LT1 headers!?
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Teching In
Joined: Oct 2009
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LT1 headers!? Hey everyone I heard that short tube headers are better on Lt1's because of something to do with the computer is that true? I kno that shortys add more torque, and long tubes add horsepower.. but i heard that LT1 engines still get more out of having short tube headers
Uhhh, no that's pretty much dead wrong.
Long tubes will probably add 50% more tq AND hp over shorties.
I wouldn't even waste my time with shorties.
Mids are ok IF you find a set that is well designed and uses 1 3/4 primaries. Most of them use 1 5/8 primaries and I would also not waste my time on them.
I love my Arizona Speed & Marine mids. They're the longest mids out there and have been proven to make good power and tq. If clearance, etc is a concern, go with those.
Otherwise a nice set of longtubes will give you all the HP and TQ you're looking for.
Long tubes will probably add 50% more tq AND hp over shorties.
I wouldn't even waste my time with shorties.
Mids are ok IF you find a set that is well designed and uses 1 3/4 primaries. Most of them use 1 5/8 primaries and I would also not waste my time on them.
I love my Arizona Speed & Marine mids. They're the longest mids out there and have been proven to make good power and tq. If clearance, etc is a concern, go with those.
Otherwise a nice set of longtubes will give you all the HP and TQ you're looking for.
Hey:
gregrob is right, whomever you heard that info on shorties from ignore all other advice, as they are clueless. I would bet they either own a set of shorties or had install/clearance issues with a set of poorly made longtubes.
About the only thing shorties may offer is better plug access over stock. other than that they are a cosmetic upgrade at best.
Dub
When In Doubt Do Without
gregrob is right, whomever you heard that info on shorties from ignore all other advice, as they are clueless. I would bet they either own a set of shorties or had install/clearance issues with a set of poorly made longtubes.
About the only thing shorties may offer is better plug access over stock. other than that they are a cosmetic upgrade at best.
Dub
When In Doubt Do Without
The only shorties that are 1 3/4 primary are As&m or SLP, all others use a 1 5/8.
I would really go LT's I regret that I didnt. I couldnt pass up the great deal I got on my Mac headers and now i realize Long tubes would of been worth the extra money.
I would really go LT's I regret that I didnt. I couldnt pass up the great deal I got on my Mac headers and now i realize Long tubes would of been worth the extra money.
I just picked up a set of LPP#2 headers (longtubes) and Y for $600 shipped. Don't know if there are any left, but definitely a hot deal for stainless, and a good quality header. If you're not looking to gain ANY horsepower and torque, and want to replace your stock manifolds with something pretty and delete AIR/EGR, go with shorties. If you want something pretty, delete AIR/EGR, AND make some quality power without cracking the motor open....LONGTUBES.
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I've got shorties now and am seriously considering long tubes in the future. I am sure I'm giving up at least 25hp with the shorties over long tubes, but since my car is lowered I don't really have room for long tubes. So, clearance is another issue.
Ground clearance is not an issue as long as you use a header with a slip-fit collector. The 3-bolt flange collector some headers have decrease clearance by an inch or so.
TECH Resident
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 793
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From: Phoenix,AZ
ive heard of guys still getting passed running long tubes with air/egr hookups but then some say they fail because the cat is moved back. Is this true? I also want to do longtubes but if its gonna make me fail emissions is it just worth it to do at least mids or shorties?
ive heard of guys still getting passed running long tubes with air/egr hookups but then some say they fail because the cat is moved back. Is this true? I also want to do longtubes but if its gonna make me fail emissions is it just worth it to do at least mids or shorties?
My car "passed" just fine.
TECH Resident
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 793
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From: Phoenix,AZ
well normally when i go in they never look under my car anyway with their little mirror. So im hoping if i do get the long tubes ill be alright. I think ill do it after i pass this yr then ill be safe for 2yrs to run the longtubes and if i dont pass ill just keep my manifolds in case. I dont know anyone to sell me a sticker 
Kooks have emissions fittings options...but they're pricey. Some E-bay stainless longtubes may have them, but you're opening up a whole different can of worms with possible fitment issues, etc. with them.
shorties are still a vast improvement over the stock manifolds. Many times with Long tubes you have fitment/install issues, o2 censor issues, and ground clearance issues. Granted the gains are more significant when yur done, but it CAN be more of a hastle. Shorties can retain stock Y pipes, and you don't have to mess with the o2's. Also, the smog issues as mentioned above.
Once installed correctly however, performance wise LT's>Shorties.
Once installed correctly however, performance wise LT's>Shorties.
