New BBK Equal-length shorties vs. JBA

nickthegenius

Active Member
Dec 23, 2002
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Elwood, IN
I am getting a tubular K-member for my car and I figure that would be a great time to swap out my headers. I currently have Mac LTs, but due to various reasons (ground clearance, intermittent leaks), I'd like to go back to shorties. I already have a UPR X-pipe that will work with whichever I get.

So has anyone seen both in person? How does the quality compare? Which offers the easier install? I know with the K-member out, it should be fairly easy, but I'm wondering how badly the tubes snake around on the BBKs and if the bolts are a PITA.

Also, has JBA fixed the cracking problems? And I read somewhere that if you have an aftermarket midpipe, you should buy the '96-'98 JBAs and it will fix the problem with the poorly mating pass-side flange when using the '99-'04 JBAs with and an aftermarket pipe. Can anyone confirm that?
 
NasaGT said:
I haven't seen anyone say "I have BBK shorties" yet. Are they actually available now?

Yeah, someone on Modular Depot has them. Seemed to like them and they are much cheaper than the JBAs, but they didn't have any dyno numbers for them. Up to now, the JBAs are the only shorties worth having, but if these BBK equal-lengths turn out to be good I might get a set.
 
I have the bbk equal lengths, they are heavier than the jbas, are harder to intsall and remove do to the snaking, but you will probably never have to remove them once installed, and with the jbas you will have to replace them when they crack..... dont know about power difference between the 2 as I just went from longtubes to these, and a new lower compression forged, supercharged motor. they do sound nice with the x-pipe though.
 
just put mine on the last two days. It was a job first header install so 12 hours isnt' bad. Big difference in exhaust tone. I have the prochamber o/r and the borla catback and it changed it from high loud raspy to a deep low tone with no raspiness. Love the sound and anyone that says there is no gain over stock is crazy you can tell by looks as well as performance. If anyone needs help with the install shoot me a mssg and i'll help you out.