is the price worth the difference... any true numbers vs.? dyno or et? are long tubes too much flow if not changing intake (real intake, I have CAI ), cams, etc.. any info. greatly appreciated.
Yes long tubes are worth the extra $ over shorties. They will be good for 12 - 16 rwhp with your set up. Fred
I have examined three brands of shortie headers and none were made for maximum hp increases. They all had formed or crushed tubes where they are welded into the collector. You can't make hp when two of four tubes on each side are crushed down to something other than round. Also they had the 02 sensor protruding into one of the tubes on the drivers side. That 02 reduces one cylinder flow significantly verses the protrusion going into a collector as with the long tubes. If a shortie is made right it can flow good and give reasonable hp results. I ran a 10.65 with 1 5/8 ported shortie headers on my 88 347 Mustang. The 05+ headers I examined could not even be ported to produce round tubes. All appeared that to make the ID of the tubes round you would have produced holes in the outside of the collector. Until somebody makes a good shortie, get the long tubes!
shorties are a waste of $$ for an S197, IMO. they dont net you much gain. the stock manifolds flow pretty well, so go long tube or go home.
I put SLP long tubes w/ x-pipe & love it , very good SOTP feel -the best fitting headers I have ever had, only 2 hrs. to install on my back -no lift
Ok, so... Do I need to drop motor mounts to install? O2 is in the collector, not just one tube? Thanks for the advice.
I am interested in hearing more about your install as I have the slp x and loudmouths and I am thinking about getting their longtubes.
I had to drop the right motor mount & undo the steering shaft. The O2 is in the collector not just one tube. If you buy the header kit it comes w/ O2 extensions & gaskets.
Correction to my reply about the 02 in the tube of shorties. It is in the collector but in one maybe two brands I examined it covered one of the tubes so it might as well have been welded into the tube.
my buddy agrres with this, luckily he bought his used and he said didnt notice a difference in driving or the dyno(or very marginal).
LT headers will help put out an awesome sound. you will hear more clearly each individual cylinder and have a crisp deep rumble at idle. i cant wait to afford some mods. As far as power, the Shorties and LT dont compare. You may get 3-5 hp with shorties, but a well tuned LT setup can produce 20+ hp on the dyno. I know a local guy with LT, OR pipe and a JLT, steeda pulleys, that puts out around 315RWHP.
What's the effect of Long Tubes on emissions compliance? I have a catted MAC Pro Chamber on my car and I'd like to make some horsepower but not at the expense of failing emissions inspection.
