Im lookin at getting me a set of headers, whats the difference between shorties or long tubes? I know the looks are different but with my TPI and single cat do I need the shorties? are they easier to install? Im stuck and as far as doing a search I dont have a clue what to search for.

My mods are in my sig. I know I need to get the 1 5/8 but what size collectors? or are they standard? I just want to get the easiest install, preferably no air, I got air now but Im doing away with it..

help a brotha out guys..


thanks

 

You don't "need" shorties. But, they are easier to install, easier to route the exhaust, provide better ground clearance, and are quite adequate for all but the barely-streetable powerhouse engines.

You can typically get a y-pipe with the shorties as well (a couple of notable exceptions). The ones with y-pipe, A.I.R., and O2 fitting are "typically" the better performing ones - specifically, SLP and Hooker (I believe you can get SLP w/o A.I.R.).

Hedman headers are okay, but they cut corners on the y-pipe. Edelbrock y-pipe is okay, but the headers are so-so.

That about covers it for 1-5/8" primaries.

 

So you saying that the pipes with AIR are better performers? How so?
If thats the case then I would rather get them, I was just wanting to clean up my cramped engine bay.

I dont want to spedn the mad money for SLP's but I have heard alot of good about Hooker's what the part number Im needing?

Or will just any hooker's shorties do? as long as they are 1 5/8 primaries and 2 1/2 collectors. What Im doing is looking on Ebay but dont know what to look for...

thanks

 

They don't flow better because they have A.I.R., it's just that the ones that flow a little better happen to have A.I.R.

Hooker makes two different 1-5/8" shorties: p/n 2055, which have the y-pipe, A.I.R., and O2 sensor fitting; and 2460, which have the O2 sensor fitting, can be ordered with A.I.R., but there is not a pre-fabricated y-pipe out there. If those e-bay sellers have a picture, the 2055's have a 2-bolt collector flange, and the 2460's have a 3-bolt collector flange. Getting a y-pipe fabricated for the 2460's that is as good as the 2055 y-pipe will cost you as much or more for headers/y-pipe as the 2055's will. So, if you want good performance and lowest cost (won't exacty be "low" cost), and want to be able to install them yourself, the 2055's are a good choice. If you don't want the A.I.R., cut the tubes off and have the nubs welded shut. You could do the same thing with the Edelbrock TES.

The Hedmans are available without A.I.R., but I believe that part also does not have the O2 sensor fitting. So, you'd have to have that welded on. And, although I haven't seen one, I understand their y-pipe is only 2.5" after the two sides come together, then they adapt it up to the 3" cat. They'll still work better than your stock manifolds, but that is a compromise. Hedman also makes an emissions-legal set that has O2 sensor, y-pipe, & A.I.R.