What is the difference between Long Tube headers and Short Tube headers? I want new headers for a more throaty noise but every is telling me to get long's but then i need to replace my midpipe(not a big deal to me) but i wanted to see if there is really a noticable difference between long tubers and short tubers. Thanks.

 

There is much debate on this subject. Evidence seems to be that LT's add more power. In some cases, shorties have resulted in no gains. LT's are hardner to install and more costly to buy. Also, they make tranny work later a problem. No matter what, I say if you change your headers, change your mid pipe anyway even if you don't need to.

 

LT's have more power gains. Shorties are only for top end for that is when you see gains. With shorties you will loose 2-4hp in your lower range rpms but gain 5-7 in your upper rpms.

I will have to find the article but 5.0 or ffm magazine showed the dyno results with bbk shorties. Either one will give you a better breathing machine.

 

What he said... kinda, I have heard and read that shorties (even equal length) are of no use to a N/A motor, there is a moderate gain on a forced induction, but again not much. Longtubes have shown to be a serious performance improvement. When you consider the cost, 2-300 (for a couple HP)vs. 4-700(for 20-35HP), the longs make way more power for the buck. Yes you will have to replace your mid, unless you have an slp modular mid, but because it is a short mid it will cost less. When I got my BBK Ceramic coated long tubes I bought the matching short O/R mid as well and the O2 harness extenders, I think the whole mess was 700 and change. The install was tough but nothing a weekend warrior can't handle. I will say that if you do it, it would be a great time to do a K-member or a starter (weather you need it or not) as well.

The instructions I got from BBK were adiquate but they lacked alot of tips I picked up from research. I will say once more as I have in other threads, If you are going to do a long tube install on a 95-04 PM me and I will give you some serious time saving tips. I will even give you a phone # to chat with me if you think it will help. Biggest thing is have at least 4 good jack stands, a good jack, a few scraps of 2x4, a flexable mechanics wand, an inspection mirror, several 3/8 ratchet extentions and knuckles, and as many variations of a 3/8 size wrench as you can find (Long, short, ratcheting, etc.)

I will also add that depending on your application your car will run lean due to the dramatic improvement in flow. you will have to adjust your fuel pressure as running very lean can lead to detonation. When I installed my LT, I had to bump my fuel pressure a few pounds, which is manually adjustable on 96-97 stangs but not 98+ (There are other ways to do it).

As for what MT#1Customer said about tranny work, I can't see where it would be a problem. (No disrespect intended :notworthy ) Once you get them installed (at least in the case of BBK) you will see that they actually fit very well (No room for Automatics However!). I know this may sound like alot of stuff to worry about but it really isn't as bad as the rumors suggest. It isn't complicated, it is just frusterating, But with the tips I can give you, it shouldn't take more than a day by yourself, less with help. Let me know if I can assist you.
:hello:

 

I have no experience with this swap. Just heard that tranny work is a problem with them on. I could certainly be wrong.

 

Tranny work IS a problem with certain brands of LT's, but there are companies out there that make LT's that will allow you to drop your tranny without touching the k member and LT's. I dont believe BBK is one of them, you have to at least loosen the drivers side header to drop the tranny. Im pretty sure you can leave the headers on with Hookers and Kooks, and maybe Bassani mid-lengths. I only have experience with Mac LT's and Bassani's, personally I think Mac is fine, sure its on the cheaper side but I havent had any problems with rust or anything else. Bassani's quality is amazing, the thing I love most about them is you put on each header pipe individually, this allows for easy access to each bolt and makes them really easy to install. Id also get one of the mid pipes that allow you to change out the cats and put straight pipes in. I have a write up for a header install on my site, if you need any help feel free to PM or IM me.

 

Okay, A friend of mine has an 00 manual transmission, and wants to install his BBK long tubes on my car, and BBK said they wouldn't fit, but I have gotten other info saying they WILL fit on my automatic but tranny work will indeed involve them to be removed...which is it?

 

They wont. Macs will fit the auto trannys, Im not sure about any other companies, but I know BBk wont.

 

I also have read that the BBKs are a pain when you try to do trans. work, so Id stay away from them just for that very reason. The hookers/flowtechs let you do trans work so maybe look into those. The flowtechs can be had for like 350 bucks from summitt and the matching x pipe is only like 90 bucks and those are both ceramic coated. Thats where my money would be if I were going to put them on, but it is a huge hassle for just a street car. Just my 2 cents.

 

BBK's DO NOT fit automatics. Really, if the manufacturer tells you they don't fit then would you be willing to risk it? They are perfect for a manual, but it is a very tight fit in some spots... thought I might have to use some K.Y. to get them in.... and I still can't see why transmission work would be a problem, they clear both sides of the bell housing...