Shorty vs. regular headers

by Joe73 Sat Jan 21, 2012 12:28 pm

Guys, anyone have some knowledge on shorty headers? I've always run normal headers on my chevelle. I like the shorty idea but have some questions. Due to their shape, do they hook up to regular exhaust manifold type down pipes (larger diameter of course)? Do they block the starter from coming in and out easily? Which are better for performance? Any issues with z-bar linkage? They seem easier to get in. Any other info would be appreciated.

thanks guys

by Limey SE Sat Jan 21, 2012 2:23 pm

Wish I could help but in all my years of cars I have always used Long tubes LOL

by 77mali Sat Jan 21, 2012 3:47 pm

I have long tubes Joe. It sucks to get them out. I don't know about issues w/ exhaust as mine is still under consideration but taking these out is a bit of a pain. My car is Auto Trans so don't know issues w/ manual. In order to take the drivers side off- car has to be jacked up big time & on the pass. side it hits the starter, so that must be removed. I have a set of Hooker & they are 2 1/4". I've heard that a mini starter will solve that problem but mine is full size & new so I'm keeping for now. W/ the starter out the manifold slides right up & out, no jacking necessary. I'm thinking about shorties my self but not for a while. Hope this helps a little.

by Joe73 Sat Jan 21, 2012 4:24 pm

I've always had long tubes in mine as well. I've never had a problem installing them. I just jack the front up high and they slip in. Never had a starter interference but that might be because of the 4 speed being a smaller sized trans. The short tubes look good and they look like they would exit in a similar location to stock exhaust manifolds. I've seen that summit makes some large diameter pipes that appear to be for shorty headers. Still wondering if there is a performance difference.

by 1973 454 MONTE Sat Jan 21, 2012 5:17 pm

i have shortys on my 454. i like them better than long tube.
Shorty vs. regular headers Motor_10

by chevy76monteman Sat Jan 21, 2012 7:38 pm

I switched from long tube to shorty headers. They will not bolt up to the exhaust manifold downpipes. You'd have to make your own down pipes, which is what I did. I made two pairs, one with cats and one without. I wish I had pics available, but I don't. There isn't really a performance difference that I've noticed from switching over from long to short.

by Joe73 Sun Jan 22, 2012 12:20 am

Thanks for the replies guys. Shorty headers are out for me. I'd rather not bother with making up the down pipes. I'll stick to nice coated long tubes.

by Tom77 Sun Jan 22, 2012 10:50 am

Shorty's on Ghostrider. Love them. No interferance with any thing under the car. Was a little crazy hooking them up to the side pipes. Custom S bend but worth it long pipes wouldnt have worked at all.

by jerry46765 Sun Jan 22, 2012 6:59 pm

If you are running a nearly stock engine, you don't even need headers.

There is a big power difference on a modified engine between short tube and long tube.

It just depends what you are trying to do.

On a nearly stock street engine, the question should be 'will short tubes gain anything over cast manifolds?'

by 77mali Mon Jan 23, 2012 2:39 pm

Check these out! I like the look did not confirm fitment but ..$239 shipped to the lower 48.

http://www.kmjent.com/cart/product.php?productid=563&cat=4210382&page=1

They're cheaper on ebay-
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHEVY-STREET-ROD-HUGGER-SHORTY-HEADERS-SMALL-BLOCK-SBC-/330537154552?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item4cf58cb7f8

by orange Juiced Mon Jan 23, 2012 10:39 pm

77mali wrote:Check these out! I like the look did not confirm fitment but ..$139 shipped to the lower 48.

http://www.kmjent.com/cart/product.php?productid=563&cat=4210382&page=1

They're cheaper on ebay-
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHEVY-STREET-ROD-HUGGER-SHORTY-HEADERS-SMALL-BLOCK-SBC-/330537154552?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item4cf58cb7f8

Those will not work, I tired it with my friends extra set he had. Those dump right on the crossmember.

I bought these from this company, if u look around u might be able to find them cheaper on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MALIBU-MONTE-CARLO-CAMARO-NOVA-HEADERS-CERAMIC-283-400-/290510436064?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item43a3c576e0

http://www.cfrperformance.com/CHEVY_SMALL_BLOCK_SHORTY_HEADERS_CERAMIC_p/hz-9998-cer.htm

by 77mali Tue Jan 24, 2012 7:44 am

orange Juiced wrote:
77mali wrote:Check these out! I like the look did not confirm fitment but ..$139 shipped to the lower 48.

http://www.kmjent.com/cart/product.php?productid=563&cat=4210382&page=1

They're cheaper on ebay-
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHEVY-STREET-ROD-HUGGER-SHORTY-HEADERS-SMALL-BLOCK-SBC-/330537154552?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item4cf58cb7f8

Those will not work, I tired it with my friends extra set he had. Those dump right on the crossmember.

I bought these from this company, if u look around u might be able to find them cheaper on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MALIBU-MONTE-CARLO-CAMARO-NOVA-HEADERS-CERAMIC-283-400-/290510436064?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item43a3c576e0

http://www.cfrperformance.com/CHEVY_SMALL_BLOCK_SHORTY_HEADERS_CERAMIC_p/hz-9998-cer.htm

Too bad I like the way they look. I've seen these on some custom High-Boys @ some local shows. Like those you found too.

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