Longtube or Shorty headers for side pipes

[Macgyver]

I got her running but the exhaust manifolds are cracked where the heat risers meet them and are shooting out some nasty smoke. I have the longtube headers in the garage chomping at the bit but now that I see some side pipes that are a great price I might aswell just wait some more and do it all at the same time.

Which ones would be better though as far as performance, aftermarket shorty headers or the longtube ones? Im sure the shorty ones are better as far as fitting them up together but I dont want to loose torque or performance going with the longtube ones.

What are the chances of breaking a bolt off inthe head if I was to do the swap myself? If youi have a shop do it for you and they break a bolt off are they going to tell you when you go to pick it up and say that its going to add $600 to the bill or is that their fault and not extra?

 

[GerryLP]

Mac,

That's a tough one. I guess it depends on the state laws, but without getting too complicated, I would just discuss those situations up-front with the shop, and get it in writing that they'll do any repair resulting from the breaking of the bolts or damage related to the maintenance performed. The key is to get it in writing.

As far as torque loss, I understood that the shorty's tend to rob you some torque. Maybe someone else can back-up my opinion, but I think that that's the way it is.

If you're L81 is stock, the you should probably stick with the 1 & 5/8' lead pipes and no more than 2 1/2" collectors. There was some discussion here how the exhaust manifolds from an 82 are best for substituting, but they're hard to get.

 

[bossvette]

If you are going to use GM side pipes or simular you will be better off with shortie headers. Hooker sidepipes come with the headers and are large tube.

 

[BeaterShark]

If going with side pipes, get side pipe headers.

Normal headers come off of the head and then have a 90* bend towards the rear of the car. Side pipe headers will come off of the head and then have a 90* bend towards the side of the car.

Here is a pic of the side pipe headers:

 

[bossvette]

If going with side pipes, get side pipe headers.

Normal headers come off of the head and then have a 90* bend towards the rear of the car. Side pipe headers will come off of the head and then have a 90* bend towards the side of the car.

Who makes those headers? I would love to use GM sidepipes, but went with hookers because I didn't want to use shorties or stock manifolds.
thanks
Craig sr.

 

[BeaterShark]

I stole that pic so I really don't know what header that is.

The only one I've seen is:
Headman: http://store.summitracing.com/defau...part&searchtype=both&part=HED-68280&x=14&y=12HED-68280

My guess this is it with a ceramic coating.

 

[Robin7TFour]

SHEESH!!. i spent all that time making my pipes fit the headers.well now i am wiser for the next time!

dooophus

 

[GerryLP]

Wow! That's a sick intake manifold, beater!

 

[kpic]

According to the ad at Summit "Tuned: No" and Material: Steel. However, they can be plated.

Jet Hot coatings (ceramic) has an excellent reputation.