Longtube headers or short headers?

**98maro** · 02-28-2010, 05:13 PM

Ih,I'm in the market to buy headers and I need Ideas. What's the diference between short and long headers? And it really add more hp?

Any diference on the fitment? I hear people complaint bout long headers. Cuz they dnt fit right. Thanks

**Cutlass** · 02-28-2010, 05:16 PM

Refer to the Headers sticky in the External Engine section:
The Complete (Hopefully) Header Thread

**importhater81** · 02-28-2010, 05:22 PM

Do it right and go with the long tubes,shorties are basically replacement exhaust manifolds IMHO.

If you go the long tube route,your probably going to end up replacing the convertors and y-pipe as well...My advice would be to buy the whole thing as a kit...headers,y-pipe-high flow or no convertors...It will be worth it in the end.

**98maro** · 02-28-2010, 05:22 PM

That page helps alot thanks

**Cutlass** · 02-28-2010, 05:30 PM

Make sure you figure in the cost of 2 new GM exhaust manifold gaskets, 2 new Bosch #13111 O2 sensors, new header bolts (somewhat optional depending on the condition of your current bolts), and a tune. The tune is needed to delete the rear O2 sensors and adjust the air fuel ratios. These cars tend to run a little rich after a header swap.

**98maro** · 02-28-2010, 05:35 PM

I like long headers n I think they work better than short ones. So the long will fit with no problems?

**98maro** · 02-28-2010, 05:38 PM

I think I'm gonna use the same ones for now. What headers would you recomend me? What brand. Thanks

**casperss** · 02-28-2010, 05:41 PM

i've got shorties on my ss they fit great. although I want long tubes, the shorties were already on it when i purchased it.

**Cutlass** · 02-28-2010, 05:42 PM

Most will fit just fine. Some require a little denting on the header tubes and/or y pipe. The top three recommended brands seem to be:

American Racing Header (ARH)
Kooks
Pacesetter

But there are plenty of others to choice from that fit very well and perform great. Your best bet is to read read and read all the header threads you can on this site. Then find a set of headers you like and research them. Thats what did and I just ordered Kooks headers this morning!!
Oh and since you're in California, you'll need to make sure you research whats needed to pass emission testing.

**98maro** · 02-28-2010, 05:59 PM

Yeah I need the ones with the egr connection thing. I was lookin at some hooker ones bt they dnt come withe egr so it's gettin kinda hard to find em. And also I seen many diferent brans on eBay. Bt I dnt knw if I should get em there cuz they go from $80 to $600 and I dnt kne if those are good.

And those it feel any diference between short n long

**Cutlass** · 02-28-2010, 06:05 PM

yeah you probably need EGR and AIR connections plus catted y pipe and keep the rear 02 sensors.

**98maro** · 02-28-2010, 06:13 PM

So it would be better if I buy the whole kit then? Headers y pipe and all that stuff for a better fit. I was thinkin bout remove the caTs but I'm sure I could get a ticket for that or my car could get impounded. Plus wnt be smog legal.

Do you have short or long headers on yours?

**V8MUSCLE** · 02-28-2010, 06:27 PM

make sure you start soaking all the header bolts with pb blaster, wd40, or some other break free. go slowly, i broke 1 bolt off and found another already broken off. seems to me a lot of people have had a problem with the drivers side front most bolt. ive seen 4 or 5 posts of people breaking that one, including me. the bolt that was already broke off was the drivers side far back bolt.

**98maro** · 02-28-2010, 06:42 PM

Oh ok. I look out for that. Thanks for the heads up.
Or if I see it's too hard I'll just take it to the shop. N the charge $250 jst to install em

**importhater81** · 02-28-2010, 06:56 PM

Originally Posted by 98maro

I like long headers n I think they work better than short ones. So the long will fit with no problems?

The only problem I had was the driver's side header was rubbing on the upper steering shaft bolt,easily fixed by grinding a little bit off the bolt head.

I've also heard of some guys with the slp longtubes having issues with the oil pan drain plug being too close to the driver's side header to remove.I know on mine it is close but not a problem.