Shorty headers

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01-22-2007, 08:21 PM

#11

mygt500

Multi-Tasking Moderator!

Join Date: Nov 2006

Location: Detroit Rock City!

Posts: 15,618

RE: Shorty headers

I agree with CrazyAL.... the only reason I would go with the new headers is for a cleaner look as the stock ones get surface rust almost instantly and if I s/c or go with turbo. Remember 304 stainless and that titanium coating! They look great and most setups have no clearances issues.

01-23-2007, 01:24 PM

#12

CrazyAl

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Join Date: Mar 2006

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Posts: 2,544

RE: Shorty headers

Beware of the turbo install. Yes, you generally CAN use shorties with a turbo, but that doesn't mean that it's actually better. Adding shorties increases the volume of the exhaust tract between the valves and the turbine inlet. That changes the spooling properties of the turbo and it might make lag worse. It depends on your turbo. Talk to the company which designed your turbo kit before making that decision. Generally, shorties on a turbo is only worthwile with a highly modded engine and a BIG turbo.

You don't need a coating if you get 304 stainless. It's completely redundant.

01-23-2007, 02:45 PM

#13

Simon1

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Join Date: Dec 2006

Location: Redding, CA

Posts: 4,552

RE: Shorty headers

I'll disagree with CrazyAl with the volume increase. Substantial, maybe not. Noticable, yes. People, including the shop that installed them, said the car was noticably louder. I already had FRPP stingers on prior to the install. I got the two mods done about two weeks apart. Looking back, would I do shorties again?? Probably not. When I get it dynoed we will see what the HP #s are. I would probably buy a cat-lessx-pipe that can be taken off and on as needed. It would probablynet more gains anyway for much less $$.

10-14-2007, 10:34 AM

#14

Lito

2nd Gear Member

Join Date: Nov 2006

Location: Caracas, Venezuela

Posts: 401

RE: Shorty headers

Quote:

ORIGINAL: CrazyAl

Beware of the turbo install. Yes, you generally CAN use shorties with a turbo, but that doesn't mean that it's actually better. Adding shorties increases the volume of the exhaust tract between the valves and the turbine inlet. That changes the spooling properties of the turbo and it might make lag worse. It depends on your turbo. Talk to the company which designed your turbo kit before making that decision. Generally, shorties on a turbo is only worthwile with a highly modded engine and a BIG turbo.

You don't need a coating if you get 304 stainless. It's completely redundant.

Thank you CrazyAl, that was the answer I was looking for, the search button is my friend!.

I went for a turbo kit and was so sad to take my beautiful sounding and looking Kooks LT so qas looking for comments that could confirm what I suspected.

thanks again.

10-14-2007, 10:50 AM

#15

pascal

S197 Section Modder-ator

Join Date: Sep 2007

Location: Orlando FL

Posts: 13,373

RE: Shorty headers

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Simon1

Yes they increase sound. I have JBA shorties and it does change the sound. Get ready for everyone to tell you how not to waste your money. Shorties don't increase power like LT's, but LT's aren't smog legal so it creates a dilema for some (like me). I like my shorties and the sound they create. I paired them with the FRPP stingers. If I wasn't technicaly challenged and had the equipment, I would post a sound clip. If the state you live in doesn't have a visual smog test then you willpass smog just fine.In California, it goes by the county (in CA) whether or not they do a visual.

JBA are too expensive... It's a rip off company anyway. I had problems with those people.
Since shortys don't give you anything on performance, that leaves you only with look reasons.
Have your stockers ceramic coated (about $200 max) and you're done.
Just a thought... Unless you really want the tube look.