I just recently started a new project. Instead of the shorty headers, I think I might try some long-tubes this time. Does anyone know what the theory behind these headers is? Some say that you gain loe-end torque, and they are NOT emmisions legal, and some say that you loose massive amounts of low-end and they are legal. Also what are some quality brands? Please someone clear up this for me!

 

LT's are good. Yea, you might loose some torque because you are losing some back pressure, but they are definatley a POSITIVE gain and your going to drop a few tenths off your times. The most popular brand for our cars are the Hooker Long tubes, with the Mufflex Y-pipe.

 

Actually long tube headers will increase low end torque. You'll basically gain power all across your rpm's. Shorties make most of their power up top in the rpm's. I don't have the article anymore, but I read about this a while back. Long tubes are not emmissions legal though, most don't have the EGR/AIR hookups or catalytic converters, but those long tubes that do, don't have a CARB #.

Hooker, FLP, and Dynatech are the most popular long tube header brands for LT1's.

 

in many states it's technicly "non emmissions legal" if you relocate the cats in any way, shape or form....so in that sense... they are illegal.

however, installing cats or buying FLP's which come with cats, could make you legal to the sniff test depending on tuning of course.