Best value 'Shorty Header'
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 104
From: Des Moines Iowa
Best value 'Shorty Header'
Interested in purchasing shorty headers for my '00, A4, Coupe, and would like to hear opinions regarding best header and where to get best price.
I know lots of members will say go long tubes, but I've decided I like the idea of the short tubes, using stock cats and O2 sensors with no codes and no leaks / hassels.
Thanks!
I know lots of members will say go long tubes, but I've decided I like the idea of the short tubes, using stock cats and O2 sensors with no codes and no leaks / hassels.
Thanks!
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 427
Likes: 0
From: Chicagoland IL
Originally Posted by kromberg
I would not waste my money on shorties. For the price, the gains is not worth it. Spent the money on something else 
Keith
Keith
For that kind of money, you're better off getting a gear.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,995
Likes: 61
From: Fort Wayne IN
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. 
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 104
From: Des Moines Iowa
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.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 785
Likes: 6
Hey jovette,
I just did the rear gear & stall & feel, like others here it is the best for an A4 as far as performance gains. Here is my take on headers for an otherwise stock C5, if you pick shorties or LT it still all in the tune. 70% of the gain you see is from the tune. I'll get flamed but it's a fact. I was going to do headers & am shying away from them until I do H/C with this car. My .02 given.
I just did the rear gear & stall & feel, like others here it is the best for an A4 as far as performance gains. Here is my take on headers for an otherwise stock C5, if you pick shorties or LT it still all in the tune. 70% of the gain you see is from the tune. I'll get flamed but it's a fact. I was going to do headers & am shying away from them until I do H/C with this car. My .02 given.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 789
Likes: 38
From: Shreveport LA
Originally Posted by patrickboyle
Hey jovette,
I just did the rear gear & stall & feel, like others here it is the best for an A4 as far as performance gains. Here is my take on headers for an otherwise stock C5, if you pick shorties or LT it still all in the tune. 70% of the gain you see is from the tune. I'll get flamed but it's a fact. I was going to do headers & am shying away from them until I do H/C with this car. My .02 given.
I just did the rear gear & stall & feel, like others here it is the best for an A4 as far as performance gains. Here is my take on headers for an otherwise stock C5, if you pick shorties or LT it still all in the tune. 70% of the gain you see is from the tune. I'll get flamed but it's a fact. I was going to do headers & am shying away from them until I do H/C with this car. My .02 given.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,561
Likes: 448
From: Atlanta metro Ga.
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.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,773
Likes: 2
From: San Diego CA
FYI... I am in Calif and cannot get long tube headers without enlisting the wrath of the SMOG monsters. Been there, done that..
I've been looking into shorty headers and the only ones I've found that are 50 states (and CARB) legal are by JBA Racing here in San Diego.
Although I've yet to get them, I contacted JBA with my concerns ("shorties don't add much HP"). They said they have had gains of "up to" 21HP & 26 ft/lbs of torque.
You can get their top of the line Headers w/ceramic coating (1817S-5JT or 1817S-5JS) for around $800 or their basic 409 stainless (1817S-5) for around $600 if you shop around the internet.
Their company is highly regarded and their workmanship/product is quality
FWIW, hope this helps
Bernie
I've been looking into shorty headers and the only ones I've found that are 50 states (and CARB) legal are by JBA Racing here in San Diego.
Although I've yet to get them, I contacted JBA with my concerns ("shorties don't add much HP"). They said they have had gains of "up to" 21HP & 26 ft/lbs of torque.
You can get their top of the line Headers w/ceramic coating (1817S-5JT or 1817S-5JS) for around $800 or their basic 409 stainless (1817S-5) for around $600 if you shop around the internet.
Their company is highly regarded and their workmanship/product is quality
FWIW, hope this helps
Bernie
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 731
Likes: 0
From: Calgary Alberta
I will have my set of ceramic coated B&B shorty headers and the matching random technology high flow cats with X-pipe set-up for sale shortly.
I have a 2000 A4, so the headers will match up with your AIR tubes.
I gained 19 hp with this set-up, but I also have the LS6 intake manifold, blackwing, and 1.8 rockers. With a stock intake and rockers, you would probaply see a 10 to 12 hp gain.
