shorty vs equal length "non HP question"

[Guest]

[rob342]

i bought BBK equal lengths a while back.  i'm finally about to bolt all the junk i collected on. i thought i had factory headers, but now that i'm ripping stuff apart i see i actually have what look to be decently made old rusty FMS or MAC shorties.

i understand the difference in HP between these two is not a reason to swap. i do have a slight confusion if i should bother to use the equal lengths or not.

my understanding is that shorties may cause the engine to have a lean/rich condition in certain cylinders due to the different tubing lengths. since i'm a fairly inept/still learning tuner(with a QH), i don't know if this would be an issue for me or if this only pertains to people tuning at the highest level.

at the same time my understanding is that the equal lengths will increase underhood temperatures, make changing plugs a shitty job, and will require me to either carve the deck of the head/smash a tube to make them fit.

see where they hit? nice eh?


which would you use, and why??

[CDW6212R]

Most people avoid the equal lengths due to the headaches you mentioned. The normal shorties are no big deal for A/F issues, neglect that factor. I'd stick with the other shorties if they fit and sealed well.

When you're hunting the last HP, that's the time to look at full length headers. FLH's are great in all respects except for ground clearance, and normal fit issues.

I have owned two headers with flat 3/4 bolt flanges, and I'll never deal with those again. Those are fine for racing where you limit driving over "bumps", but for street use I will cut off any flat flange. I'm soon aiming for FLH's for my Lincoln, Fox chassis but I gather an SN95 might fit too. I'll replace the collectors with a V-band clamp immediately, and alter clearance if needed. You want to enjoy your car when driving it, do what it takes.

[juiced coupe]

I'd stick with the other shorties if they fit and sealed well.

 

[rob342]

they did fit and seal well.   i'll stick with the rusty shorties. thanks for the second opinions. much appreciated. 

[juiced coupe]

they did fit and seal well.   i'll stick with the rusty shorties. thanks for the second opinions. much appreciated. 

If you are concerned with appearance, have them coated. Mine are polished but the black looks great.