There is so much talk about shorty headers...I see people talk about they don't do anything at all, but how is that possible? They've got to do something in order to stay on the market. Even if it's just efficiency it's at least something. I've also heard that it raises a few horses, but mainly just at the top end. I'm just looking for other views on this.

 

I'm inquiring just for my info, I've been looking into getting lts for my truck anyways...but I would like others opinions on shorties...not a comparison between lts and shorties.

 

i have heard that the stock manifolds on these trucks flow very well for a manifold, where a shorty header isnt exactly an upgrade, its more like oooohhh shiney, thats all. the manifolds are going to be more durable and they're already on there. the idea is to lengthen the primarys to create scavenging and they arent long enough to accomplish this. if you had money to burn or found a cheap set of used ones and thats what you want then go for it, but if its for performance+smog, there are other options out there.

i have also heard on 98 and older trucks the shorty's were a decent upgrade from manifolds because they were pretty restictive.

 

Sweet! Thanks Anthony.

 

Just because they've been on the market for ages does not mean they're any good. Just look at the TB spacer or the Tornado and all the other gimmicks out there!

Shorty headers will give you a small gain over stock, mid tubes better and long tubes even more. I gained 10/10 going from JBA's to LT's on the same dyno with the same tuner but the track showed a decent time reduction and a few mph gain.

 

I didn't notice any gains from my Gibson shorties according to my butt-dyno, but I did feel a difference after installing my StainlessWorks LT's and catted y-pipe.

BTW, I just found both of my old Gibson stainless shorties and they will be going up for sale if anybody's interested...

 

thanks everyone