[Z06] Shorty Headers
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 35,874
Likes: 1,600
From: Honolulu HI
Shorty Headers
Anybody running them and pleased with the results? 
I have an '03Z and I'm looking to pick up some used shorties (JBA or B&B) if I can find a deal that makes it worthwhile. I know everyone will say go LT, but I'm in CA and I'm tired of owning vehicles that are a PITA to pass smog inspections here...so I'm looking to go with a pair of Shorties that have a CARB EO#.
I've done the search on Shorties, and most comments I see are those that say "go LT" instead. Not an option for me...so I'd prefer to hear from folks running shorties. Any input would be appreciated...Dyno, SOTP, etc.
I have an '03Z and I'm looking to pick up some used shorties (JBA or B&B) if I can find a deal that makes it worthwhile. I know everyone will say go LT, but I'm in CA and I'm tired of owning vehicles that are a PITA to pass smog inspections here...so I'm looking to go with a pair of Shorties that have a CARB EO#.
I've done the search on Shorties, and most comments I see are those that say "go LT" instead. Not an option for me...so I'd prefer to hear from folks running shorties. Any input would be appreciated...Dyno, SOTP, etc.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
There are plenty of people who need to use shorty headers (CA) or went to shorty headers by choice. I live in an area w/o emissions requirements...for now...but it's coming.
For that reason, my choice would also be shorty headers. I've decided on the B&B headers because they are located only 100 miles away. And if emissions does come my way someday, the CARB sticker will be worth it.
In the past whenever someone asks the question, there are always those who say "use long tubes" instead of answering the question. It ends up being a debate. That's fine and that's their choice. But, it doesn't work for everyone. There are plenty of reasons to select shorty headers, especially for a DIY installation by someone who doesn't want to deal with all of the issues of long tube headers.
My only suggestion is to use "jba headers" or "b&b headers" or "shorty headers" as keywords and just be patient reading through the BS to find what you're seeking...
For that reason, my choice would also be shorty headers. I've decided on the B&B headers because they are located only 100 miles away. And if emissions does come my way someday, the CARB sticker will be worth it.
In the past whenever someone asks the question, there are always those who say "use long tubes" instead of answering the question. It ends up being a debate. That's fine and that's their choice. But, it doesn't work for everyone. There are plenty of reasons to select shorty headers, especially for a DIY installation by someone who doesn't want to deal with all of the issues of long tube headers.
My only suggestion is to use "jba headers" or "b&b headers" or "shorty headers" as keywords and just be patient reading through the BS to find what you're seeking...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,151
Likes: 0
From: KaLiFoRnIa
yes California sucks!! but you can go long tubes if you want. changing them back to stock one a year or every other year isnt that bad.
so many people in california have them and get away with them no problem.
just a thought
so many people in california have them and get away with them no problem.
just a thought
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 939
Likes: 0
From: Clarksville TN
From what I understand.....Being LSx cars for the last 10 years is that shorty headers are a waste of time and money. Go long tube or not at all. JMHO
Or just move away from the socialist republic of califormia.
Or just move away from the socialist republic of califormia.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,773
Likes: 2
From: San Diego CA
I went with the B&B shorty headers. I picked them over the JBA because they were a stepped design with equal length tubes. The JBA weren't equal length tubes.
I mostly went for them to stay CARB compliant, I like the looks of headers vs stock manifolds (got mine jet hot coated), and wanted to offset some of the extra weight my KB supercharger added to the front end.
FWIW...... good luck....
I mostly went for them to stay CARB compliant, I like the looks of headers vs stock manifolds (got mine jet hot coated), and wanted to offset some of the extra weight my KB supercharger added to the front end.
FWIW...... good luck....
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 35,874
Likes: 1,600
From: Honolulu HI
I went with the B&B shorty headers. I picked them over the JBA because they were a stepped design with equal length tubes. The JBA weren't equal length tubes.
I mostly went for them to stay CARB compliant, I like the looks of headers vs stock manifolds (got mine jet hot coated), and wanted to offset some of the extra weight my KB supercharger added to the front end.
FWIW...... good luck....
I mostly went for them to stay CARB compliant, I like the looks of headers vs stock manifolds (got mine jet hot coated), and wanted to offset some of the extra weight my KB supercharger added to the front end.
FWIW...... good luck....
I think I would prefer to go with B&B over JBA as well, but based on everything I read, I don't know if they truly make more HP. I think I can find a better deal on used JBA's than I can on B&B, so if the end result is the same...I'd rater save a few bucks.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,773
Likes: 2
From: San Diego CA
It could have very easily all been in my head..
But I do like the looks, and there was an obvious difference in the weight....
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: NC
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Shortys
I had JBA shortys on my 03Z. You will notice a change in sound and I could feel some difference in performance. Later had the car tuned and came up with 370/364. Did not have a stock dyno number to compare it to. Later I switched to LG Pro long tubes and made 380/370.
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Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 35,874
Likes: 1,600
From: Honolulu HI
Anybody else have similar results from JBA or B&B shorties? So far they sound worthwhile for those that must deal with strict smog laws.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 782
Likes: 0
From: Ga
fwiw myself and two other friends of mine have a set of the bbk shorties and they work great. good fit and finish and they installed very easily. plus they are very affordable and look great, and they DO flow better then the stock manifolds. hope this helps
