Ok what I want to know is what do you find "better" for a car that is gonna be driven alot. its a weekend cruiser. It will get a cam eventually. The engine is a 1996 vortec 350 in 1992 z28. which would you go for? what are the benifeits and problems with both? they will run into a X or aftermarket Y pipe most likely.

 

Shorties-good-better than stock manifolds, easy to bolt up with y pipe that comes with it. good-good ground clearance for a DD Bad-not as good as longtubes.

Longtubes-good-Better performance. Bad-have to get a custom y pipe to fit 3" catbacks, sometimes can be a PITA to install.

 

Ultimately, Longtubes are the better headers... but ground clearance, installation, price, new exhaust, etc... can be a hassle.

But like 89formula said, shorties are definately better than the stock manifolds. Shorties will allow the car to breathe better and allow you to gain a little more power.