Headers: Shortys vs Long Tube
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 64
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From: Battle Creek MI
Headers: Shortys vs Long Tube
Well, I have info for a new exhaust system except the header option. What are the pro and cons of each, I am clueless. Also, what is a good brand and source.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 27,818
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From: CT
Headers: Shortys vs Long Tube
Long tube headers are the ONLY way to go if you're looking for every ounce of power possible. TPIS, LPE, RIPPIE to name a few are good brands. I have the LPE 1"3/4 and am quite happy with the performance they give. Tube size will vary depending on cubes and power output. If you're using mild bolt on's or up to 400 hp 1"5/8's will be fine. Anything above that, I'd go to 1"3/4. Also, DEFINITELY get the optional coating.
Good luck,and I am certain more will chime in with helpful information.
Jay
Good luck,and I am certain more will chime in with helpful information.
Jay
Pro
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 744
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From: Houston Tx
Re: Headers: Shortys vs Long Tube (JD 90 383)
There are advantages to both. Shorties will gain very little hp (maybe 5+ on a relatively stock car) but will allow use of stock cats and a typical catback, either stock or aftermarket , without having to modify it. They are also usually legal in most states and will generally pass inspection , even in the tough states , like California. They are a bit easier to install and usually a bit cheaper as well.
Long tube headers definitely make more power (10-15+ on relatively stock cars) across a broader rpm range, and sound better. They do require use of after market cats and some custom fabbing to fit to a catback system. They are not legal in many states and therefore usually wont pass inspection if checked.
As for shorties , JBA makes a good set I beleive as do Hooker. As for long tubes TPIS , Exotic Muscle, Hooker , Lingenfelter etc. all make good sets. I would definitely get the coated ones which should significantly help with controling the heat they generate. My Exotic Muscle headers are excellent in quality and fit and produced excellent results along with my high flow cats and catback with Xpipe. Sounds great too...... :seeya
Long tube headers definitely make more power (10-15+ on relatively stock cars) across a broader rpm range, and sound better. They do require use of after market cats and some custom fabbing to fit to a catback system. They are not legal in many states and therefore usually wont pass inspection if checked.
As for shorties , JBA makes a good set I beleive as do Hooker. As for long tubes TPIS , Exotic Muscle, Hooker , Lingenfelter etc. all make good sets. I would definitely get the coated ones which should significantly help with controling the heat they generate. My Exotic Muscle headers are excellent in quality and fit and produced excellent results along with my high flow cats and catback with Xpipe. Sounds great too...... :seeya
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 4,763
Likes: 2
From: Connectivette
Re: Headers: Shortys vs Long Tube (Shriker)
..............They do require use of after market cats and some custom fabbing to fit to a catback system..........
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,184
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From: Santa Maria, CA
Re: Headers: Shortys vs Long Tube (sporanox1)
How are emissions testing in BC MI?
Here's what I did/do:
I first passed my test, then I swapped out the stock manifolds and complete system. Hooker 2149's went in and "a freind" fabricated straight pipes back to the mufflers. Big difference.
The next test isn't for another 2 years from now as they test bi-annually. I will probably swap everything back in then just to go pass the test.
Don't pay those outrageous catalog prices for a system. I'm sure you can find someone to fab a system for cheap.
BTW, if you have the 6 speed, consider welding in the O2 bung into the passenger side collector, no slave cylinder on that side/more room there. And thread in a plug on the other for future tuning :D
[Modified by 89 Paul in Cal, 1:39 AM 1/24/2003]
Here's what I did/do:
I first passed my test, then I swapped out the stock manifolds and complete system. Hooker 2149's went in and "a freind" fabricated straight pipes back to the mufflers. Big difference.
The next test isn't for another 2 years from now as they test bi-annually. I will probably swap everything back in then just to go pass the test.
Don't pay those outrageous catalog prices for a system. I'm sure you can find someone to fab a system for cheap.
BTW, if you have the 6 speed, consider welding in the O2 bung into the passenger side collector, no slave cylinder on that side/more room there. And thread in a plug on the other for future tuning :D
[Modified by 89 Paul in Cal, 1:39 AM 1/24/2003]
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Team Owner
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: Headers: Shortys vs Long Tube (sporanox1)
On an L98, 1 3/4" headers will give you about 15hp, since the L98 is so restrictive. On the 91, these headers will bolt right up, you dont have to worry about moving the converters around like you do on LT1 engines.
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 14,165
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Re: Headers: Shortys vs Long Tube (sporanox1)
I've got Hooker 2151 long tubes. They are very nice and have a bolt on flange on the collector, meaning that you can have an actual bolt on exhaust rather than the slip fit. It takes some modifications to the stock exhaust but it's nothing too serious, any good exhaust shop can do it for $50 or less.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,521
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From: West Islip New York
Re: Headers: Shortys vs Long Tube (chucks88)
Here are a couple of my TPIS headers
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 9,939
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From: South Carolina
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
Re: Headers: Shortys vs Long Tube (1MoorTym)
Do you have to use that Y Pipe or is that for the 91 and older C4's? I would like to have the slip fit over my Flowmaster catr back, after I cut the bolt on flange from the drivers side.
