Sorry this is a stupid question; What is the difference between shorty headers and long tube headers? How do these offer a power gain over a stock configuration? Also, what exactly will an X-pipe or an H-Pipe due for the car other then sound? Thanks

 

first of all no question is a stupid question...beleive me lol, Honestly this is a great question because i would like to know also.

 

lol sweet deal

 

Shorty headers are the same length as the stock exhaust manifolds. They have better bends and design, so they flow better than stock manifolds. They typically bolt in without having to modify the exhaust pipes to fit. Long tube headers (also called tuned headers) are longer than the stock manifolds. They require modifying the exhaust pipe to fit (or obtaining one designed for them) and usually require relocating and/or purchasing new catalytic converters. The are usually composed of equal length pipes with the pipe lengths designed for the engine. What the equal length (and length) of the pipes does is set up a resonent frequency in the pipes that causes a low pressure zone to bounce back and forth in the tubes. As the zone hits the exhaust ports it scavenges gases more efficiently. Long tube headers produce more power than short tubes. The price paid is in the required exhaust pipe modifications and in many states they are not "legal" and do not pass emissions rules.

X pipes and H pipes, also called crossover pipes balance the exhaust pressure from one side to the other. If the pressures are not equal, it could cause a slight power imbalance. It also evens out the sound from one side to the other. X-pipes due to the smoother bend are more efficient than H-pipes. H-pipes are much easier to make and alledgely produce a deeper, smoother sound. The power difference between one and the other is probably typically no more than 1 or maybe2 hp.

 

long tubes eliminate cats generally.