People complaining buy the wrong stuff or are not use to working on these cars much. There are 3 styles for the c4. Stainless and 400 bucks is awesome. Try the 1200+ versions from the other makers and see how different they are. Probably not worth the extra money, BUT.. to each his own.
Thank you very much for the reply and letting me know
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Old Sep 19, 2015 | 10:06 AM
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GO MELROSE and you will not be sorry
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Old Sep 19, 2015 | 04:00 PM
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Originally Posted by bangorgreg
GO MELROSE and you will not be sorry
Thanks for the info. I went to their website. The system, w/ cats, and ceramic coating of headers (only), is $1,306. For an additional $409, I can go w/ ARH's, which are regarded by many on this forum as some of the best. You also have the Stainless Works for $1,275, $31 less than the Melrose. Again thank you for the input
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Old Sep 19, 2015 | 05:10 PM
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Originally Posted by GRKLGHTNG
Thanks for the info. I went to their website. The system, w/ cats, and ceramic coating of headers (only), is $1,306. For an additional $409, I can go w/ ARH's, which are regarded by many on this forum as some of the best. You also have the Stainless Works for $1,275, $31 less than the Melrose. Again thank you for the input
Buy the OBX stainless 1 3/4 and I'll trade you the TPIS ceramic coated headers if that is what you think is better. They are known as the best fitting headers.
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Old Sep 19, 2015 | 06:10 PM
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the melorose i purchased were about $1000 delivered with wrap! Carolina Auto Masters in Durham recommended them. Very pleased!
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Old Sep 19, 2015 | 10:00 PM
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Melrose are not stainless, ARH are...depends what your looking for
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