Do shortys headers make any sound difference over stock exhaust manifolds? I know they are not as good as long tubes but are there any sort of power gains off them? Thanks.

 

I have installed 3 sets of these on the S197. They are pain to install (raise the engine on both sides, disconnect steering shaft, remove factory bolt studs from the heads, never overtighten) and you must get the ceramic coated ones for the best Gains. There are different brands JBA, Ford racing, MAC, Gibson, Pypes, etc. Shorties work the best at the mid-range on V8s at best 8hp/8tq at the wheels. You will only gain 4hp at redline. There will be less "trumpeting" from the tailpipes. Your exhaust note will be deeper and smoother less fluttering. You really cannot feel the difference afterwards. I do not know if gas mileage gets better. Hope this helps.

 

from everything I've read and the people I've talked to...you will usually get less than 20rwhp wih long tubes, and less than around 10rwhp with shorties. However, long tubes create more HP, while shorties create more TQ. Don't know about you, but I'd rather raise my TQ numbers (that's for your acceleration, hp is more top speed). Personally, I don't think it's worth the cost for most of the headers to be worth it....especially for someone in my case, where it's $1500 for a set.

 

I put FRPP shortys on my 05 GT 4 years ago and it was a waste of effort. It is as much pain in the **** as long tubes and you get very little gain from them. Of course there has to be an improvement over the stock manifolds.

 

Hey Boss197, I'd get that tuner instead of shorties. You'll notice far more gains, both power and mpg, than you'll realize from new manifolds.

Just my .02

 

They make a nice rumble from 4k to redline, low-midrange torque is better, though I do have 4.10s. I have the stock headers laying around and they look pretty ridiculous compared to the JBAs. If anything, they increased throttle response, sound at WOT and some low end torque, more gains would be realized with FI or turbo. Power can be made elsewhere IMO.

 

I put BBK headers on my GT, wasn't as hard as everybody says here. If you have worked on your car, then it is the same but the space is tight and you have to take your time. I should say, I didn't have intentions to get new headers until I snapped a bolt in my stock manifold while swapping in an x-pipe.

 

They do sound pretty good...HP gains well that's another story..

 

Ya I love how my car sounds but I can't speak of how just headers made it sound since I did that and the X at the same time. As far as gains, it feels better down low, but after 3000 I don't notice anything.