Choosing headers...How much does primary tube size matter?

[RidinDirty]

well i could go with the Hedman Street Hedders longtubes their like $450 and come in 1 1/2 - 1 5/8 in primary tube diameter and or the hooker super comp longtubes with 1 3/4 in primary tube diameter for $650 both are ceramic coated. does that 1/8th in make that big a difference or is it just that hooker is charging u for their name?

[BIG D's SS]

well i could go with the Hedman Street Hedders longtubes their like $450 and come in 1 1/2 - 1 5/8 in primary tube diameter and or the hooker super comp longtubes with 1 3/4 in primary tube diameter for $650 both are ceramic coated. does that 1/8th in make that big a difference or is it just that hooker is charging u for their name?

I would stay with the smaller diameter if it is a stock cube inch motor. The larger tubes will kill your low end tq.

[C&Cbird]

Have you looked into Pacesetter 1 3/4" headers? They are usually best bang for the buck for the f-body cars.

[MNR-0]

Sure, bolting a 1 3/4 header on a car that was tuned for 1 1/2 will make a difference. More power at WOT. Less at low throttle. But, thats where with tuning you account for that, and can add more timing and/or fuel down low. I haven't seen a car yet go backwards with bigger headers, up to 1 7/8 primaries.

Its the back-pressure in the exhaust that will play more havoc than primary sizes with street cars. Now if you dump them 3" off the collector, then primary sizes matter big time.

[RidinDirty]

well i plan on running 3 in pipe off the headers in an x pipe then just straight out i know i gotta get a tune cuz ill be running rich once their installed

[Mr. Luos]

I haven't seen a car yet go backwards with bigger headers, up to 1 7/8 primaries.

I had a swap planned that included jumping up to 1 7/8" Kooks from 1 3/4" SLP longtubes.
Peak power was about the same. Power under the curve was down though.

Stock cubes = Go with 1 3/4" longtubes.