Header performance

meatpopsicle · May 26, 2004

I am about ready to get some headers for my 01 GMC Sierra and was looking for some feedback from those of you who have had them.

I know that shorty headers don't provide as much of a gain as full-sized ones, but what can I expect for any 'seat of the pants' results?

I currently have a Gibson exhaust (I like it quieter), FIPK, Hypertech, and +4 Bosch plugs.

Shaners · May 26, 2004

Headers will really free your truck up.

It looks like you will have the air flowing good in and out, so I'd consider a computer upgrade like a Westers PCM to really take advantage of it!!!

99Silver6.0 · May 27, 2004

If you have the cash, get long tubes!!!! Your truck will thank you! I would not spend my money on anything else. The Other Guys Headers would be my choice. The ASM's are good but after seeing both first-hand, I think the TOG's are constructed alot better. Flanges are thicker too. Plus I like the idea of having primary tubes shaped to the exhaust ports. Which TOG implements on their headers. Long tubes will net you an awesome increase in HP!!

If I were to break down and get shorties, JBA makes THE best set of shorty headers. They are smog legal too.

Scott02Z71 · May 27, 2004

Well if you dont have the cash for long tube headers. I would recomend Edelbrock shorty headers. I put them on my 02 5.3 and they seem to free up the truck a bit. I would recomend as Shanners said to get a PCM upgrade (I have a westers). Trucks sounds great and has quite a performance gain!

Scott

GlennRMK · May 27, 2004

Are you getting any low end gain or just top end?

Is the advantage of long tubes more top end? Do you sacrifice low end and midrange?

If long tubes are better, then why do they make shorties? There must be an advantage to the shorties.

99Silver6.0 · May 27, 2004

Are you getting any low end gain or just top end?

Is the advantage of long tubes more top end? Do you sacrifice low end and midrange?

If long tubes are better, then why do they make shorties? There must be an advantage to the shorties.

LT's will yield more, period! Shorties tend to make their power higher in the RPM range. Where long tubes make power all the way across the RPM's. JBA makes the best shorties. Ill try to find dyno results on LS1Tech. The JBA's netted more HP gain than any shorty. Gobson shorts made like 5-8HP on a stock 5.3, kinda sad if you ask me. The shorties are for people that dont want to spend money on LT's. Or for those that dont want the hassle of having to get their stock y-pipe fabbed to take the long tubes. Hooker is supposed to be coming out with LT's for the 5.3 soon. Thorley's Tri-Y's and Dynatech Supermaxx have good setups. It all depends on what you want to spend and what you want to accomplish.

GlennRMK · May 27, 2004

Thanks

So, shorties are just simpler and cheaper to install I guess. Sounds like long tubes are the way to go.

OCchevy02 · May 27, 2004

which ones are street legal in CA?

99Silver6.0 · May 27, 2004

which ones are street legal in CA?

The JBA's, Bassani, Borla, The Other Guys, B&B TriFlo, Gibson and Edelbrock to name a few.

Glen,

The shorties are much easier to install. Some are less expensive and some are not. LT's will net somewhere around 20-28HP 20-30TQ. Sometimes a little bit more.