Shorty Headers (Pro's and Con's)

[Jazz]

I installed some BBK shorty headers last fall, mostly due to my factory manifolds having the bolts broken when removing the heads. I didn't go with long tubes because of clearance issues under the car.

What I like best about the BBK kit is the Y pipe is a much larger and better flowing design. Also plugs are easier to change. I'm reading a LOT of opinions however that they don't add much horsepower at all.... 5 to 10 versus 20 to 30 for long tubes. Anyone here have dyno numbers to back up the claim? Just curious to get some opinions.

[travisnd]

I've got longtubes.....in my research years ago, it seemed like everyone said that shortys were worthless. If you going to take the trouble to change them out, might as well do longtubes and do it once and be done with it. I've got QTP longtubes and I love em!

[grn95t/a]

:agree:

i have the cheap ole longtube pace****ters and love them. they fit excellent and no leaks! ( knock on wood!! ) used there ypipe also. but if you go this route make sure you change your motor mounts to poly's at the same time. for two reasons. easier with the exhaust out and if you don't the y-pipe will bang the floor.

[Jazz]

Long tubes are a lot more expensive package. I think when I build a motor I might switch to them but I'll need to do the entire exhaust system to match. The shorties I have (BBK) sound and look good but I agree they probably don't add much real horsepower. I do think the Y Pipe ads something though and I bet the combination of headers and Y Pipe is probably worth 10 to 15 over stock but are not nearly as good as long tubes. I suppose getting some dyno numbers will help me put it into perspective...

[The_rabbit1]

easiest to get the y-pipe with headers, seen too many people trying to custom fit a y pipe being cheap about it only to lose clearance, time and money, not to mention those few horses noone wants to do without.

as for the question I'd rather do longtubes, shorty's have proven better than stock but the longer the pipes the better the dyno reading.

[Jazz]

Yeah, I agree. I wasn't ready to make the jump to long tubes at the time though. I can't see how they wouldn't be a gain over stock, even if just from weight savings since I assume they are lighter than the cast iron.

[ujokin2]

Sigh...the Long tubes gives us New Mopar guy headaches due to CEL's. Though we are now able to disable them through the Diablo programmer.

The long tubes gives me trouble on the speed bumps as the clearance to the ground is very limited. I also have to be carefull to ensure I do not park on high dry grass. ( that is another story one day)

[grn95t/a]

Long tubes are a lot more expensive package. I think when I build a motor I might switch to them but I'll need to do the entire exhaust system to match. The shorties I have (BBK) sound and look good but I agree they probably don't add much real horsepower. I do think the Y Pipe ads something though and I bet the combination of headers and Y Pipe is probably worth 10 to 15 over stock but are not nearly as good as long tubes. I suppose getting some dyno numbers will help me put it into perspective...

man the pacesetter are priced pretty cheap. this is whats on mine. less than 500 bones for both the headers and ypipe.

http://store.summitracing.com/compare.asp?part=PSM%2D82%2D1161&N=700+115

[socalmach]

Longtubes or no tubes. IMO.

[Jazz]

It looks like the modern cast manifolds simply aren't a huge restriction so not much gain for the shorties, but I still suggest that the stock Y pipe offers a huge restriction compared to the aftermarket ones. In the case of the LT1 the headers also increase clearance for changing plugs so they have some advantages still.

[socalmach]

That is true.

[slow-v6]

I have the Mac Mids on mine and love them.. No clearence issues, no Pipe rubbing, and were under 400.00 for headers and cated y-pipe.. Installed in about 4 hours and never had a problem.. Been on the car for 2 years now.. I made 325rwhp before with LM and Lid and after made 339rwhp untuned.. They are almost as long as Longtubes and alot longer then shorties.. You dont even need to extend the O2 Sensor wires To install them..

[novajoe]

There is no question that long tube headers are better. But if your motor needs to go with that much exaust flow is a diferant question. on a stock motor you may lose HP due to too little back preasure. So the question should be more directed dose your motor need long tube headers.

On a side note I am glad I am not the only person to set the yard on fire! LOL

[Smoke Panther]

the only reason I have shorty headers is because that's all they made for my car, at the time. If LT's were an option for my platform, I definately would have those instead

[slow-v6]

the only reason I have shorty headers is because that's all they made for my car, at the time. If LT's were an option for my platform, I definately would have those instead

I know how you feel.. I had those crappy RK sport Heads on mine because they were the only header out for my car at the time..

[Firesilverlullaby]

Go with long tubes im sure you wont regret it. i dont have any clearance issues, is your car lowered at all?