Headers: Shorty vs. long tubes

[klayfish]

So what are the pros and cons to using shorty headers vs. long tube headers on a 351W? I'm refering to functionality only, not necessarily how it looks. Does one help make more power than the other?

Steve

[Hotfingrs]

Theoritically..... Long tubes are better than short tubes. The vibrations of the tubes helps with the scavenging affect in the cylinder. Vibrations and harmonics. The torque and power curve can also be moved around by longer or shorter header tubes. Take the length of the exhaust system and cut it in half and everything should be the same, it's all the length in between that changes everything. Again this is trying to wringe every last bit of power and torque and put it in an optimal rpm range. This is all theory, and all I can say is...use what fits your situation.

[cobrashoch]

Jack is right. But there's always butts.
Long tube headers will do nothing better if you restrict the headers with mufflers, side pipes or even long straight tubes for a exhaust system.
That's where shorties, tri-y's, and crossover pipes togeter with other tricks come in, to "find" some of that lost power.
Shorties are not that bad, if you use them wisely. But they are not the last word in all out performance either.
cobrashock

[fxbill]

If I remember correctly long tube headers will yield better lower end torque than shorties, but shorts will give higher HP at top end RPMs...