Wes8398

I've searched around, but haven't found any threads that show actual dyno tests on the different types of headers. Lots of people SAY that short tubes don't give you much of a gain, but is that the same as the overly inflated estimate of 25 rwhp from Long Tubes? There are a ton of numbers thrown out there, but it's hard to come by dyno proven numbers. I'm also shopping around for a set of headers, and I'm having the same dilema about what length to go with. What I've read so far is that
a)Long tubes are going to cause issues with any tranny work
b)installation is tougher and more expensive (if you can't do it yourself)
c)they're more expensive, they can set off trouble codes,
d)and (from this thread) they cause ground clearance issues with cars even moderately lowered (ie with the Eibach Pro Kit).

I'm sure there's more, but even that short list makes it seem like they're too much of a pain in the *** to bother with.
I wonder what the REAL difference in gains is, between the mid-lengths and long tubes.

Oh, and I would love to see any pics you guys have of whatever length headers you use ... Where to the mids/shorties end?

Flyingmau5

LTs all the way

DROES99STANG

I have heard from many people that LT's sound much better, and you get more performance then shorty's. Most the performance shops I have been to have told me that with shorty's you only gain about 5hp and you have better top end, but with LT's you have better low end for Drag and you can gain from 10-15hp. I think the difference between LT's and Shorty's is based on preference. If you are going for faster acceleration and louder sound go for LT's. but if you want better top end and not as loud go with shorty's. my preference is LT's and I think LT's are probly 90% of mustang owners would go with LT's

NORTON98

Also depending on were you live you wont be able to pass emissions. (i.e California)


Your almost correct....Long tubes make your tone deeper and some people say a lil quieter, while short tubes can be more raspy and louder. Im almost positive with that because i have heard that more than once but i could be wrong...

DROES99STANG

Norton---thanks for telling me that because you might be right it does make sense with what you said, but i am pretty sure about the HP gains because a performance shop told me that and they have a DYNO machine and everything so they know their s*** but as far as sound goes i have heard that from other people, but i think you are right i think they said the LT's give a deeper tone but thats what I like is a deep tone. i dont like that raspy sound, i would have got a foreign car if i wanted a riceburner raspy sound....lol...aight talk to ya lata

NORTON98

Totally---I love the deep tone, thats why i picked LMIIs instead of LMIs...

Jcelli04

aixtreme89- to me it looks like its more of your midpipe and catback than your headers. if ur willing to do some work order a drgas xpipe and custon fab it together. it tucks up under my car very well (i also have bbk longtubes) and have a bunch of clearance to work with.

now to answer the original question: def get longtubes. the differance they made in sound and power is worth the instal (major PITA)

2000GT4.6

I haven't had any clearance problems, but the car isn't lowered. However, the tips etc will scrape before the headers do.

If you cannot go with LTs, on a mild bolton setup just forget it and stick with the stock manifolds. I have seen numerous before and after dynos that only show 2-3 whp after a shortie header install.

Wes8398

Wow, that's good to know!! You've actually SEEN the dyno's? And what ACTUAL gains have you SEEN from LT's?

Knight Mare

I feel your pain bro. I have long tubes, and Pro kit springs like you, and I was scraping stuff once in a while. Now that I just put on the Roush side exhaust kit, and skirts last night, I scrape just drivng down uneven roads. I am certain exhaust leaks are immenent, so Im considering going back to stock springs. :-( (no way in hell Im going thru the PITA of re swapping my headers)

BTW, I can barely slide my foot under the side skirts.I was wearing flip flops (its 80 degrees here in LA still), and I gan slide my foot to the top of my instep.