I just installed a 350 in my 88 camaro. I would like to get some opinions on what the difference is between shorty headers and the standad long tube variety. And, whcih kind you would install given a choice.
I want to install the ones that are the easiest to install and that will give me the fewest problems.

thanks for any comments,

Kevin

 

If ease of installation is a concern at all you'd probably want to stick with shortys.

 

even tho u may get more performance out of longtubes ur building a small block street car no point going threw tons of hassle for a few more ponies go with a nice set of hedman shortie w/ it's y-pipe

 

Long tubes are best left to older muscle cars and garge queens, they reduce ground clearance and increase install woes. For flat out performance, LT's can't be beat... but it's not worth the hassle on the street.

 

I dont know what you mean by hard time to install i installed mine in about 2 hours and thats with taking off my shortys and y-pipe if it was me i would go LT's i think it is much worth it sounds better and runs alot better i will never go back to shortys just my 2 cents Later Daniel

 

Shorties.

 

i have long tubes.

get shorties.

 

Are LT's legal in CA?

 

No

 

Didn't think so.

 

even if LT's were legal, I'd still get shorties.

the header collectors are VERY close to the ground on Long Tubes...@ stock ride height.

 

I'm gonna settle with shorties myself. If longtubes drop as low as everyone says, then I wouldn't want to put them on anything except a 4X4.

 

Get shorties. Just make sure the y pipe is modified large enough to go to a decent (at least 3") cat back system. Hooker had the two headers going into a 2-1/2" pipe. My muffler guy modified the ypipe to 3", installed a new pipe that deleted the cat, and welded all the joints that I put together for $300. Enjoy your new system!

 

Im going to have to get some pics of my LT's they dont hang down far at all and my car is stock ride height. ill try and get some in the next few days.
Later Daniel

 

In the meantime, here are 2 pictures of the horrible clearance issues created by installing Hooker 2210 1 3/4 primary long tube headers. click to enlarge

 

Go with the Shorties. I went with the Hooker 2055 set with the Y-Pipe. Nice setup, cant complain

 

I have long tubes and i have a big problem with ground clearance

 

well, i guess i'll have to jump on the bandwagon and say shorties.. hooker long tubes give absolutely horrible ground clearance.. you have to have a custom exhaust or ypipe made.. but for power, LTs.. for less hassle and power just short of LT's, get the shorties..

EDIT: if my sig picture was more clear, bigger and didnt have the text over it, you could see the LT's on my car..

 

I put shorty's on my 86 V8 coupe i got little sound and power not what i was expecting. Go with long tubes i wish i Had.

 

depends on what tranny you have... Its a pain in the butt to find LT's to fit my T-5. I know super comps fit.. but they have horrible ground clearance. I bought a set of hedmans cuz they looked alright, turns out i will have to cut them up and do a litttle welding to make them fit. Not gonna happen. I'm going to buy shorties instead.

 

Shorties are the better option. Especially for every day drivers. Their a much better fit. And, unless your trying to push 300hp, on a car you can't afford to drive everyday(Gas), then Lt's won't really benefit you that much more, compared to the low ground clearance, and the PITA to install.
kevin

 

i ran longtubes for 2 yrs now and even with my car llowered i dont have any ground clearance issues.i run heddman longtubes