Modular 4.6L Tech For all your 1996-2005+ 2V, 3V, and 4V modular motor needs.

longtube vs shorties

  #1  
Old 04-10-2006, 06:08 PM
Stan's Avatar
Beantown Stang
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 1,375
Default longtube vs shorties

i heard a lot of people going for longtubes instead of shorties my question is what the difference ups and downs of each one gains and etc..
 
  #2  
Old 04-10-2006, 06:11 PM
dannyb785's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,176
Default

Originally Posted by Stan
i heard a lot of people going for longtubes instead of shorties my question is what the difference ups and downs of each one gains and etc..

shorty:
pros: cheaper, a tad easier to install, doesnt require shorty mid-pipe
cons: not enough power gains for the price

longtube
pros: nice power gains(especially in higher rpms)
consossibly a lil harder to install, cost a little more, requires a shorty midpipe

In the end, headers are meant for power, but shorty headers dont give enough to be worth the labor. Labor pricesrange from $300-$600, and even more if the shop isnt mustang-centered.

Verdict: LT's FTW
 
  #3  
Old 04-10-2006, 06:12 PM
Stan's Avatar
Beantown Stang
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 1,375
Default

haha sounds good to me i have the full slp setup with stock headers so i plan on purchasing the SLP longtubes soon
 
  #4  
Old 04-10-2006, 06:32 PM
csledd's Avatar
DSG!!!
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Paducah, KY
Posts: 3,159
Default

I have the SLP LTs for over a year now and love them
 
  #5  
Old 04-10-2006, 06:34 PM
Lances03SVT's Avatar
Super Moderator
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Carthage, Missouri
Posts: 9,684
Default

Originally Posted by csledd
I have the SLP LTs for over a year now and love them
Oh just rub it in why don't you LMAO
 
  #6  
Old 04-10-2006, 07:05 PM
spike_africa's Avatar
Administrator
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Orlando,Florida
Posts: 11,974
Default

I will never do headers simpley because i refuse too take them off every time i have a tranny problem.
 
  #7  
Old 04-10-2006, 07:06 PM
csledd's Avatar
DSG!!!
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Paducah, KY
Posts: 3,159
Default

Originally Posted by spike_africa
I will never do headers ismpley because i refuse too take them off every time i have a tranny problem.
lol how many tranny problems do you have?
 
  #8  
Old 04-10-2006, 07:08 PM
dannyb785's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,176
Default

Originally Posted by csledd
lol how many tranny problems do you have?

I was wondering the same thing
 
  #9  
Old 04-10-2006, 07:16 PM
spike_africa's Avatar
Administrator
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Orlando,Florida
Posts: 11,974
Default

hp+dr's+stock driveline= its gonna happen.
 
  #10  
Old 04-10-2006, 08:16 PM
MattJ's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 10,237
Default

Get long tubes if you get headers. I put on shorties and it was a pain in the ***. same work would of been done for long tubes.
 
  #11  
Old 04-10-2006, 09:27 PM
Shambles's Avatar
Sigma Beta Rho Soldier
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 2,682
Default

For either with a 4.6L engine, be prepared to drop the k-member to get access to the header bolts and so forth. Also, be prepared for header leaks, as Ford REALLY does a good job in sealing the factory logs, but the aftermarket ones dont seem to seal as well.
 
  #12  
Old 04-10-2006, 09:29 PM
whitethunder46's Avatar
Always Detailin'
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Dayton, OH
Posts: 3,556
Default

Originally Posted by Stan
haha sounds good to me i have the full slp setup with stock headers so i plan on purchasing the SLP longtubes soon
Seems like people are really starting to get SLP LT's in here.

I think CSledd and I were one of the firsts... did we start a trend???!!! hahaha
 
  #13  
Old 04-10-2006, 09:33 PM
csledd's Avatar
DSG!!!
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Paducah, KY
Posts: 3,159
Default

Originally Posted by whitethunder46
Seems like people are really starting to get SLP LT's in here.

I think CSledd and I were one of the firsts... did we start a trend???!!! hahaha
lol I think so!!!
 