If you're interested, shoot me a PM.
I have a 2000 A4, so the headers will match up with your AIR tubes.
I gained 19 hp with this set-up, but I also have the LS6 intake manifold, blackwing, and 1.8 rockers. With a stock intake and rockers, you would probaply see a 10 to 12 hp gain.
If you're interested, shoot me a PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 104
From: Des Moines Iowa
Thanks for all the responses received thus far. Some members seem to think that B&Bs are far better than any other shorty header........I see that they are far more expensive.........is this a case of you get what you pay for?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,405
Likes: 26
From: Whippany NJ
CI 6-7-8-9 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
NCM Sinkhole Donor
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.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,561
Likes: 448
From: Atlanta metro Ga.
Originally Posted by jovette
Thanks for all the responses received thus far. Some members seem to think that B&Bs are far better than any other shorty header........I see that they are far more expensive.........is this a case of you get what you pay for?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 104
From: Des Moines Iowa
Originally Posted by hightest
I will have my set of ceramic coated B&B shorty headers and the matching random technology high flow cats with X-pipe set-up for sale shortly.
I have a 2000 A4, so the headers will match up with your AIR tubes.
I gained 19 hp with this set-up, but I also have the LS6 intake manifold, blackwing, and 1.8 rockers. With a stock intake and rockers, you would probaply see a 10 to 12 hp gain.
If you're interested, shoot me a PM.
I have a 2000 A4, so the headers will match up with your AIR tubes.
I gained 19 hp with this set-up, but I also have the LS6 intake manifold, blackwing, and 1.8 rockers. With a stock intake and rockers, you would probaply see a 10 to 12 hp gain.
If you're interested, shoot me a PM.
Yes, I am interested in purchasing these headers. Please send me an email, or PM me and lets discuss.
Thanks, John
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 143
Likes: 1
From: sacramento ca
i just installed some jba headers on my vette,
i dont have numbers to back it up but i was throttling it all day before i installed them to see how it felt on this road at what speed etc and i can tell you that the headers did make a difference. my throttle feels much more livelier especially in 4th gear which i always thought lagged.
but i got mine brand new in the box, used as in bought but not used as in used, i smelled that beautiful scent of headers warming up. i also have intake, straight pipes and an x pipe.
these headers bolted up no problem, my mechanic/buddy did it in 2 hrs flat, i timed him. he didnt remove any bolt packs or spark plugs, just the boots, the engine cover, alternator and some plastic shield around the battery.
i can tell you though, im glad i got mine for 330 with shippiing because if i were to spend north of 600.00, i would not be pleased. the exhaust note did change, not much but it has a burble to it at idle now.
now i need a tune---anyone know how much they run?
i dont have numbers to back it up but i was throttling it all day before i installed them to see how it felt on this road at what speed etc and i can tell you that the headers did make a difference. my throttle feels much more livelier especially in 4th gear which i always thought lagged.
but i got mine brand new in the box, used as in bought but not used as in used, i smelled that beautiful scent of headers warming up. i also have intake, straight pipes and an x pipe.
these headers bolted up no problem, my mechanic/buddy did it in 2 hrs flat, i timed him. he didnt remove any bolt packs or spark plugs, just the boots, the engine cover, alternator and some plastic shield around the battery.
i can tell you though, im glad i got mine for 330 with shippiing because if i were to spend north of 600.00, i would not be pleased. the exhaust note did change, not much but it has a burble to it at idle now.
now i need a tune---anyone know how much they run?
Pro
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 526
Likes: 0
From: Tampa fl
I picked up a set of B&B shorty's used on the forum and I am very happy with the quality, fit, and performance. They really woke up the sound of my Corsa Indy's. Theses headers are a great "no hassel" mod that definately made a difference in my car. I installed them myself in about 4 hrs.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,571
Likes: 1
From: st.louis mo.
Originally Posted by GONE99
I installed the B&B shorty headers on my 99 m6 along with a Blackwing inlet back in 2001. Just those changes got me to 345 rwh. They were easy to install and have held up well.
