I'm asking this on behalf of a friend of mine, because I've always thought that long tubes would benefit more than mids on an internally stock motor. Since the manifolds are the #1-inhibiting horsepower component of the LT1, I'd imagine that the better flowing headers with larger diameter primaries and longer length would provide larger gains. So are long tubes overkill on an internally stock motor? Or would mids or shorties (MACs, AS&Ms, SLPs, Edelbrocks, etc.) be more than sufficient?

Someone set me straight?

 

Joe,I'll set you straight.Tell your bud to get the long tubes.He wont regret it.I did it when my car was bone stock and loved the gains.No way are they overkill.

 

Long tubes are not overkill, especially down the road you want to add heads or a cam, the headers will already support it no problems..

The longtubes will not have signifigant gains over a 1 3/4 mid length header on a stock longblock N/A though..

It all depends on your goals... If ground clearance is not an issue (lowering your car) Hooker LTs are great, but downsides are the y-pipes are an afterthought, and most y-pipes do not fit the greatest. You can find Hooker LTs with o2 bungs, and they will allow you to pass even an IM240 emmisions test.

You can spend a lot of dough and get FLPs that come with conveters- and off road pipes. They are very close to long tubes and have a little higher ground clearance than Hookers. Some people have problems with these headers hitting the florboards, and they might need soem tweaking to get it tight. The cost is expensive also...

SLP, AS@M RK SPort are mids that will get you great gains also on a stock longblock. I personally dynoed 298 RWHP on a bone stock longblock with full exhaust (RK Sport, Borla)and no converter with other bolt ons. I also managed a 13.01@109

The least expensive route would be 1 5/8 shortys, but I personally would spend a litle more dough for mids... Everyone is different though.

 

definetly.tell him to GET LT'S if no emmision problems!

 

It depends on the goal. If you want better performance, less hassle with clearance and emissions, and don't plan on doing a stroker or blower, go ahead and get the shorties. Get them coated, and enjoy the benefits.

If the plan is to ho hog wild with mods and screw emissions, get the long tubes.

My shorties went in easily and never gave me a lick of problems. The long tubes were a hassle and I have to buy an annual "friend" to get a sticker every year if you know what I mean...

 

Whenever possible run LTs.

 

Lt's and never look back.. I just ordered my second set.