Long tubes vs. Tri-y's???'s

[ga289stocker]

Ok I have a 289 w/ cearmic coated tri-y's I've been running for a few years now. They seem to work great and I noticed a power increase from the exhaust manifolds i was running both in seat of pants and et's at track. Fast forward and now I'm getting more into racing the car from time to time at local dragstrip... I've got some upcoming mod's i'm looking to make, AFR 165's, ram air and battery relocate. I've seen where many folks run the long tubes for pure performance it seems. What would be the advantages to switching to long tubes if any? Also can anyone confirm or deny the statement I've heard several times that "tri-y's are better down low for torque and long tubes make more power up top"? Would the probably $500 bucks i'd have to spend for good coated long tubes(hooker's) really add to my et? My motor is mild 289 right now, weiand single plane, holley 600dp, about 10:1cr w/ flat tops, roller rockers, stock heads now but have the 165's
to go on, mild race cam not sure spec's...runs 14.2 @98+ so far..or are the long tubes for more radically build up's, thanks for any comments...

 

[blue65coupe]

I can't answer your tech questions but I'll throw in my $0.02. I was considering tri-y headers when finished my 289 build. However, I decided to go with the Hedman Elite nickel coated longs. I can send the part #. I don't know what kind of tranny you're running as there may be an issue with manuals. I've got an auto. As far as satisfaction...A1. Easy fit, look good, hang down a little under the car, sound good, etc. May not be what you're looking for but I felt like typing

Edit: you have a 4 spd, may not work. Sorry for the wasted reading

 

[D.Hearne]

I ran tri-y's on the 400+hp 331, sixpack in my 89 Ranger and it suffered none at all on top. I'd spend the money elsewhere.

 

[dennis112]

I ran tri-y's on the 400+hp 331, sixpack in my 89 Ranger and it suffered none at all on top. I'd spend the money elsewhere.

Agreed. You have them, they are hooked up and they will work fine. Not worth spending the money on unless you are going totally all out drag. The gains would be minimal.

 

[ga289stocker]

Thanks for the quick respones guys...I think I'll stick w/ my tri-y's then. now just got to get my butt in the garage to finish my battery relocate and hook up the ram air before last track day Nov 3rd. Look out 13's here i come, hopefully......

 

[D.Hearne]

Just from looking at what your signature lists, the thing you need to spend money on now is heads or port work to your stock heads. That's your bottleneck now, not exhaust. You've got the gears and transmission to use it. Rear tires might also net you more gains, depending on what you're running now. Don't expect any gain from a cold air setup. The battery relocation will help in traction, but again, don't expect a whole lot there either.