I want to replace my stock headers with aftermarket. I have an 02 Z28. I like the shorts because they would be easier to install and would bolt up to stock cats. I want to build the exhaust a piece at a time and do it right. I guess my question is, would shorts be worth the time and money to mess with. I know that long tube headers offer better performance but are more difficult to install and would require an extensive exhaust rework. I am not looking to ever build the engine. I am more interested in it running the best it can with bolt ons. I have already swapped out the stock air box lid with an SLP lid and smooth bellows, thanks...Russ

 

Shorties will get you 5 horses, and a little bit louder exhaust note. IMO, not worth the money even if they are cheaper than LTs. They will definitely be easier to install though.

 

they are called exhaust manifolds not stock headers.In theory, the tube length affects the RPM at which you see your largest gains. Longer tubes produce torque at lower RPM. Shorter tubes move the peak gains upward in the RPM range. Longer tubes may limit peak HP, because of the increased pressure loss. Shorter tubes may make more peak HP. Traditionally, long-tube headers are the best for street cars, mid- and shorter lengths for track cars, that never operate below 4,000 or 5,000RPM.
Long tubes may also create ground clearance problems, particularly with lowered cars. There just isn't much room on the drivers side for the collector to come straight back, and include a cat (if you plan on using a cat).If you plan on staying emmissions legal you will need to get a catted y-pipe and the headers you get will need o2 sensor,A.I.R. and EGR hook ups.

 

thanks for the responces, think I'll keep it stock.

 

I dont agree. you never want pressure in your exhaust system. all you want is a continuous flow of gasses. shorties cannot make low end torque as well as LTs because they do not dissipate heat as well thus do not scavenge as well. in higher rpm ranges the gasses are moving so fast that the scavenging effect lessens. so LTs will still tend to make higher peak hp, but the differences will be slight.

 

What would be a good set of headers to put on a 89 2.8 V6? Or am i at a loss because its a V6?

 

i got the same question i also have a v6?

 

The "other" car comes with headers factory. you don't have to run a duel act a single after the y should work. but LTS still drag even with a drag launch kit my buddies z with mids scrubed some times. If you want the most out of your car with bolt ons you have to upgarde the exhaust from the "header" back.