Long Tube v Short Tube Headers

[sparg93]

What is the benefit of Long Tube headers over Short Tube?

I have a '99 4dr 4x4 and will only have minor mods..CAI, E-Fan, BB tune.

Will I notice a difference if I spend the money a redo the entire exhaust system with Long Tube Headers? What if I redo it with Short Tube?

What kind of benefits can i see from either system in addition to what I am in the process of doing (i.e CAI, Efan, BB)?

Thanks!!

 

[raptorforme93]

From what I have read, shorties are basically like the stockers with maybe a small performance gain, and a good set of long tubes are where the performance gains are at. When I redo my exhaust, I will be using ****** long tubes

 

[sparg93]

makes sense...

I haven't been able to find any numbers against installing long tube...as an example, increase hp/torque by "x", saving "x" mpg.

I'm still wonderig if spending all the money if really worth it the way i drive.

 

[19Yukon97]

im debating with the same thing... Im thinking about some long tubes. Ive heard that long tubes are MUCH better than the shorties.

 

[DTAILS]

I don't recall which publication I found the info, however the difference I noted was that the long tubes give an additional gain of 10+ HP over the shorties when installed on the 5.3liter.

 

[Jaycenk]

I'd like to see where the torque curve goes with long tubes. Anyone have dyno numbers of before and after? I tow and this one thing I have been thinking about but I am not sure. I did long tubes on the 97 camaro and It picks up on the tall end of the rpm range HP wise but thought It might have lost a tad of torque on the low end.

 

[AtomicHoe094]

check out that link for Blizzards long tube install in the Lounge section.. Last page, theres a link with some good info, its not your motor specifically but it shows you the curves.

 

[PH99TAHOE]

I'd like to see where the torque curve goes with long tubes. Anyone have dyno numbers of before and after? I tow and this one thing I have been thinking about but I am not sure. I did long tubes on the 97 camaro and It picks up on the tall end of the rpm range HP wise but thought It might have lost a tad of torque on the low end.

This is right on. I've LT's on my 94 camaro also, and the key difference is in the upper end of the RPM range. You'll probably lose some low end torque with the LT's but you'll gain a broader and smoother power and torque curve and gain a few ponies and torque#s in the process.

 

[blueflamed03]

LT's add more low end.

 

[2 E L O]

LT's add more low end.

..........? I think you might be mistaken.

Long tubes will actually hurt you on the low end. You'll lose low RPM torque for sure with long tubes vs. stock manifolds or short tubes.

If you do towing or if it's just a daily driver, I would stick with short tubes. If you're drag racing or have long periods of high RPM driving then long tubes would be the way to go.