Best value 'Shorty Header'
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,851
Likes: 1
From: San Bruno Ca
I've been using BBK's for 40,000 miles and I'm running F/I now and I have never regretted the install. I also am header wrap. The engine compartment is alot cooler now. The header wrap was installed from day one and still look new. Since these are ceramic coated there is no corrosion at all. Make sure to NOT use the cardboard gaskets that come with the kit, but to use stock GM multi layer shim gaskets. When I ran just a heads and cam set-up, they were great. Lot's of reasons to install shortys, best one is that when a clutch change time comes, you won't have to pay extra to have the headers dropped.
Last edited by Scubanme; Nov 9, 2006 at 08:13 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,298
Likes: 4
From: American Canyon Lethal Injection
Originally Posted by jovette
Thanks for the comments so far and I respect your opinion, however, I don't want to change gears, and I don't want to install long tube headers.
I am interested in comments from those members who have first hand experience with Short Tube headers and who are willing to share their observations and opinions regarding short tube header quality, price, and value.
I am interested in comments from those members who have first hand experience with Short Tube headers and who are willing to share their observations and opinions regarding short tube header quality, price, and value.
You can't go wrong with shorties....anything is better than stock exhaust. IMHO
SLPRC5
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,298
Likes: 4
From: American Canyon Lethal Injection
Originally Posted by vince3
try using the z06 manifolds.
i hear they are better than c5s plus you could get them really cheap.
Vince
i hear they are better than c5s plus you could get them really cheap.
Vince
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 104
From: Des Moines Iowa
Originally Posted by David426
Have you considered the $300.00 ebay longtubes?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,088
Likes: 2
From: tampa florida
Originally Posted by Tigershark3
Check the C5 parts for sale section. I picked up a real nice pair of B&B shorties for $350 delivered. I agree with your logic - some gains, no hassles and quieter, plus they look cool. IMHO it's a good compromise. You won't get a gear change for $350. My $.02 anyway. 
Very happy with mine. Took 3 hours to install. more hp, more mpg.
LS1 tech has a good write up on installing long tubes but it also works for the shortys as well. Spent 400.00 here on the forums they are ceramic coated. I wouldn't buy new though. go used. You will need some bolts from home depot to connect the headers to the factory pipes. If you have any other questions pm me and I can help out. I just did this install about a month ago.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,298
Likes: 4
From: American Canyon Lethal Injection
Originally Posted by arrowpc
Very happy with mine. Took 3 hours to install. more hp, more mpg.
LS1 tech has a good write up on installing long tubes but it also works for the shortys as well. Spent 400.00 here on the forums they are ceramic coated. I wouldn't buy new though. go used. You will need some bolts from home depot to connect the headers to the factory pipes. If you have any other questions pm me and I can help out. I just did this install about a month ago.
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 315
Likes: 1
From: Temecula CA
Originally Posted by SleeperC5
I also heard that if you get the ZO6 manifolds ported they will put out just as much HP as a set of shorties.
- I have a set being ported right now - will put them in over Thanksgiving.
I am trying to get my Honker in and a tune before hand, which will give me a base dyno run, then add the ported exhaust manifolds.
If this helps then I will have saved a lot of money over even good used shorties
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,094
Likes: 5
From: The 7th layer of hell - Western Washington
I happen to have a pair of '02 Z06 exhaust manifolds for sale if you are interested...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1540179
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1540179
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 104
From: Des Moines Iowa
Originally Posted by Moval49er
We shall soon see
- I have a set being ported right now - will put them in over Thanksgiving.
I am trying to get my Honker in and a tune before hand, which will give me a base dyno run, then add the ported exhaust manifolds.
If this helps then I will have saved a lot of money over even good used shorties
- I have a set being ported right now - will put them in over Thanksgiving.
I am trying to get my Honker in and a tune before hand, which will give me a base dyno run, then add the ported exhaust manifolds.
If this helps then I will have saved a lot of money over even good used shorties
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
I have the bbk shorties and I did them with a combination of exhaust and intake mods and I must say I think they help more than people give them credit for. I mean I did my entire exhaust with brand new parts for less than it would have cost for a great set of LT's. My car is a 98 6 spd. and with just bolt on and no tune I have run 12.60's @ 114 mph(street tires). I also get 32-33 mpg on the highway with the A/C on, averaging over 80 mph. I think that shorties are worth it if you don't spend a ton on them, especially if your going to continue to mod it out. Just my $.02
Russ
Russ
Team Owner
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21,473
Likes: 356
From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
I will be watching 
this thread for results! Because I too am debating shorties just because of California Smog!
I too will be interested in te Dyno numbers so please post those results!
Thanks,Matt
this thread for results! Because I too am debating shorties just because of California Smog! I too will be interested in te Dyno numbers so please post those results!
Thanks,Matt
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 315
Likes: 1
From: Temecula CA
Originally Posted by jovette
I am very interested in hearing what your results are. Please keep us all informed.
Just to keep the thread going - received the ported manifolds today. Now, for a tune and dyno - I'll be in touch
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,276
Likes: 227
From: Farmington CT
Cruise-In VII Veteran
I have ZERO experience w/ the shorty headers on the c5, IMHO the stock 01-04 manifolds would do a good job vs. the shorties
Z06 only manifold?: No, ALL 01-04 cars have the same cast iron manifolds
Z06 only manifold?: No, ALL 01-04 cars have the same cast iron manifolds
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 315
Likes: 1
From: Temecula CA
Originally Posted by Steve@CTCorvette
I have ZERO experience w/ the shorty headers on the c5, IMHO the stock 01-04 manifolds would do a good job vs. the shorties
Z06 only manifold?: No, ALL 01-04 cars have the same cast iron manifolds
Z06 only manifold?: No, ALL 01-04 cars have the same cast iron manifolds
Absolutely true - mine is a coupe. I got the extra manis from a 2002 Z06 so I could still run while getting them ported.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 104
From: Des Moines Iowa
Originally Posted by Moval49er
Just to keep the thread going - received the ported manifolds today. Now, for a tune and dyno - I'll be in touch
Great! Am looking forward to your report after your tune and dyno session!!!!!!