I know the long tubes like pacesetters, hookers, etc. will make more power. I'm just wondering how much is actually being given up by running shorties instead? Some of the roads I drive on every day have large whoops that I'm afraid would cause LTs to bottom out on a regular basis. What are the best shorties out there? Best LTs? I'm fairly new to LT1s so I'm trying to catch up on the learning curve.

 

mid length's and long tubes probably make about the same gains (or thereabouts) on a stock motor. Shorties are a waste of time in my opinion. Mac make's nice mids, as does arizona speed and marine.

 

Each have their advantages/disadvantages at various points throughout the RPM range.

 

Mid-lengths and LT's will make about the same peak numbers, but the average numbers will by far go toward the LT's. You can find more info about this by doing an internet search.

 

LTs all the way, you'll gain probably 10 more hp minimum over the shorties...any header is good for a LT1 unlike shorties being useless on LS1's...but if you can run LT's legally like some of us cant do it

 

I would go for mid's for clearance while still retaining almost as much performance as the Longtubes.
ANYTHING is a drastic improvment over the stock manifolds. The Y pipe itself looked really restrictive when I was changing the CAT on my car, at the "y" both pipes come together very closely making it look pretty hard for exhaust to escape at that point.

LT's will get you a bit more at the highest RPM ranges. Mid's are great but will always fall a little shy on the high end when compared to LT's

 

this is a driver so I'm willing to sacrifice a tenth. I just didn't want to lose a 1/2 second or something by running mids. Around here emissions aren't an issue.

 

I put Pacesetter LTs on my '96 TA over the winter and haven't really noticed any clearance problems with normal driving (and I live in Michigan where the roads are HORRIBLE!). I might worry about a speed bump or maybe with a lowered car, but in general I don't forsee any issues with the clearance of my long tube headers. The power gain was awesome too - approximately 25+hp.

 

The gains with any decent mid or LT header is gonna be close to the same.. maybe more low end torque with the LTs. The sound however is day and night. LTs have a lot smoother, cleaner exhaust note.

 

What's the difference between the '94-5 and '96-7 headers & catback systems? I've picked up that the earlier models are better(?). If I'm going to swap out everything then should I just go with the early setup? thanks