long tube headers?
- Thread starter cb18201
- Start date
DirtyD916
Active Member
1. im pretty sure its the short or equal length headers that are more for low end torque and long tubes that are more for top end power. Its ok becasue you can just put 3.73's or 4.10's in to balance it out. 2. They are always hard to put in, but now bassani has some headers taht i believe are long tubes and are individually assembled with the collector then slipped on at the end. 3. they are louder then other types of headers. Its a badass sound. 
Michael Yount
Mustang Master
Long tubes should help power just about everywhere in the rev range - however, they should be noticeably stronger than shorties in bottom end torque. MM&FF just did a test comparing several shorties and long tubes and the 1 5/8" primary long tubes made almost 40 ft-lb. more torque at 3000 rpm than the shorties. That difference became less and less as the revs rose in their dyno test.
Installation is always a bit different on each car - long tubes are a challenge to install. You just have to decide if you want them or not. Many times motor mounts have to be disconnected and the engine jacked up, or the steering shaft removed and run between primary tubes - depends on the brand of header. Also, if your mounts are old, and the engine has sagged - sits lower in the bay, you may have some clearance issues. It's a good time to refresh the mounts - engine and tranny.
Volume is more a function of the rest of the exhaust system (cats, h/x pipe, muffler type, etc.), but most folks report that the annoying resonance around 2000 rpm is significantly reduced if not eliminated with long tubes. Do some research on the location of the O2 sensors. Installing long tubes usually results in having to move the O2 sensors further back in the exhaust stream, and that often causes some drivability issues for people.
Installation is always a bit different on each car - long tubes are a challenge to install. You just have to decide if you want them or not. Many times motor mounts have to be disconnected and the engine jacked up, or the steering shaft removed and run between primary tubes - depends on the brand of header. Also, if your mounts are old, and the engine has sagged - sits lower in the bay, you may have some clearance issues. It's a good time to refresh the mounts - engine and tranny.
Volume is more a function of the rest of the exhaust system (cats, h/x pipe, muffler type, etc.), but most folks report that the annoying resonance around 2000 rpm is significantly reduced if not eliminated with long tubes. Do some research on the location of the O2 sensors. Installing long tubes usually results in having to move the O2 sensors further back in the exhaust stream, and that often causes some drivability issues for people.
79'293stang
Active Member
i have flowtech long tubes and there were no problems except having to jack up the passenger side of the motor to get that side installed
I have mac longtubes that are hts coated. I love them. I think you actually have more room than equal length shorties. You will have to however remove one when swapping out clutches or if you need to completely take the bellhousing out. But that may just be the mac's. I still think they are the best.
They were already in when I bought the car, but I did have to remove the driver side to swap out the clutch and as far as the driver side it was easier than working with shortie headers. I have never dealt with the passenger side but just looking at my car it doesnt look that bad. Starter clearence is less with long tubes, but I was still able to access the starter with the right extensions when I swapped out my clutch.
Check out my install guide here. Fox LT install
They gave me power all through the rev range. The install isn't really that hard. It's 1000% worth it. Just do your homework first.
They gave me power all through the rev range. The install isn't really that hard. It's 1000% worth it. Just do your homework first.
TattooMatt said:Check out my install guide here. Fox LT install
They gave me power all through the rev range. The install isn't really that hard. It's 1000% worth it. Just do your homework first.
Nice Job!
Michael Yount
Mustang Master
cb18201 said:
Better for power everywhere, but especially low end TQ.
cb18201 said:
Depends on which brand you go with. Hooker Super Comps do not require engine jacking, steering shaft removal, and the tranny/clutch can be swapped with them in place.
cb18201 said:
Different sound all together.
LT's have a deeper tone, less harsh, say good bye to drone... plenty loud, but not a piercing type of noise... I like to say shorties have a hysterical sound to them, and long tubes have an authoritive sound.
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