  #14  
Old 04-11-2006, 04:04 AM
mcmmotorsports's Avatar
Resident Mental Patient
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Wappingers Falls, NuYawk
Posts: 2,834
Default

Originally Posted by MTShambles
For either with a 4.6L engine, be prepared to drop the k-member to get access to the header bolts and so forth. Also, be prepared for header leaks, as Ford REALLY does a good job in sealing the factory logs, but the aftermarket ones dont seem to seal as well.
:stupid: Dropping the K-Member is really the only way to go. Once you do searches for header installs 99.9% of the time, people either wish they dropped the K-member or halfway through the install they do it. Dropping it should be no real concern and it is not difficult to do if you follow the instructions. Now, as far as leaks are concerned, the best thing you can do is get Percy's header gaskets. http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

I have used these before on my race cars and they are well worth the $40.
Keep in mind I spent that on header gaskets for a small block chevy. Headers are a sinch to work on there. So, I would be an idiot not to use the best gaskets available when doing my L/T's on a vehicle that is NOT easy to get to.

Just my .02.
 
  #15  
Old 04-11-2006, 06:03 AM
madmatt's Avatar
Traitor...lol
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Lexington, SC
Posts: 7,939
Default

Mike, thanks for the link. Now I have to kinda hijack the thread. Those of you with headers, what gaskets did you use, and how many just reused the stock gaskets. Ive heard they are champs and most dont get leaks, but I sure as HELL dont want to pull the K back out a second time for a leak...
 
  #16  
Old 04-11-2006, 07:12 AM
meebix's Avatar
Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 68
Default

Shorty Headers a dyno proven completely worthless on our cars. 3-5 RWHP at the MAX.

Where on the contrary, LT's make about 18-20 RWHP ALONE. With a full exhaust you could be looking at something like 25.

Definitely don't waste your time or money on mid-lengths or shorties.
 
  #17  
Old 04-11-2006, 07:27 AM
csledd's Avatar
DSG!!!
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Paducah, KY
Posts: 3,159
Default

Originally Posted by madmatt
Mike, thanks for the link. Now I have to kinda hijack the thread. Those of you with headers, what gaskets did you use, and how many just reused the stock gaskets. Ive heard they are champs and most dont get leaks, but I sure as HELL dont want to pull the K back out a second time for a leak...
I used the SLP gaskets that came with the LTs.. accidently messed one of them up (trying to install the LTs without dropping the k-member lol) and went to autozone and found some almost exactly like it. No problems at all
 
  #18  
Old 04-11-2006, 07:44 AM
Samsstang's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Colorado
Posts: 383
Default

Originally Posted by spike_africa
I will never do headers simpley because i refuse too take them off every time i have a tranny problem.
If you Drag race your car your gonna have clutch problems! there is no doubt that they make better power but you got to remember some of these cars are not full time race cars so is it worth it?

I have a good friend that owns a speedshop and he says when he sees a Stang come in w/long tubes, for tranny work he gets complaints about the xtra $$$$ for labor he charges vs. shortie or regular manifolds, due to the removing of the header in order to drop the tranny

I also have herd a lot of people complain about the lowered cars scrapping alot. but i believe that was on the earlier designs. Me personally iam happy with my FRPP ceramic shorties! no leaks ever! and i gained 11rwhp combined with a MAC pro-chamber iam sure the midpipe released alot of that power.
 
  #19  
Old 04-11-2006, 09:13 AM
dannyb785's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,176
Default

Originally Posted by meebix
Shorty Headers a dyno proven completely worthless on our cars. 3-5 RWHP at the MAX.

Where on the contrary, LT's make about 18-20 RWHP ALONE. With a full exhaust you could be looking at something like 25.

Definitely don't waste your time or money on mid-lengths or shorties.

25 isnt likely. I have a complete exhaust setup and a tine and I'm at 255(on mustang dyno, which is actually known to be conservative). I highly doubt that with the stock headers and everything else, I was at 230.I maybe gained 15-20, but definitely not 25
 
  #20  
Old 04-11-2006, 09:22 AM
04DarkShadowGT's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Ft Wayne, IN
Posts: 1,095
Default

If you are concerned about tranny issues including clutch replacement buy either hooker headers or flowtech headers, both are the same design and do not have to be removed when the trans needs serviced.

They do not however offer a catted mid pipe and require you buy their own mid pipe due to the connection between them.
 
  #21  
Old 04-11-2006, 11:21 PM
americanstang's Avatar
Pure Bread
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: San Diego
Posts: 99
Default

Originally Posted by meebix
Shorty Headers a dyno proven completely worthless on our cars. 3-5 RWHP at the MAX.

Where on the contrary, LT's make about 18-20 RWHP ALONE. With a full exhaust you could be looking at something like 25.

