Shorties or long tubes?

[K5Steve]

I am going to replace my exhaust mainfolds do to the fact that one has a small crack and has a tiny leak (just enough to annoy me) and was wondering what would offer better power.I know that long tubes are supposed to be better but has anybody had expirience with both?I have an 88 k5 with a tbi 350.

 

[dyeager535]

All tests I've ever seen show that long tubes do better at low end than shorties.

I doubt many people change between the two on the same engine, that would require a re-work of the exhaust pipes.

If you head over to car craft's web site, they have an article on headers, and dyno tests to back it up.

 

[muddyblzr]

if you wheel alot i would say get the shorty headers because the long tubes hang down alot and can get snagged on rocks or other obstacles

 

[BoDapper]

I would go with the shorties. I've run both and like them better because I got tired of changing gaskets everytime i'd get into a bad bind. Be sure to check on the flange size though. I bought a pair of edlebrock shorties and had to cut off the flange and weld in an insert to get to 2 1/2 " out the header, it came with 2 1/4". Make sure you garbage the stock y pipe if you've still got it also, it'll give ya a little more low-end.

 

[gotchevys?]

headers

I would also go with the shorties. I have in stalled Dynomax long tbe headers on 2 of my K5s, an 89 and a 77, the collector came VERY close to the bolt on the front shackle. It may have just been the Dynomax headers, maybe a different brand would be different. Based on this when I get around to buying headers for my current 89 Sub I'm planning on buying shorty headers.

 

[moturbopar]

Hi what kind of shorty headers are you using? are they for a lter model truck?