So if I understand my research correctly:
Long tubes help with retaining torque as well as high rpm hp whereas shorties are easier to install but you lose torque.

Is this correct?

At this point my intentions are 1.75 coated LTH's, x pipe, 2.5" true duals.

 

I'd say that's a gross over-simplification.

Long tubes are the best choice for limited-use, high power applications. The compromises you have to make to use them don't make them (in my mind) worth what little you'll gain in power for a daily or regular driver.

I have yet to see a back-to-back dyno comparison when the only change made was shorties vs. LTs. So, anything else is just speculation and opinions.

 

You're forgetting something here five7kid .... it's where theory truly meets reality. For high power applications for thirdgen f-bodies there isn't much of a choice when it comes to 1-3/4" primary headers. You have SLP shorties or Hooker 2210 Long Tubes. At first you might think that these headers are comparable ... one being a shorty header and one being a long tube. But, what everyone seems to forget is the fact that the SLP collectors on the headers neck down to 2.2" (less than 2-1/4"). The Hooker Long Tubes have true 3" collectors. So, in reality, it's not just about shorties vs. long tubes. The long tubes that are offered for thirdgens offer the advantage of a nice big collector for those of us who need an exhaust that can flow A LOT.

Tim

 

Still learning here. I guess I'm back to sitting on the fence.

 

Put it this way if your ultimate goal is to make power then go with the LT's it will be well worth it in the end!

I dumped my shorties along time ago and have yet to look back!

 

Do you have any data, such as dyno runs or time slips, with the headers the only change made?

Viprklr, you haven't said anything about your mods or intended use (emissions, for instance?). If you have a 305, or mildly-warmed-up 350, 1.75" primary LTs are going to be overkill that will hurt low end power - without any top-end power gains to justify it (because the example engines won't be making top-end power that need 1.75" primary headers).

 

My current mods are in the sig. I plan on an LT1 intake, the usual suspension (sfc, lca, etc), cam (debating on which), heads (also debating), all on a stock short block. I'm looking for 500+ hp. Tranny work comes in after I destroy the stocker.
All in the name of low 11's.

 

Planning on open collectors, or full exhaust?

If you actually approach your goals, then long tubes would seem to be the proper selection.

 

your always going to make more power with long tube headers....in some cases better than zoomies. there are alot of race engines that run much better on long tube equal length headers because of the scavenging....not just the flow.

Im a crewman on a monster truck racing team, we ran in the proMT series this year. EVERY truck had zoomies, except the bigfoot trucks. Alot of guys had similar engines to the bigfoot guys too, but those 'foot motors make amazing power. one of the 'foot trucks had a hemi, and the other was a big block ford. both had custom equal length headers. Of course it depends greatly on the setup, but shorty headers in most cases are just a compromise because they are way easier to install and fit. you will almost always make alot more power with long tubes

 

full exhaust sans cats. gotta keep it relatively street legal.

Now I'm really undecided. I've read here that shorties CAN handle 500 ponies. Obviously I'd rather go the easier cheaper way but I also don't want to bottleneck myself later.
Buy shorties now and chance having to buy LT's later or buy LT's now and deal with less oomph for a while.

 

its not really about what header can handle 500 HP or so....there really isnt a relationship there. it all just depends on the combination and what you want it to do. you can get 500hp with shorty headers....but bolt long tubes on the same motor and you will likely see a large gain in power and torque