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

Shorty header install?

Old Apr 2, 2004 | 06:03 PM
  #1  
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St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Default Shorty header install?

Well its finally warming up enough here to work on car, other than wax and clean, no heated garage yet. QUESTION-How hard is it to install shorties and anything I have to be careful of? Any special gasket better than another? Any pics? Thanks :cheers:
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Old Apr 2, 2004 | 06:22 PM
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Default Re: Shorty header install? (bizaro1234)

I asked a similar question about a year ago and was told by many people that I should wait until I can get a set of full length headers, that shorties have NO performance benefit over stock manifolds.. I was shocked, but it seemed to be the consensus... It was ok, too, I only wanted to do the job once, it looks like a serious PITA :yesnod:
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Old Apr 2, 2004 | 08:32 PM
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Default Re: Shorty header install? (JB666)

I asked a similar question about a year ago and was told by many people that I should wait until I can get a set of full length headers, that shorties have NO performance benefit over stock manifolds.. I was shocked, but it seemed to be the consensus... It was ok, too, I only wanted to do the job once, it looks like a serious PITA :yesnod:
:iagree:
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Old Apr 3, 2004 | 12:21 AM
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Default Re: Shorty header install? (Corvette Kid NC)

The LT1 stock manifold are cast aren't they?

Anyways, GM used shorty tube headers on the L98 Vettes, vs. cast manifolds on the Iroc Camaros, and they claimed higher HP output. The motors themselves were exactly the same.
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Old Apr 3, 2004 | 01:03 AM
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Default Re: Shorty header install? (CentralCoaster)

The LT1 stock manifold are cast aren't they?

Anyways, GM used shorty tube headers on the L98 Vettes, vs. cast manifolds on the Iroc Camaros, and they claimed higher HP output. The motors themselves were exactly the same.
Yes, they are cast on an LT1. And I think it's a given that the shorties help a little, but very little. I think that's why most advise that for the price difference and if you're going to go through the trouble of the change, why not just get the long tubes and make a difference you can feel.
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Old Apr 3, 2004 | 12:16 PM
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Default Re: Shorty header install? (Corvette Kid NC)

The only problem with long tubes is they are not smog legal where shorties are... :mad
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Old Apr 3, 2004 | 12:29 PM
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Default Re: Shorty header install? (bizaro1234)

Long tubes aren't legal here in CA. but the shorties are. I got mine used,($250) but still new from someone who bought them and then decided to go to long tubes. They do help. See my dyno's. The hardest part is getting the EGR bracket bolt undone from the back of the engine. It can be reached best from underneath.
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Old Apr 3, 2004 | 08:52 PM
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Default Re: Shorty header install? (jstkrsn)

:cheers:
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Old Apr 3, 2004 | 09:28 PM
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Default Re: Shorty header install? (bizaro1234)

What ever header you chose shortie or long tube. DONOT use the gasket they send you with the header because they are junk (burnedout) and will eventually leak. It is a pain in the ars to replace the header gasket. Therefore use only Felpro gasket. This has happened to me and I replaced with Felpro gasket, after that I never have header gasket problem.


Bruce
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Old Apr 4, 2004 | 04:39 AM
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Default Re: Shorty header install? (bizaro1234)

Copper or aluminum header gaskets will also do the trick... and most are reusable. :thumbs:
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Old Apr 4, 2004 | 08:51 AM
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Default Re: Shorty header install? (jstkrsn)

They do help. See my dyno's.
5 horsepower and 14 pounds of torque? That's a whole lot of money for a very little gain. Granted every little bit helps, but long tubes are certainly the best bang for the buck. Unless of course you live in California, then you just have to make do with what you can.
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Old Apr 4, 2004 | 09:13 AM
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Default Re: Shorty header install? (Nathan Plemons)

Unless of course you live in California, then you just have to make do with what you can.
It's sad that that's what it has come to in the birth place of hot-rodding. There is no reason in the world that headers should hurt emmissions on a well tuned engine. Another case of big brother knowing what's best for us in his &%#@? stupid opinion. We in the east have an old saying about California, "California is like a bowl of cereal, take away the fruits and the nuts and all you have left is flakes." Now don't flame me, my CA brethern, I only think it applies to the politicos running the show out there! Damn shrub-huggers.........
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