Shorty Headers?

I realize that shorty headers do not offer the same gains as mid-length or long tube headers. Is it worth installing shorty headers on a stock LS1 with a few minor bolt ons? Any opinions, experiences, and suggestions would be great! I can grab a set of shorty headers for a great price and I don't have a mid-to-long tube budget right now.

From what I've heard it really depends on the year car. 2001 and 2002 model Camaro's have revised exhaust manifolds. You don't really get much of a gain from them. The gains will be marginal on any LS1. I may be incorrect, but to the best of my knowledge shory headers are just not worth it compared to other mods you can do for the same money.

na, they're not worth it dude... if you're gonna get headers, just get LT's, shorties don't do jack, it's a waste of money

go with long tubes...its well worth it

Aren't LT's illegal in California? I heard this somewhere and I was looking into getting a pair

Short tube headers are the only length of headers smog legal in California. This is due to the moving of the catalytic converters when installing long tubes. The cats must stay in the same location as delivered from the factory. So your car may pass the sniffer. But it will fail the visual inspection.

sucks to live in ca yo... i mean, not only do you have a really bad case of ricers over there, you have some horrible emission standards as well :(

Someone at LS1.com dyno'ed with a set of 1 3/4 primary shortys and gained 10rwhp throughout the entire rpm band. So, I say it is worth it if you get the 1 3/4in primary shortys.



Jason

I used Edlebrocks for awhile on my '01 ... I picked up about .05, a half a tenth at the track.

Replaced the cats with a straight pipe and picked up another tenth ... so I'd say shorties w/o cats are worth a tenth to a tenth and half.

If you can get them real cheap, say $150-$200 with a ORP, they are worth the effort and can help you decide if you want to step up to LTs ...

Good Luck

Originally posted by Mister Will
Short tube headers are the only length of headers smog legal in California. This is due to the moving of the catalytic converters when installing long tubes. The cats must stay in the same location as delivered from the factory. So your car may pass the sniffer. But it will fail the visual inspection.

After looking at Quick Time performances' exhaust section.I noticed the Hooker long tubes and in the caption it says these header have been granted the Executive order for use in California emissions.
So I didnt really believe this(still sceptical) and wrote a E-mail to them(QTP) to verify the fact.The responce was "Tony they pass CARB".So I wanna believe these are exceptable header replacments for a California vehicle.
Also on a web site I've seen for lists of exceptable parts replacments in Cali. In the exhaust sub area the only manufacturer they mention as having parts for acceptance is "Hooker" and a reference of sorts.
I dont want Hooker b/c of fitment issues I've heard about and clearance .BUT I may end up with them to be safe.
Also have heard of many people passing emissions w/ FLP LTs..one was a performance shop guy who stated"He's had many customers pass w/the FLPs".

Originally posted by Mister Will
Short tube headers are the only length of headers smog legal in California. This is due to the moving of the catalytic converters when installing long tubes. The cats must stay in the same location as delivered from the factory. So your car may pass the sniffer. But it will fail the visual inspection.
California emissions suck! what difference would moving the cat make?
anyway Rob seeing that you live in NY, id wait til you can get some LT's. even if shorties get 10rwhp youll get more with the LT's:D

Originally posted by Rippin92RS
California emissions suck! what difference would moving the cat make?
anyway Rob seeing that you live in NY, id wait til you can get some LT's. even if shorties get 10rwhp youll get more with the LT's:D

Yeah, I still have to pass emissions testing each year, though.

Originally posted by Rippin92RS
California emissions suck! what difference would moving the cat make?

Moving the cat farther from the engine lowers its operating temperature, which decreases its efficiency and is more prone to clogging. And if they aren't shielded properly and are in the wrong place, they can catch your stuff on fire.