Headers? which one...

1 Bad Burb · December 7, 2003

i was wondering. when i whipple my truck, i want to put on a set of header as well. should i do shorties or long tubes. only mods thus far are dual Flowmaster 40s. i want to remove the cats while im at it, so this prolly will be a full custom install... so which one should i do? basically, i want more power!!!!

also, which brand, and how much should i expect to pay..thanks guys!

Aj

gunslinger45 · December 7, 2003

Well full length headers are the way to go if you want max performance. Of course, the issues you have to deal with over shorties include: cost, ease of installation, potential emissions issues, and availability. From what I have seen, the performance difference between a QUALITY set of shorties and good set of long tubes is maybe 30% more or less. You're going with a charger, so the magnitude will be felt quite a bit more. I'd say with a set of shorties, maybe you'll gain 15 to 25 RWHP, and with a full lenth set up, maybe closer to 35 RWHP. These are just approximate guesses based on the very limited dyno tests I've seen on the mods. I will tell you that are a lot of "crap" shortie headers on the market and to make sure you get some kind of documented results if you can for your engine. The long tube set ups that exist tend to be better quality in general, but you're going to pay about 2 - 2.5 times as much. I'd figure around $800 for a good set of long tubes. As far as brands, I don't know. Shorties are a dime a dozen, but there really are not many true long tube manufacturers, you'll have to search. I will of course always recommend Banks Power for a great header setup, but there are others. Best of luck and let us know what you decide on.

Gunslinger

1 Bad Burb · December 7, 2003

very helpful info, thank you very much gunslinger45!!! i'll be lookin around now!

Aj

chevroletmb · December 7, 2003

remouving the cats will affect engine performance dramatically without some kind

of fix for the o2 sensors. something like a 02 simulator will be needed. although

cats don't really hurt performance. they don't cause hardly any restriction to flow these days. i would recommend leaving them imo. save you alot of computer problems that way.

tbyrne · December 8, 2003

Shorty headers are usually good for about 10-12hp on a stock/mildly modified motor while long tubes will show you about 20-25hp. Each one can be worth a little more on a heavily modified/supercharger vehicle. For the shorty design I usually go with the JBAs. I tested a set for them a few years ago and picked up 12hp on a '99 5.3 Silverado that had the basic induction, exhaust and computer mods. AS+M makes very good long tubes for the 4.8, 5.3 and 6.0 while The Other Guys headers are also a good choice for these and the 8.1 motor. They are more of a mid length though. All of these headers will allow you to keep your cats in the stock location. Some cutting/welding is required for the AS+M and TOGs.

Hope this helps,

Tom

tbyrne · December 8, 2003

Just noticed your signiture

The Other Guys headers would be a good choice for your motor

Tom

redchev · December 9, 2003

You may want to check out Banks. They recently sent me a letter about having good deals on products with damaged boxes for my 1998. They seem to be a nice product full length, stainless, and thick flanges. A little spendy but they also have the largest gains I've seen.

Mule · December 9, 2003

I have Banks headers and exhaust with a Random Technology cat. It is a great setup, high quality, and worth the cost. Big HP increase (using the official seat of the pants gauge).