I'm looking to add headers to my supercharged '98 Snake. I've been hearing mixed things about the full length headers versus the shortys. The rumor is that full lenth headers are slightly better, but that they're not worth the installation hastle and expense. I have the shortys right now and am wondering if an upgrade would be worth it. Thanks.

 

Headers are like intake, the length and diameter determine the resonance of reverse charging frequency. You choose headers to provide reverse charging at a specific rpm range. This range is determined by the rest of the engine. William Mathis covers reverse charging very nicely in Mustang Performance Handbook, ISBN 1557881936, chapter 6.

Anybody that tells you shortie headers are better than longtube headers, or vice versa, is misinformed. First, one would need know what kind of engine you have, what CR, what cam, what intake, what's your power band basically, then they'd calculate the optimal tube length and width, then they'd choose a brand and model that best matches those parameters.