Short Tube Headers

I was just wondering which short tube header, in your opinions was the best for performance.... I was also wondering the difference between equal length and unequal length (other than the length?) Thanks in advance.

On a near-stock motor unequal length are what you want. They are easier to install and cheaper as well. I like my bbk headers, they fit well and look great with ceramic coating.

Why would you ever want un-equal length headers if you can afford equi-distant? I don't care if it is stock motor or not any motor will be improved to going to equi-distant shorties more than going to shorties.

My point exactly. On a stock motor the difference you see from unequal to equal is minimal and if price was an issue thats a big deal. IMO!

Ok, so, basically unequal will be cheaper with less performance, equal will be more expensive and perform better... If I were just to get equal length shorties for now would I have to modify my stock exhaust setup? Eventually I'm going to get an X or H pipe and new mufflers, but I thought I'd work my way back from the engine... Thanks again for your replies.

No you shouldnt have to modify anything. If price really isnt an issue than yeah go with equal length. What vehicle do you have?

I have an 86 GT... So far all I've done is taken out the air silencer box, I ordered pulleys yesterday and I'm going to go pick up a K&N filter in the next couple days... Going to be getting 3.73 gears and a rebuild on my trac-lok too... Yep, plans...

On a car with moderate mods, equals will net maybe a couple more hp over unequals. On a stock car, I would run unequals. Equal length headers scavenge more and there for rob some power over un-eguals on a fairly stock motor. IMO equal lengths are junk, and if you want more power out of headers go with longtubes!

How much harder are the longtubes to install, and are they smog legal in California? Speaking of install, how hard are the shorties to install?

On a car with moderate mods, equals will net maybe a couple more hp over unequals. On a stock car, I would run unequals. Equal length headers scavenge more and there for rob some power over un-eguals on a fairly stock motor. IMO equal lengths are junk, and if you want more power out of headers go with longtubes!


I'd go with you LT are the only way to live.

But un-equals over equals.... Bahhhh never!!!!!! I would rather run the stock crappy cast iron manifolds or headers than waste my money on un-equals!

I was wondering about this myself, what is required for installation. Long tubes are gonna come way past my stock H pipe

i am wondering about the legality of the long tubes in california. And wouldn't you have to replace the stock H-pipe as well which i believe is illegal unless you have documented proof of a failture with you catalytic converters.

With LT headers you need a shorten h-pipe. You can buy shorten h-pipes with or w/o cats. In Mass and NH you can run LT headers and with a shorten H-pipe with cats you are fine. I can only speak for Mass and NH