Shortie headers
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Murrieta, CA
Shortie headers
anyone have experience installing shorty headers ? I am considering buying
a pair (350 bucks) and want to know it it is a better option than full length
headers (clearance probs, etc.)
1970 f100 390
a pair (350 bucks) and want to know it it is a better option than full length
headers (clearance probs, etc.)
1970 f100 390
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Rock Hill, SC
I had this same debate on the Mustang site about shorty vs full lenght headers. JBL has some data on their website comparing 1-5/8 full lengths to their shorties on a SB Chevy crate motor. Looking at their data shorties are better than full length on a stock engine. On a modified engine the full length had higher torque and HP ratings, but the torque peak for the long tubes was about 400 RPM higher. Old school says for the street you want a long collector, but if your engine is fairly stock then according to their test resuls it looks like it's your choice.
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From: Murrieta, CA
Thanks Red69 the motor is out of the truck, and Im putting a little money in it. balancing, - 9.5 cr, edelbrock FE heads, edelbrock performer, 600 edelbrock carb and their cam. (Package for low end torque). So, I think the shortys are probably best to match my trucks curve. ( I guess) Today going to look for some spindles to do a brake coversion. Gettin in DEEP, over 2 grand already in it.
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Maggie Valley, NC
Hey man...just buy a set of long tube Hedman Headers. They will run you about $150 from Summit Racing. I put a set on my old 302 and had nothing done but an aluminum intake and 4bbl. It really woke up the old motor.
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Originally Posted by discman
Thanks Red69 the motor is out of the truck, and Im putting a little money in it. balancing, - 9.5 cr, edelbrock FE heads, edelbrock performer, 600 edelbrock carb and their cam. (Package for low end torque). So, I think the shortys are probably best to match my trucks curve. ( I guess) Today going to look for some spindles to do a brake coversion. Gettin in DEEP, over 2 grand already in it.
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Phoenix Az, by way of Fre
not to stir it up, but, my guess is JBA had to show the shorties being good at something, and given the shorties market placement (price/epa) and ability to work without purchasing addition equipment (intermediate pipes) decided to target the "stock" or budget oriented crowd.
My guess is that particular small block Chevy really wanted 1-1/2" long tubes rather than 1-5/8", and that is why the shorty won the "test".
Properly sized long tubes will make greater HP and TQ across the board than properly sized shorties... everytime. (ok, maybe not on 6000hp nitro motors)
The stock 302 in my mustang made 15hp and 18tq over stock manifolds, any test I've seen on shorties are worth 8-10hp and no tq on a stock 5.0.
Shorties definatly have thier place, for all the reasons mentioned, and off course for turbos, but when headers are sized properly, the LT will make more power, over a broader range.
Having rambled all that out, who is making shorties for our trucks?
my .02
My guess is that particular small block Chevy really wanted 1-1/2" long tubes rather than 1-5/8", and that is why the shorty won the "test".
Properly sized long tubes will make greater HP and TQ across the board than properly sized shorties... everytime. (ok, maybe not on 6000hp nitro motors)
The stock 302 in my mustang made 15hp and 18tq over stock manifolds, any test I've seen on shorties are worth 8-10hp and no tq on a stock 5.0.
Shorties definatly have thier place, for all the reasons mentioned, and off course for turbos, but when headers are sized properly, the LT will make more power, over a broader range.
Having rambled all that out, who is making shorties for our trucks?
my .02
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From: Murrieta, CA
Thorley is making Shorty headers, with 14 guage chrome steel. I am afraid of burning starters using
full lenght headers. Anyhone had that prob?
full lenght headers. Anyhone had that prob?
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Originally Posted by discman
Thorley is making Shorty headers, with 14 guage chrome steel. I am afraid of burning starters using
full lenght headers. Anyhone had that prob?
full lenght headers. Anyhone had that prob?
John
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Maggie Valley, NC
Dang yall must just have bad luck. I have had my headers on for almost 2 years and nt changed a starter yet. Guess it is just my high quality builds I do that keep the temp down . Just buy a set of long tube headers and get it over with. 
. Just buy a set of long tube headers and get it over with.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: "Islander"
Get your new headers ceramic coated inside and outside, this keeps the heat away from the engine compartment and starter as well as keeping the heat in the pipes were it will help the most. I'm running Thorley headers HPC coated in and out, starter has been in for over six trouble free years.
Carl....=o&o>....
Carl....=o&o>....
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From: Murrieta, CA
Thanks everyone, my 390 from my 1970 f100 is still on an engine stand in the garage, so
i think I'll get a full length set (dynomax makes some ceramic coated ones for 230 bucks).
I didnt have any experience with short headers.
BOY, what a money and time sponge this truck is!! Love hate relationship... hehehe
i think I'll get a full length set (dynomax makes some ceramic coated ones for 230 bucks).
I didnt have any experience with short headers.
BOY, what a money and time sponge this truck is!! Love hate relationship... hehehe
Post Fiend
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From: "Islander"
67 R27 250, 71 R75/5, 75 R90/6, 76 R90s Daytona Orange, 61 Matchless 600 Thumper, 3 850 Norton's. T-140 Triumph, don't get me started. Email me and 'll email a few photos. International and national show winners. I have wide intrests.
Carl....=o&o>....
Carl....=o&o>....
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From: Murrieta, CA
wow, sounds like my old boss, He had a different car to drive everyday of the week - starting with his Ferrari spyder with glass engine hood, on monday.
All I have is a 1970 f100 (apart) and a new Saturn
I wouldnt mind having one of those new mustang GT's though.
All I have is a 1970 f100 (apart) and a new Saturn
I wouldnt mind having one of those new mustang GT's though.