Long tubes, mid-lengths, or shorties?

03BullittClone · 09-23-2004, 09:55 AM

I want to buy a set of headers. If you believe each manufacturer, all of the lengths build horsepower equally. What are your real life results for which is best?

ChrisXoxide · 09-23-2004, 11:56 AM

LongTubes are obviously the "best" of the three power wise, but there are some drawbacks. They are the most difficult to install (Shops might charge 300-600$ for this install), they have the worst ground clearance, and lastly, they are usually the most expensive. I would suggest them if you have a car with forced induction, or maybe nitrous, to really utilize the added flow they have to offer. If you aren't going to go crazy with your motor, and stay NA, I would suggest midpipe and catback only, and just keeping the stock headers. I generally don't suggest shorty headers only because they don't have enough benefit for you. Your money would probably be better spent on Plenum/TB as opposed to shorty headers. JMO

*madmatt* · 09-23-2004, 01:15 PM

Yea im going to back up Chris on this one. Unless you are looking to build a really fast N/A car, or have a power adder, dont bother with the install hassles of a header install. If you can get someone who knows what they are doing(i.e a friend) then it would prolly be ok, but id never try to tackle the job by myself. They also in my opinion, make the car too loud and obnoxious sounding. I dunno, I like how my flows/prochamber combo is going to sound.

*4.6 Love* · 09-24-2004, 08:45 AM

LT's are is a good way to add about 17 RWHP (assuming you buy a good Catback to complete the combo) wether you are staying n/a or you have a power adder! I will soon be buying some Mac LT's along with a shorty h pipe but are unsure of what catback to go with! I've heard slp makes great power but I've also heard that they make mustangs sound like farm trucks!

04 STANG · 09-25-2004, 12:29 AM

anyone have an idea about the gains from headers?

*4.6 Love* · 09-25-2004, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 04 STANG

anyone have an idea about the gains from headers?

Depending on the application you will see anything from 15 rwhp- 25 rwhp!

03BullittClone · 09-27-2004, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisXoxide

LongTubes are obviously the "best" of the three power wise, but there are some drawbacks. They are the most difficult to install (Shops might charge 300-600$ for this install), they have the worst ground clearance, and lastly, they are usually the most expensive. I would suggest them if you have a car with forced induction, or maybe nitrous, to really utilize the added flow they have to offer. If you aren't going to go crazy with your motor, and stay NA, I would suggest midpipe and catback only, and just keeping the stock headers. I generally don't suggest shorty headers only because they don't have enough benefit for you. Your money would probably be better spent on Plenum/TB as opposed to shorty headers. JMO

OK, I'm convinced. X-pipe next, then I'm going to the engine, which currently is stock. But, I could use a roll-control also. I keep coming out of the water box sideways!

Ozone89 · 09-27-2004, 12:50 PM

Just to chime in on this subject, I asked my Mechanic about changing out my headers as well. He told me not to bother, cause of the minimal HP gain(I think he said 7-10 HP) ...and the price tag of the headers and installing. I trust his word, considering he drag races, and has a well known name in this area for his work. Im not even gonna bother now, unless i get an exhaust leak on the headers down the road.

2000 STEEDA · 09-27-2004, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ozone89

Just to chime in on this subject, I asked my Mechanic about changing out my headers as well. He told me not to bother, cause of the minimal HP gain(I think he said 7-10 HP) ...and the price tag of the headers and installing. I trust his word, considering he drag races, and has a well known name in this area for his work. Im not even gonna bother now, unless i get an exhaust leak on the headers down the road.

I would sell my sould if I could gain another 10hp without spending mega bucks. lol

09-23-2004, 09:55 AM	#1 (permalink)
03BullittClone Switching Gears.... Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Suburban Chicago Posts: 215	Long tubes, mid-lengths, or shorties? I want to buy a set of headers. If you believe each manufacturer, all of the lengths build horsepower equally. What are your real life results for which is best?

09-23-2004, 01:15 PM	#3 (permalink)
madmatt Traitor...lol Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 7,911	Yea im going to back up Chris on this one. Unless you are looking to build a really fast N/A car, or have a power adder, dont bother with the install hassles of a header install. If you can get someone who knows what they are doing(i.e a friend) then it would prolly be ok, but id never try to tackle the job by myself. They also in my opinion, make the car too loud and obnoxious sounding. I dunno, I like how my flows/prochamber combo is going to sound. __________________ RPMPlanets

09-25-2004, 12:29 AM	#5 (permalink)
04 STANG GT Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Malvern, PA Posts: 123	Headers anyone have an idea about the gains from headers?

09-27-2004, 12:50 PM	#8 (permalink)
Ozone89 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Collegeville,Pa Posts: 28	Just to chime in on this subject, I asked my Mechanic about changing out my headers as well. He told me not to bother, cause of the minimal HP gain(I think he said 7-10 HP) ...and the price tag of the headers and installing. I trust his word, considering he drag races, and has a well known name in this area for his work. Im not even gonna bother now, unless i get an exhaust leak on the headers down the road. __________________ 1999 Mustang GT - with 8,687 Original miles on it. Steeda tri-Ax Ford Motor Sports 3:73 Gears 2 Chamber Flowmaster Up Next...Kenne Bell 9psi Twin Screw!! Suspension Upgrades Steeda 4 Bolt Caster Camber Plates Tokico Illuminas Shocks and Struts Steeda Competition Springs Steeda X2 Ball Joint Kit Steeda Bumpsteer Kit

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09-23-2004, 11:56 AM	#2 (permalink)
ChrisXoxide Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 175	LongTubes are obviously the "best" of the three power wise, but there are some drawbacks. They are the most difficult to install (Shops might charge 300-600$ for this install), they have the worst ground clearance, and lastly, they are usually the most expensive. I would suggest them if you have a car with forced induction, or maybe nitrous, to really utilize the added flow they have to offer. If you aren't going to go crazy with your motor, and stay NA, I would suggest midpipe and catback only, and just keeping the stock headers. I generally don't suggest shorty headers only because they don't have enough benefit for you. Your money would probably be better spent on Plenum/TB as opposed to shorty headers. JMO

09-24-2004, 08:45 AM	#4 (permalink)
4.6 Love Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Mexico Posts: 6,127	LT's are is a good way to add about 17 RWHP (assuming you buy a good Catback to complete the combo) wether you are staying n/a or you have a power adder! I will soon be buying some Mac LT's along with a shorty h pipe but are unsure of what catback to go with! I've heard slp makes great power but I've also heard that they make mustangs sound like farm trucks!

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