I have a 2004 LS1 and want to install headers. My question is: what are the pros and cons of long tube vs short tube headers?

Thanks in advance....Bop

 

LT Headers are the only way to go as the shorties do not add much other than sound

 

Try a search in C5 Tech and you'll find plenty of past discussions on shorty headers. This is a frequently asked question.
Use keywords "B&B (or BBK) shorty headers". Those seem to be the most popular manufacturers. There are advantages to them. Most of them are CARB approved if you live in a strict vehicle emissions state such as CA. Long tubes will probably not pass a thorough inspection. They're not as expensive as long tube headers if you consider the total expense. There's some good deals on shorty headers in the CF classifieds.
They can provide you with about 10hp improvement over oem, not as much as long tubes obviously, but if you plan no other modifications aside from the headers, it's better than oem.
There is a slight sound improvement according to those who've installed shorty headers, but that depends on the rest of your exhaust system.
You can probably install short tube headers yourself and they require no other modifications to the remainder of your oem exhaust system. Long tube headers will require professional or installation experience/cost if you're not capable of doing it yourself.
With shorty headers, you probably won't need to spend more money on a professional tune as you would with long tube headers to achieve full benefits and avoid annoying codes.
They do have an appearance advantage over oem. They don't hang down as some long tubes headers do which might scrape if you have already or plan to lower your car.

 

Very good wrap by hotwheels57.

One thing I might add (although your profile isn't filled out so I'mnot sure it will be helpful)... some with A4's can actually benefit more from shorties since they increase low rpm torque more than long tubes do. This is only a benefit if you do some spirited driving and not all out drag racing. For the all out folks (even A4 folks) your rpm's are high enough to make the long tubes better. This is really for us 'foagies that like to punch it from a stop now and then and not really take it over the top.

 

I wouldn't even bother with short tubes. The performance gains are very minimal for the costs and efforts involved. If you want to do headers long tubes are really the only way to go.

 

Thanks guys...long tube it is.

bop

 

Now that you have decided on long tubes...
There is a relatively short list of favorites on the forum...
Alphabetically
American Racing, Dynamaxx, Kooks, LG

Among those Amercian Racing currently are very popular due to construction, fit, HP & Torque across the power band, installation ease and price.

 

But if your in California, hint fill out your profile , you wont pass emissions with LT headers.

 

Chuck

 

I'm getting ready to have long tubes with hi-flo cats and x-pipe installed. Seems like a good bang for the buck to me.