Best Shorty vs. Long-Tube Headers: Which do I Choose?

All, I am trying to decide which way to go for headers for my 5.7L. I prefer to keep my current catback exhaust system. As well as, I wish to keep the cat. I found this comparison online regarding the difference between the long tube vs the shorty headers. Which do you suggest?

Long-Tube vs. Short-Tube Headers: Which Improves Your Exhaust Better?


Performance Exhaust Headers
Discover what’s right for you, a short or long-tube header.


Headers are the first stop for exhaust gases on their way out of your cylinder heads and into the exhaust stream. To find a perfect set of headers, all you need to understand is how these two types differ. Read on to find out how the two styles improve performance at different RPMs and how choosing the correct one benefits your vehicle based on your driving style.

Factory headers, or “manifolds” are generally designed to meet the most strict emissions requirements, and be cost effective to mass produce. These manifolds are generally cast, leaving inconsistent imperfections within the inner ports. These imperfections can restrict the flow decreasing the efficiency of the engine’s exhaust flow. Their port design is typically geared towards quiet engine operation. In addition, they weigh significantly more than an aftermarket header.


Short Tube Headers
Short tube headers are a great option if you are looking for more low to mid range power in reference to your rpm band. This is a good choice for someone who daily drives the vehicle or uses it for towing where you are not constantly at higher rpms. Short tubes use welded mandrel bent pipes rather than a casting. They are typically easier to install compared to long tube headers and also allow you to use your factory catalytic converters when needed. If you are in an emissions controlled state, short tubes are typically the only legal option.


Long Tube Headers
Long tube headers are a great option for high revving vehicles to allow for a lot of top end exhaust gas flow. The difference between these and short tube headers is the length of the primary tubes to the collector. Long tubes keep exhaust gasses separate from each cylinder for a much longer period of time. Due to their longer primary tube lengths, long tubes need more space to work with. They also typically eliminate emissions equipment like catalytic converters. Long tubes are a great option for someone who is racing and pushing their car to redline, looking to produce greater peak horsepower and doesn't have to worry about complying with emissions standards. Long tubes will cause a check engine light on most modern applications unless a custom tune is used to tune out the secondary oxygen sensors.

 

You will not see anything performance wise from a short tube header over the stock toyota manifold. It will however be louder.

 

@dirtydeeds

 

Thanks. I am not looking for sound, but more performance.

 

Thanks, I’ll check it out.

 

The article is just copy/paste of incorrect information.

I’ve extensively tested shorties on several vehicles and on several engine. With or without vvti. In each and every case shorties lose low end torque.

After reading the section of the article saying shorties are good for towing I quit and started writing my response. Haha.

My line in the sand is: stock manifolds need single exhaust that just replaces the muffler.

Long tube headers gain 49hp 89tq with dual 3” exhaust with massive gains in low end torque.

 

Of a Truth he says unto us, so let it be written, so let it be done!

 

Long tube seems to be the best way for more power. I’m just concerned about having to cut my pipes and possibly loosing my cat. What’s the best way to use the long tubes and keep my cat?

 

You’ll want to start all over again with the mid pipe. You don’t want to cut your stock mid pipe nor tie into the stock mid pipe. It’s only 2” diameter.

Best way to keep all 4 cats and bolt on long tubes is to send us your cats. We build them into a set of mid pipes that will allow you to simply bolt on the headers. Bolt on the mid pipes and bolt on the catback of your choice.

You can use 2.5” exhaust or 3”. 2.5” gains 41hp 73tq. 3” gains 49hp 89tq. And all of this with your stock carbs built into the system as if they came that way. 760-877-4234

 

The real question is how many mpgs do you gain lol jk

How long is the turn around for that?

 

Usually 30 days or less

 

@dirtydeeds if I put long tubes on my 2020, with you building a mid pipe out of my factory cats, will I need to tune?

 

For this purpose, can you make cats removed from a 2014 or newer truck work on an old 2007?

 

I have long tubes and custom mid pipes with oe cats, no tune needed.

 

Long tubes and full 3in dual exhaust from header collector to tip and no tune, she runs angry with safe AFRs

 

Looks to me like a smart header shop would build a long tube set with multi cat mid pipes as a package.
Then charge a core charge for the buyer to send back their original cat mid pipes back for recycling..

 

What year is your truck?

 

2021

 

Did you use all 4 cats? Do you have a picture of the mid-pipe?

 

This is the only pic I have now, thankfully the headers are slip on design, so it left a lot of extra material for cutting, my exhaust guy also added custom v-bands as one of the clamps just kept leaking.

I kept the TRD catback and added x-pipe as well.

 

Looks f

Looks good!!!

 

Any questions, reach out to Keith at 760-877-4234. He is always available to answer your questions and design the best system your money can buy.

 

What is the noise level difference from stock? Any drone?

 

quieter than stock, there's 0 drone and you can whisper on hwy speed, the best description I can give is a stock AMG V8 car, when you punch it, people will still notice you.

 

It would he a disservice to a customer though. Some guys have very little miles on their trucks, while some have a lot of miles. I prefer to use each individuals actual cat’s from their truck. It’s a pita buys it’s the most fair way.

 

There's ways; get mileage of said customer truck then pro rate costs. Remember, you want their business and give them the best product for their hard earned bucks.

 

49hp and 89tq?! Just as a bolt on? Holy hell…

 

Only if you run dual 3 exhaust with x pipe after the headers.

all the while shorties do zero for Hp

 

can I still retain factory cats? What’s the cost for something like that?

 

We have multiple options. Give a call for pricing. 760-877-4234