I've wanted a set of long tubes for my 2000 GT for a while now.

Which ones do you recomend? Why?

Ground clearance is a concern since my car is lowered.

My Bassani catted X-pipe hangs a bit lower than stock and rubs occasionally, so I'd want something that wasn't any lower than that.

 

If you want something that won't hang lower, don't get long tubes. They all will hang lower as the collectors are larger (3") and are lower because of the larger size. However, I'd recommend Hooker, Kooks, and SLP as they are all quality headers and have either slip fit or ball and socket collectors, which don't hang low as 3 bolt style collectors. Also, expect to fit them to you car by denting tubes as well as spending a lot of time installing them.

 

Denting tubes???...to make way for the steering shaft???

How are the BBK LT's???...

 

SLP long tubes FTW. Perfect fit. No denting required. But a pain to install as with all long tubes.

 

I have SLP long tubes on my '05 and they are awesome quality, but they do hang really low on my car. I don't know if it would be the same on the 99-04's, though.

 

i have bbks on my car, those along with my full exhaust system are the lowest part of my car. i have about 5 inches of ground clearance, bottomed out 3 times already. doesnt make me the happiest person in the world but you'll enjoy the sound

 

I have flowtech long tubes which are made by Hooker. They were cheap, but I haven't had any complaints. Just make sure you know someone that can get you to pass smog cause no LTs will pass smog in Cali.

 

any pics of the BBK's installed Pyrosis? I have a set sitting waiting on time to install.

 

Anyone have an opinion or actual knowledge about the Bassani mid length headers? I only ask because I already have a bassani X pipe.


Ok, now about installing them. I read in another post on here (which I haven't been able to find again) about how the best way is to drop the K member and to do this the engine needs to be supported, either with an engine hoist, jack stands, or some type of brace that goes over the shock towers. (more information on this please) Is that something that you bought or can rent somewhere? or did you make it yourself? If you made it, what supplies would I need? how do you set it up? etc.

Also from what else I read, re-installing the K member is somewhat difficult. What is it that makes it hard? the weight? tight fit? Just wondering because if I'm going to take the time to drop it, I might as well go ahead and install a tubular K member while I'm at it.

 

Yes you will need to drop the k-member. Also do yourself a favor and get an s-shaped ratcheting 13mm for the header bolts/nuts. You will thank me later. Beleive me it is worth it when you can only turn the bolt/nut 1/4 turn each time because of space. You can make or buy a hoist that can support the motor while the K-member is dropped. Here's what I used. I think I got it from Northern Tools.



Here's what I used for instructions pretty much.
LT Header Install

 

You need to dent them not only for that but for body clearance, as nothing in our cars has exacting tolerances. I myself got away fine, though some denting would have helped since I get away very close. Also, forget BBK. They deal w/ the steering shaft by cutting out a section of the primaries and welding a flat plate in, cutting the tube's diameter in half for 2 primaries. Not really the best way to do it.

 

bbks are fine...especially for the price. I have them on my 04 and I know 3 of my other buddies have them as well. Two have/had 01 cobras and the other an 02 gt. No bending of the tubes requried not sure what that's all about. If you have the money to blow go ahead and get the slp or kooks but they are both pricey.

I saw in your sig that you have steeda springs. I have those as well and I only scrape on large speed bumps and steep driveways. If you watch where you are driving and go at an angle over these areas you'll be fine. I've only scraped about 3 times and I've had the lt's on an everyday driver for about 2 years.

Also you don't need an engine hoist...my buddy installed mine and we used a jack with a peice of wood under the motor to lower it after removing the k member. Once the headers where installed it was easy to lift the motor back up and install the k member. It is hard to get back in because you have to hold it in place and get the bolts started. To make it easier have 2 other buddies there to help.

You can partially see the collectors in this picture...

 

Denting is for clearance, and BBK does so already to create room for the steering shaft. That huge cut-out they do is a killer for power, and shows lack of thought in the design, as they are the only ones that do that. That's why I say they're garbage.

 

cut out???....what do you mean??? I'm looking at pics and see nothing

 

Kooks or Hookers

 

I apologize, it isn't a cut-out, but rather a huge dent. The shorties have the cut-out. Note the circled area in the attached picture:

 

It's not that big of a hp killer. How much hp do you think it really robs? 5 even 10 hp isn't enough to spend double the price. Get bbk's and 4.10s for the same price as kooks or even slp.

Don't get me wrong I'm not knocking the other brands...I just wouldn't pay that much for lt's. It's a minimal difference and the bbk's fit well and get the job done.

 

I was just asking because I have BBK's and I wanted to see what others thought of it...yes...the dent is big...I actually sent the first pair back because I thought it got damaged in shipping...when the second set showed up I called BBK...I thought they had a Chevy guy working at their plant.

 

But on the same token, why spend the cash for something that's a royal PITA to install if you're leaving power on the table?

 

I have nothing bad to say about SLP,MAC,BBK,HOOKER,KOOKS. They all are pretty damn nice just pick one you can afford and go for it. If your super worried about ground clearance you don't want long tubes. With long tubes your gonna scrape more its just the nature of them.