Definitely don't waste your time or money on mid-lengths or shorties.
i want proof, if this is so why the hell would they sell em and why are people buying them and happy with the results?
and i have percys seal for good gaskets they are great!!
 
  #22  
Old 04-12-2006, 04:12 AM
mcmmotorsports's Avatar
Resident Mental Patient
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Wappingers Falls, NuYawk
Posts: 2,834
Default

Originally Posted by americanstang
and i have percys seal for good gaskets they are great!!
See, another happy customer. I think they need to stock them on Mustangtuning.com
 
  #23  
Old 04-12-2006, 07:11 AM
spike_africa's Avatar
Administrator
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Orlando,Florida
Posts: 11,974
Default

Originally Posted by 04DarkShadowGT
If you are concerned about tranny issues including clutch replacement buy either hooker headers or flowtech headers, both are the same design and do not have to be removed when the trans needs serviced.

They do not however offer a catted mid pipe and require you buy their own mid pipe due to the connection between them.
Screw that i would rather leave the stockers up there. I am near the limit for these blocks anyhow.
 
  #24  
Old 04-12-2006, 07:33 AM
dsg_gt2004's Avatar
Booty Master
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: georgetown,sc
Posts: 395
Default

Originally Posted by spike_africa
Screw that i would rather leave the stockers up there. I am near the limit for these blocks anyhow.
you could always get bassani mid-lengths....i hear they have decent gains and a new midpipe isnt needed...plus it wont be in the way of the tranny
 
  #25  
Old 04-12-2006, 07:34 AM
dsg_gt2004's Avatar
Booty Master
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: georgetown,sc
Posts: 395
Default

Originally Posted by meebix
Shorty Headers a dyno proven completely worthless on our cars. 3-5 RWHP at the MAX.

Where on the contrary, LT's make about 18-20 RWHP ALONE. With a full exhaust you could be looking at something like 25.

Definitely don't waste your time or money on mid-lengths or shorties.
and how much do both make on a car with a supercharger??
 
  #26  
Old 04-12-2006, 03:28 PM
spike_africa's Avatar
Administrator
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Orlando,Florida
Posts: 11,974
Default

Originally Posted by dsg_gt2004
you could always get bassani mid-lengths....i hear they have decent gains and a new midpipe isnt needed...plus it wont be in the way of the tranny
you need there shorter x-pipe to run mid lengths.
 
  #27  
Old 04-12-2006, 04:00 PM
jeredan2003's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Murfreesboro, TN
Posts: 1,787
Default

I think the best bet if you had the money would be to Put on an aftermarket K-member the same time you install the headers. Then you will have tons more room in there for other stuff and it saves weight. If you can drop $700 for a new K member then its completely worth it. Sound, Power, Weight savings, and Handling all in one weekend!:clap:
 
  #28  
Old 04-12-2006, 04:15 PM
mcmmotorsports's Avatar
Resident Mental Patient
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Wappingers Falls, NuYawk
Posts: 2,834
Default

Originally Posted by jeredan2003
I think the best bet if you had the money would be to Put on an aftermarket K-member the same time you install the headers. Then you will have tons more room in there for other stuff and it saves weight. If you can drop $700 for a new K member then its completely worth it. Sound, Power, Weight savings, and Handling all in one weekend!:clap:
Yeah, but then the cycle begins. You need to buy a coilover kit and..since you are doing coilovers up front, you might as well do them in the back too.
 
  #29  
Old 04-12-2006, 04:24 PM
01GTBlown's Avatar
"kill or be killed"
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Idaho
Posts: 1,019
Default

Originally Posted by dsg_gt2004
you could always get bassani mid-lengths....i hear they have decent gains and a new midpipe isnt needed...plus it wont be in the way of the tranny
Agreed, i'm pretty close too...But if you think about it, if you let the block breathe better and flow better it will run better and the chances of it blowing up is lower!
 
  #30  
Old 04-12-2006, 04:26 PM
dsg_gt2004's Avatar
Booty Master
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: georgetown,sc
Posts: 395
Default

Originally Posted by 01GTBlown
Agreed, i'm pretty close too...But if you think about it, if you let the block breathe better and flow better it will run better and the chances of it blowing up is lower!
i just want to see some results of a supercharged car with shorties, midlengths, and longtubes...i guess i need to start searching..i just know that each one has a certain place they accel in better than the other
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Quick Reply: longtube vs shorties



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 04:53 PM.