Whats better Long or short headers?

[jstang209]

i own a 79 5.0 without mods, but im going to put a dual exhasut system and was wondering are shorty headers or long tube headers better for performance and sound

 

[Matts89LX5.0]

longtubes sound better, don't forget you also need a double hump crossmember to run the dual exhaust on that car.

 

[hbk_136]

Longtubes are better performance-wise. I just ordered a set for myself off the internet. They are better than shorties. Go for em

 

[Matts89LX5.0]

they actually did a test in 5.0 mag that EL made more hp than LT's i believe

 

[slo65]

sorry to hi jack here, but i recently put a 94/95 5.0 in my 88Gt should i be buying the 87-93 headers/lt's or 94-95 ? the cars not running yet i havent sorted out the exhaust

 

[Musclecarfan88]

they actually did a test in 5.0 mag that EL made more hp than LT's i believe

I would like to see the graph on that. See which one made the best midrange, which one had teh broader powerband, which one had the most trq and at what RPM. and then I would like to see them tested at the track to see which one gives you the best performance. That would probably help alot of people in their decision when buying headers.

 

[samuraichamploo]

long tubes are hell if you work on your car.
try changing your starter with them on.
go shorties. Ive had both

 

[sidewayzisbest]

i go longtubes..........there a pita to install thoght but worth it .....also i would recomend a mini torque starter if you ever plan to buy one in future be a good idea to do it while installing the headers.

 

[Qwk88LX]

long tubes are hell if you work on your car.
try changing your starter with them on.
go shorties. Ive had both

Yes, they can be a pia & I know firsthand about the starter problem..if I'd have known I'd definitely have installed the mini starter when I put them on. But with that said, they're definitely worth it, there's nothing like the sound of a good exhaust with some longtubes

 

[90mustangGT]

long tubes are hell if you work on your car.
try changing your starter with them on.
go shorties. Ive had both

No pain, no gain. They are worth the extra work. The starter wasn't so bad, a socket on a long extension on the lower and a short ratchet wrench on the upper bolt, no problem. Made the clutch install a little more difficult but oh well. Installing the longtubes once everything was out of the way and the engine was jacked up some was no big deal. I haven't found one thing on a foxbody that was difficult.

 

[bmo37]

I would like to see the graph on that. See which one made the best midrange, which one had teh broader powerband, which one had the most trq and at what RPM. and then I would like to see them tested at the track to see which one gives you the best performance. That would probably help alot of people in their decision when buying headers.

I remeber reading that also, I've had lt's, shorties and equal lengths and if I had to choose again the winner would be hands down unequal length shorties, simply for the easy of installation, spark plug clearance, and you won't burn wires. I do reccomend getting a ceramic coating on whatever headers you choose.

I remeber other tests besides these but the shorties actually have better midrange, and after the 5250rpm the shorties do actually better than the lt's which drastically drop off. Where do you mostly shift early in the powerband or later?

 

[90mustangGT]

Well, different test have different curves, maby that has to do with the rest of the engine or something but they all come conclusive that LT's overall better.

 

[Icepick]

On most motors LT's are the way to go, but for the little extra power between 4-5k you would gain i'll just stick with the cheaper, easier shorties.

 

[JaysGreenLX]

On a mostly stock motor you really don't need anything more than shorties.