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?

 

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

 

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.

 

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!

 

anyone have an idea about the gains from headers?

 

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

 

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!

 

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