Headers?

[DarkStang54]

Since i am still new to the engine parts of cars, i have no idea what certain parts do. I do know how ever that headers help with air flow and the sound of the car. my question is what is best for what. Shortys vs long tube.

any help is appreicated.

[83GTvert]

In my opinion it depends on what other mods you are going to do to the car. If it's just going to be a street car I wouldn't mess with the exhaust.

I have long tubes but I'm not worried about emmissions and I only drive the car occasionally.

If you google longtubes vs shorties a lot of topics will come up from other sites that will give you more details.

[Shaffe]

longtubes, typically better for the gains of power. and headers really dont change the sound of the exhaust. maybe just make the note deeper.

also headers really depend on the other mods you plan to do. its like a chain reaction mod. thye help a lil for a stock car, but if you do more it opens the gates

[Pure_Blood_Stang]

Shorty: Pro - easy fitment, good low end and mid range power gains, good sound
Con - minimum top end power gain.

L/T: Pro- excellent mid range and top end gain, bad ass sound
Con - Fitment issues (they are a PITA to put the drivers side in) loss of low end power.

Now are L/T's even legal in your state? Cali as an example I don't believe they are but here in KY they are as are off-road mid pipes.

Something else to keep in mind is that the larger the exhaust tube diameter the more torque lost...for the most part...if you're build you stang up to be a fire-breathing quarter-mile burning pony then you'll be making huge power and even a 3inch exhaust shouldn't hurt your performance.

just a few things to think about.

[DarkStang54]

hmmmm, that legal thing i am going to have to look at.

My main plans for my car include, new heads, headers, torque convertor, tunner, couple of non power things, like new wing, hood and lowerig the car.

if i wanna do some small time and i mean small time, drag racing what would i want?

And as far as something for car shows, better sound dont mater from what yall telling me.

[Pure_Blood_Stang]

Well another option for the s-197's are tuned or mid length headers...personally I plan on going with a set of L/T's...they give a slightly deeper growl and when racing you're only in the higher RPMs anyway.

[MODman]

Dark.
Welcome to the site. I agree with what all the other guys say. The only 2 cents I have to add is testosterone (Sp). All I have right now is the cat back SLP loud mouth system but man when I turn her on in the morning I love the sound.

I will be adding shorty headers to her soon to open it up even more. If you are going to open the exhaust up start from the induction and work you way to the back including CAI, Headers, Exhaust and retun. Of course when you add the heads you will be shoving even more air through the engine.

Good luck and let us know how the mods go.

As for the track I would suggest a good set of drags to start and go from there. Be careful, once you start you may get hooked.