I'm beginning my search for a pair of headers for my '03.
I'm seeing people using terms like "short" & "long tube" for headers & I haven't clue #1 what that means. :rolleyes:

Also, what're the advantage(s) & or disadvatntages between the two types?

Thanks for any & all assistance. :chevy

 

Short tubes: dont do it; isnt worth the money. Thats all you need to know.

Long tubes: will pick up 15-30 peak hp and a significant amount of mid range torque.

 

I do not have first hand experience, but from my reading:

the short tube headers are just that -- short in length, and generally remain inside the engine compartment . They are easier to install and do not move the position of the forward O2 sensor, so they are more likely to be "smog legal". They also do not do much.

The long tube headers are long and generally extend well under the floor boards. This means that the forward O2 sensor needs to be relocated on to one of the header tubes. Since it is then not subjected to the full flow of exhaust gases from all cylinders, it does not represent the true exhaust O2 reading. This usually makes no difference as far as the engine is concerned, but makes it less likely to please the smog police and therefore is not usually smog legal.

The long tubes are tuned for maximum scavening of exhaust gases (which cannot be done with a short tube) and therefore give better HP gains. However, since they extend under the floor boards they will heat up the floor under the seats which may be noticable and may increase the inside temp of the cockpit. And they may require cutting the existing exhaust pipe to fit, unless they include adapters to replace the existing exhaust.

[Modified by tpocock, 4:38 PM 9/23/2003]


[Modified by tpocock, 5:06 PM 9/23/2003]


[Modified by tpocock, 5:08 PM 9/23/2003]

 

Increased performance requires long tube headers and there are many of them out there. You need to decide if you want them to be stainless steel or coated mild steel or uncoated mild steel or coated stainless steel - get the idea? And then you need to decide if you want to eliminate the factory cats and install aftermarket hight flow cats or go catless [illegal].

My advice [since I did it] is to look at Stainless Works long tube headers. I have them on my 2002 C5 and like them a lot. They require welding to install and the elimination of pre cats on late model Vettes. The workmanship on mine was like art and the fit and install was not remarkable. Check with Matt at Stainless Works. No I don't get a commission.

 

:iagree: :iagree: :iagree:

Also if you're looking at headers you should get high flow catylitic (spelling :hat ?) to go along with.

 

Long Tube headers are the way to go. Excellent explanations above :yesnod: .LG Motorsport LTs are the best in terms of HP and low end torque. They are also the costliest due to the use of true "Merge" collectors.
Merge collectors create an area of negative pressure to help (increase) scavenging. Unfortunately merge collectors are costly to produce.
LGM also manufactures a lower priced Header system to compete with Non- Merge headers.
They are a Forum vendor...just click on their sponsor link to the left. Hope this helps some.

 

Hi GUys,

Header posts are like a "Magnet" to me :lol:

Even our LG Pro Long Tube headers have "Merge" collectors, but they are now machine made to reduce the cost.

Ours are 304 stainless steel with 32" primaries, Merge collectors 3" X pipe with 3" mid pipes that is a full bolt on NO welding required. And also available with Cats.

Our 02 sensors DO go into the collectors and read all 4 cylinders. We just use a longer 02 sensor with a long wire to reach.

Thanks
Lou Gigliotti LGM

 

Go with the LG Pro Longtube header package. It includes everything back to the over axle pipe, requires no welding, and is all Stainless Steel. I love mine and they gave me a 25RWHP increase and my times at the dragstrip dropped from a 13.4@107mph to 12.7@114.5mph with some dyno tuning. They might be pricey, but you get what you pay for, and these are the best. I almost went with the Stainless Works system, but they do not have nearly as long of primary tubes nor do they have merge collectors. Good luck in your search. :cheers: