Shorty vs Long Tube Headers

[Jefe]

OK guys and gals, I am having a delima here and need some advice. First off I understand that long tube headers give you more horsepower and some people say shorties are a waste of money. However, I live in Southern California and our wonderful state had decided that CARB numbers are required for smog inspections. Yes I know it is a bunch of #&(*&$ but we have to live with it until the law is changed. I truly want to put long tubes on but can not find a set that has CARB numbers. Now for my questions. 1- Does anyone know if there are long tubes available with CARB numbers? 2 - What are the advantages to shorties? 3- Is there a significant change is sound with shorties?

Jefe

 

[warren s]

Small change with shorty headers in power, about 10 maybe, I could not hear any sound differance on LS1 cars with them and the rest of the exhaust system unchanged behind the converter.

I dont think 10 hp is even going to make a timeslip differance, and the exhaust manifolds on the LS1 are pretty efficiant. AS the shorties are around $400 its up to you if its worth it.

 

[Vettelt193]

basically, corvettes already come with a version of shorty headers... don't waste your money unless you have heavy mods that really require it... like a supercharger... until then the extra flow won't do you much good. There are other mods that give a better bang for the buck.

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
Well, that is a very open ended question really, so here are some facts about headers.
Every one has ups and downs, but basic air flow principles apply, the longer the header, the more peak power they make. The shorter the header, the more they increase low rpm throttle response.
Numbers NEVER tell the whole story, in any case.
Being that you are in CA, headers that carry a CARB E.O. number are critical to your mod.
B&B shorty headers carry such a number, and function very well, with a good aftermarket exhaust. While an X pipe is NOT totally necessary, some people also install one, not knowing that it DOES, in every case, void the converter warranty, as soon as the pipes are cut.
Low rpm and midrange is increased, however, the throttle response definately is better. Numbers are only 10-15 horse, however, all installs that I have done, the owners are very happy, with no down sides noted.
Long tube headers produce great power in the upper rpm ranges, however, some have been known to set check engine lights, and I am NOT aware of one long tube header manufacturer that carries a CARB number. Throttle response is normally a little lagging with long tubes, until you get to the upper rpm ranges, like above 3000.
So, with that, research further, and you may be surprized at what you may find.
Sound, more so than anything else, depends on your muffler systems.
Installation of the headers takes about 2.5 hours, with a lift.
Long tubes can take as long as 6 hours.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[Edmond]

Installation of the headers takes about 2.5 hours, with a lift.
Long tubes can take as long as 6 hours.
Allthebest, c4c5

Wow, that is a lot of work. So do you really need a lift or does that make life easier?

 

[Jefe]

Thanks c4c5specialist. That is exactly what I needed to know. Now comes the hard part. Convincing the wife!!

Jefe

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI Edmond,
Well, for shorties, no, you really dont need a lift, however, it makes it a little better.
Long tubes require a lift, for the assemblies are very awkward.
Jefe, if I may, what happened with your HVAC problem???????
Is it fixed???????
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[Jefe]

c4c5specialist,
You were exactly right. It was a vaccum leak. I fixed the leak and now my HVAC works perfectly. Thanks a million.

Jefe