Shortie vs. full length headers

[Chad82]

Is there an appreciable difference in power between shortie and full length headers? Also for the shorties, is there any reason why the f-body ones wouldn't fit on an a-body? The ones marked as f-body are 3.00" and the a-body are 2.50".

[MagicRat]

It depends on the rest of the combination that you are using.

Generally, relatively longer and narrower header tubes are better at increasing low and mid-range power. Shorter, fatter tubes are better at high revs - and then, only if the rest of the combination (heads, intake etc) are intended for max torque at high revs.

So, if your engine is stock or nearly stock, full length, smaller tube headers are the way to go.

FWIW, many 'shorty' headers do not produce any header-type exhaust scavenging effect. All they really are is just better-flowing exhaust manifolds.

[wrenchboss26]

Originally Posted by MagicRat

FWIW, many 'shorty' headers do not produce any header-type exhaust scavenging effect. All they really are is just better-flowing exhaust manifolds.

exactly, the best headers are ''tuned" headers. these are usually full length. as the gasses exit the tubes they scavenge the other tubes, and the gasses don't collide in the collector like in many shorties.

[MrPbody]

IMO, "shorties" are for A) ease of installation and B) "bragging rights" that one indeed HAS headers.

In no way, will shorties make the power a good set of full-length headers make.

Jim

[sub006]

If your car is newer than 1973 and you live in California, only shorties will pass smog inspection. This also means 99% of those cars will also have to run single exhaust, though there are some pretty good aftermarket one-pipe systems available, like Edelbrock's.