Shorty headers for base C6
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Shorty headers for base C6
I am sure this has been brought up many times so forgive me but I am trying to find the easiest bolt on shorty headers that can reuse the cats and the rest of the current exhaust. I have read that it is not worth doing but I don't want the hassle or the expense of doing longtube headers. I want a little more sound and a better look under the hood. Have any of you done short tube headers and if so what brand did you use and was it an easy install? Thank you in advance for any replies
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,485
Likes: 713
From: Sausalito CA
I added shorties back in year 2005...can't recall the brand, would have to research records.
At the same time I added Random Technologies Hi Flow cats.
Yes less weight and a slight tone change, bit no loudness change IMO.
I did the install in my garage...jacks stand height and header install mostly from the top.
Issues as I recall.
1) I made (outlined old ones and cut) exhaust gaskets from bulk gasket material as opposed to re-use or new OEM gaskets (new OEM many recommend). Also the donut gaskets should be replaced for a 100% job.
2) Some of the manifold and exhaust piping studs need a good soaking of Liquid Wrench or similar before removal.
3) Oil dip stick tube I recall was finicky (also could use a new o-ring) to install and one bolt (header to head) for this tube mount was difficult to access.
4) I don't recall a need to remove the tunnel plate for this install as loosening the catalytic convert section is accessible.
5) FWIW Jet Hot coating the headers before installation could be a good thing for extending life and a + for appearance.
Never the less...simple enough to DIY in your home garage.
Good luck
At the same time I added Random Technologies Hi Flow cats.
Yes less weight and a slight tone change, bit no loudness change IMO.
I did the install in my garage...jacks stand height and header install mostly from the top.
Issues as I recall.
1) I made (outlined old ones and cut) exhaust gaskets from bulk gasket material as opposed to re-use or new OEM gaskets (new OEM many recommend). Also the donut gaskets should be replaced for a 100% job.
2) Some of the manifold and exhaust piping studs need a good soaking of Liquid Wrench or similar before removal.
3) Oil dip stick tube I recall was finicky (also could use a new o-ring) to install and one bolt (header to head) for this tube mount was difficult to access.
4) I don't recall a need to remove the tunnel plate for this install as loosening the catalytic convert section is accessible.
5) FWIW Jet Hot coating the headers before installation could be a good thing for extending life and a + for appearance.
Never the less...simple enough to DIY in your home garage.
Good luck
Last edited by Kenny94945; Apr 16, 2019 at 06:09 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 942
Likes: 171
I installed last year the Hooker Black Heart short header that retains the factory cats, easy install 3-4 hours. I used them for the exact reasons you stated and have been very happy with them. Search shorty headers in this forum for info
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,444
Likes: 371
From: Maryville TN
St. Jude Donor '06-13,'16-'17, '19
Don't waste your money on "shorties". They add no additional power/torque at all. Don't take my word for it, do a search.
Tom
Tom
Last edited by TCW; Apr 17, 2019 at 04:25 PM.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 942
Likes: 171
Please re-read the OP original post, he's not looking to make the most HP possible. He is simply looking for looks, easy install and cost, all a short tube header offers. I agree a Z06 manifold would be as good or better in the performance aspect but not in the looks dept. A short tube header will offer idle to mid rpm range performance over base manifolds, easy install and no tune. A long tube will absolutely make more power (with a tune) in the mid to high rpm range, but not where most of us daily drive.....so what's the point?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
About 70% of the power gain compared to long tubes and if you want underhood bling, just polish the stainless heatshield to a mirror finish.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 410
Likes: 9
My wish is that someone or magazine like SuperChevy will do a before/after reading with the Blackheart shorty for our edification. I’m one that subscribes to the $100/ hp theory concerning peripheral add ons so if you get 7-9 hp from the shorties ( with out a tune)as well as easier installation it is a win.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 22,259
Likes: 1,678
From: South Carolina
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,651
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 13,262
Likes: 3,150
From: SW Florida
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
This thread is another example of a brand new forum member coming in here and asking for help with a question .... and then after receiving advice, he never comes back to the thread he started.
It's been 8 days now since the OP initially asked for help, and he is gone !
Good Manners ! !
It's been 8 days now since the OP initially asked for help, and he is gone !
Good Manners ! !
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
A Google/Yahoo search for "polishing stainless steel" brought up pages of info instantly.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 35,874
Likes: 1,600
From: Honolulu HI
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...nd-h-pipe.html
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/hok-70301303rhkr
Used...sure. But shorties would be mated up to an owners used cats/midpipe. The LS7 example I posted has 20K miles...who knows if OP's mileage is more or less than that.
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 11
Likes: 3
No...~$300 vs ~$800.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...nd-h-pipe.html
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/hok-70301303rhkr
Used...sure. But shorties would be mated up to an owners used cats/midpipe. The LS7 example I posted has 20K miles...who knows if OP's mileage is more or less than that.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...nd-h-pipe.html
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/hok-70301303rhkr
Used...sure. But shorties would be mated up to an owners used cats/midpipe. The LS7 example I posted has 20K miles...who knows if OP's mileage is more or less than that.
i know this thread is years old but it’s tragic that it now costs more for an ls7 manifold+cats than it does just to buy the shorties. The cats cost almost double the ls7 manifold alone 😭
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,431
Likes: 233
From: Chicago Illinois
Please re-read the OP original post, he's not looking to make the most HP possible. He is simply looking for looks, easy install and cost, all a short tube header offers. I agree a Z06 manifold would be as good or better in the performance aspect but not in the looks dept. A short tube header will offer idle to mid rpm range performance over base manifolds, easy install and no tune. A long tube will absolutely make more power (with a tune) in the mid to high rpm range, but not where most of us daily drive.....so what's the point?