How much HP gain by adding shorty headers?
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: College Station Tx
Re: How much HP gain by adding shorty headers? (Goody)
You couldn't net enough hp to justify installing shorties. Long tubes are good for a solid 15-25hp (that's a low end estimate). It really will depend on what's behind the headers as to how much hp you will gain. Long tubes are the only way to go. I wouldn't put anyting but TPIS headers on either.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,212
Likes: 10
From: Sun City West Az
Re: How much HP gain by adding shorty headers? (1990z)
I'm running shorty JBA's..and I feel they are more of a hassle than their worth. they look good but I think they (along with the open lid K&N) have caused some timing / fuel issues with my ECM. Just my $.02 worth.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,661
Likes: 4
From: Phoenix, Arizona
Re: How much HP gain by adding shorty headers? (JDANNER)
Roughly 5-7 is pretty close. I gained 6.9 on my LT4. I'm going to longtubes when the 383 is done. Interested in a set of slightly used Hooker SuperComps - coated?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,032
Likes: 2,510
From: ...tearing up the highways, one state at a time™®©
Re: How much HP gain by adding shorty headers? (NavyVet)
Roughly 5-7 is pretty close. I gained 6.9 on my LT4. I'm going to longtubes when the 383 is done. Interested in a set of slightly used Hooker SuperComps - coated?
5-7 hp is not worth the headache of headers IMO :flag
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 4,623
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
Re: How much HP gain by adding shorty headers? (JDANNER)
Don't waste your time and $$$. Headers are a major PITA to install. To go throught all that aggrevation for minimal HP is nowhere near worth it. Get some gears in it and feel the Tq.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: Pitman NJ
Re: How much HP gain by adding shorty headers? (NavyVet)
Thanks for your input. I'm trying to squeeze out as much power as I can from my LT1 with bolt-on's before I jump in the deep end of the HP pool and do Heads & Cam or even Gears. I've got two sets of cat's one for emissions and a 2nd set gutted for the track. Plus I've installed 1.6 roller rockers, under drive pulley, open air box, Hyperteck programer, you know all the little tricks. So far nothing has been a big $$$ hit, but I'm left with not much else to do but headers. How much time did you have on your shorties and what do you want for them? Thanks again for your input! :cheers:
