Shortys or Long Tube? HEADERS EITHER WAY!

[blackbeast]

Between the shorty headers and long tube headers what will give me the most bang for the buck? I want headers either way, and i know it's gonna sound better either way but i want the most hp & tq. i can get. So what'll it be? Oh and does anybody know of any good brands to fit a 4.8L Vortec in a 1999 Silverado? :think:

[H&S_Miner]

long tubes help the low end and throughout i believe
shorties will help in the midand hi range

i think. money wise, shorties are probalby only gonna run ya half the cost of long tubes and won't need much modding to install.

a good idea will also be to go ahead and do the exhaust and intake as well to see some good gains since the engine is basically like a big air pump so it's only going to flow as well as your most restrictive area

[vic_V8]

heddman makes affordable long tubes, i plan on getting a set when i go back to work.

[Zacko]

The shorties don't do much for performance over stock manifolds from my experience.
Get the best long tubes you can afford, Hedman makes some good ones, but I like the fit of the Hookers. Thorley's used to be my favorite but I haven't hung any for a long time. Changing plugs, installing the headers and how many "custom" dents you need to put in them seemed less with the Hookers.
Be sure to get a heat wrap for your starter since the extra heat from the headers will dramatically reduce your starter life if you don't.
I came up with a way to keep the bolts tight after having the right side nearly fall off of my 76 GMC "Classic Body Style"
I took the external star lock washers and cut off 1 or two of the points. Then installed the regular header bolts. Cutting off a few of the points allowed the washer to fit and I never had another come loose after I went with this system.
I'd change my spark plugs while I'm at it since you will need to pull them out anyway.
Enjoy. I always loved the smell of baking paint from a new set of headers or a new engine.

[LikeaRock14]

:word: Shorties are cheaper, but won't give you much of a gain. If you're willing to spend the money, Dynatech makes a system that includes ceramic coated LT's, new cats, and a new y pipe. Cost is around a grand, but it's worth it :rocking:

[Liftedassdodge]

Ive had both, and my experience is limited with em, shorties fit better for mine, without the "custom dents" Long tubes sound better uncapped and give it a bit more low end.

but then again i had em on a 500 horse 502, so it pulled anyways hehe

[BFEkid]

my flowtech long tubes for a 4x4 were only $105 go longtube