equal or unequal length
12-07-2005, 07:03 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2005
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Posts: 39
equal or unequal length
Ok, so I understand that long tube headers give more hp & torque at higher rpm, sacrificing some low down, but whats the difference between equal & unequal length shortys? Are equal somewhere between the two? and is it worth paying the extra bucks?? Thanks
12-07-2005, 07:52 PM
#2
6th Gear Member
Join Date: May 2004
Location: las vegas, nv
Posts: 9,092
RE: equal or unequal length
i wouldnt even buy unequal. equal legnth just means all the pipes are the same length. it provides for an even amount of flow from all cylinders. the stock manifold is unequal so what does that tell you
12-07-2005, 10:22 PM
#5
6th Gear Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 8,467
RE: equal or unequal length
ive heard of people having tons of problems with equal length shorties, including melting sparkplug wires etc... For the difference of install difficulty and price i dont think they're worth it, again, unless you're pushing some serious HP, but then why not go with LT.
12-07-2005, 11:32 PM
#6
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: south carolina
Posts: 1,037
RE: equal or unequal length
ive used both and have unequals now. the money isnt the real diff. its the ease of plug inspection and less heat that made me go this route ive seen dyno test years ago yhat showed less than 2hp difference. im willing to give up that hp for the room to work and check plugs regularly.
12-08-2005, 03:44 AM
#8
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Los Angeles, CA (SoCal)
Posts: 5,613
RE: equal or unequal length
I would advice AGAINST the Equal length headers.
My brother has a 95 GT that we put some equal MAC headers on....NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS!!!!! spark plug issues.....rusting....leaks....and they are a PITA to install as well.....I say stay away from them at all costs.
My brother has a 95 GT that we put some equal MAC headers on....NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS!!!!! spark plug issues.....rusting....leaks....and they are a PITA to install as well.....I say stay away from them at all costs.
12-08-2005, 09:04 AM
#9
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 199
RE: equal or unequal length
unequal length are the way to go! There's not any major increase in hp. by using the equal lenghts. Also UNEQUAL lenght is far more easier to install and remove! My car came with equal lenghts when I got her. 1st then I did was to remove them! Had to raise the motor and all sorts of things,1st time took like two days,it was terrible! Learn from our experience. Also , will charge you more at shops because of equal lenghts take MORE labor time to install/remove. Spark plugs maintence was also a big issue. GOOD LUCK. Just glad if I NEVER see another set of equal lenghts again!!!!!!!!!!!!!
12-08-2005, 10:33 AM
#10
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2005
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Posts: 39
RE: equal or unequal length
Thanks for that guys - you made my mind up for me. Ive just ordered a 347 stroker from T&L, so I'm trying to decide which headers/system to go with it. I think I might go for the BBK unequal shortys with a magnaflow off road Tru-X and cat-back system. I know long pipes would probably be better for a high hp engine but I think they would be real pain for road use?