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ok im wanting to buy some headers for my 03 z what my question is i know everyone will say get the 1 7/8 long tube but i want to know what size is the factory one...i saw some 1 3/4 shorty headers and they are alot cheeper but what would b the down fall to puting on a set of shorty over long tube headers..thanks
If you are after power, the shorties will be a disappointment. The scavenging that the long-tubes allow for is really noticeable on our cars. I guess a snap-shot comparison of short vs long tubes would be:
Shorties:
- make very little power difference
- easier to install
- emissions legal
LT Headers:
- significant power over stock
- more "difficult" to install (difficult is in quotes because there are some guys on this forum who can do it in their sleep, and then there's others who swear that they would rather wreck the car than re-install LT headers)
- technically not emissions legal because you move the cats
- allow for a much more pronounced exhaust note over stock headers
I'm sure the others will fill in any bits I may have left out: the diameter of the stock header tubes. That is something I don't know.
If you are after power, the shorties will be a disappointment. The scavenging that the long-tubes allow for is really noticeable on our cars. I guess a snap-shot comparison of short vs long tubes would be:
Shorties:
- make very little power difference
- easier to install
- emissions legal
LT Headers:
- significant power over stock
- more "difficult" to install (difficult is in quotes because there are some guys on this forum who can do it in their sleep, and then there's others who swear that they would rather wreck the car than re-install LT headers)
- technically not emissions legal because you move the cats
- allow for a much more pronounced exhaust note over stock headers
I'm sure the others will fill in any bits I may have left out: the diameter of the stock header tubes. That is something I don't know.
The main thing positive about shorties is that they'll dress up your engine compartment, but not much else. Long tubes are more work to install but the final result is worth the effort. The power difference is something you can actually feel, especially if you have the car tuned to utilize their full effect and make the most power. You'll probably need to be tuned anyway because many systems eliminate the rear O2's which necessitate having the car tuned so that you don't a constant check engine light. I have the LG street system with the high flow cats. I installed it myself at home on jackstands and did it over a weekend taking my time and not rushing. Along with some other bolt-ons, such as a Callaway Honker intake, there is a very noticeable power increase. I also had my car tuned by ECS and my car still passes NJ inspection.
Unless your state inspection is a real bear, I would go with the long-tubes. Any of the big-name brands work well on these cars. I currently have Kooks, but have used Hooker Super-Comps as well.
Long tubes will improve the torque curve, thus improve average power over shorties. They will also provide more potential on a highly modified car if you go down that road later. But shorties are not to far off for just a bolt-on car, as headers themselves are only good for ~15hp at the bolt on level. The extra power is from a low restriction air intake and maximizing the tune.
so i need to get the 1 7/8 or the 1 3/4... i think i will start looking for the long tubes....will i have to get a new x pipe or will they bolt up to the stock pipe..
Get some 1 3/4 longtubes unless you have big plans for this car later down the road.
And no it wont connect to the stock h pipe if you go longtubes.The majority of longtubes company come with thier x pipes that connects to the stock ti.
Last edited by 01Swc5z; Apr 13, 2012 at 10:34 PM.
Reason: number correction
I was told and got the 17/8 because they produce more torque than 13/4. Mabye i was dreaming
It all varies, depending on engine size, where you want the power, where you measure the power, and how much you're making. 1-7/8 might produce more peak torque and power on a highly modified car but doubtfully will produce more low end. One of the Fastest bolt on only C6's is on some cheap Chinese made headers that were advertised as 1-3/4 but were actually measured at 1-5/8, and has fairly short primaries
I ordered my Kooks 7/8 Longtubes incl. the X-Pipe complete in 3 inch incl. coding. Other than that I have the VARARAM Air Intake and Powerduct but I plan on a camshaft mod late this year or next year. I will dyno the car after the install and hopefully will have some nice power and sound gain! I will leave the stock TI system what I learned should be a good combination. When all of this is done I will post my experience.
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17,'19,'22
Originally Posted by nosgsxr
so i need to get the 1 7/8 or the 1 3/4... i think i will start looking for the long tubes....will i have to get a new x pipe or will they bolt up to the stock pipe..
1 3/4 headers are all you need for the C5.
I like the LG Super pros for max power. The streets are also a good value if you plan just bolt ons/mild cam. These bolt up to your stock exhaust.
Personally I'd go 1 7/8, you move your torque & HP up the powerband slightly, however you are getting the most for your $$$. 1 7/8 usually make more HP and HP wins in the 1/4.
yeah I ordered them Jet-Hot coated sterling silver 1700° for the longtubes and the X-Pipe, Maryland was giving me a pretty good price for that
Do you guys know if there is a performance difference between the Kooks or LG Headers? I was told that Kooks is the best system with the most power gain......we will see! Plus I ordered the 3inch system and 7/8, I guess this should be the best system together with my Titan stock exhaust.
My system should arrive in three weeks, then I will know more!
I have decided on shorty headers to keep it emisions legal and to keep the lightwieght Ti exhaust on my 02 Z06. I am wondering if the cost is worth it to go to the stainless steel B&B over the much cheaper and coated BBK. The B&B seem to have a much more detailed collector, but I like the idea of the ceramic coated. I know this has been discussed at length on many threads, but has anyone put on both of these and can tell me the real differences rather than just personal preferences?
looks like i will be getting the xs power headers and xpipe...any thoughts found a good deal on a used set
I have front to back XS and I love it, went through NJ inspection with nothing but compliments on it. Shorty is a waste of time IMHO, do a CAI, exhaust and a tune and you'll be happy..........for a little while........
i just installed the LG streets with high flow cats..which compliments my vararam intake very nicely...took me 12 hours not rushing anything and taking my time...i love how the cars sounds now.and the power gains were very noticeable...i have not sent my pcm to have it tuned yet..but i will in a the next few weeks