Long tube header questions

[bagged92sdime]

Hey, so been looking for a while and can't seem to find much that points to a definitive answer on long tubes or shorty headers.

I have a 93 K1500, 5.7 TBI, 4l60e. I am planning on doing a cam, heads, intake manifold, ultimate tbi mods, chip, etc... I just lowered the truck as well (2/2 drop). It's not going to be an offroader, just a clean year round cruiser.

Currently, I have a Gibson Super truck exhaust and it just doesn't cut it for me, so I'm planning on 2.5" true duals with an x pipe or h pipe and Flowmaster 40's. If I go that far, I might as well do headers! lol - Not completely sold on doing true duals...If I did shorties, I might just delete the cat and do a single in, dual out Flowmaster 40. Not sure yet...Obviously...

So here are the headers I am looking at:

Patriot long tube headers
or
Summit Shorty headers

Ok, so next, what issues would I expect to run into with long tubes? Driveshaft clearance? Ground clearance? (aside from having to do a custom exhaust)
Especially with me lowering the truck a bit...

Next, the truck is a daily driver, but I do occasionally attempt to race people. I've read long tubes are better for top end, while shorties are better for low end torque. I may eventually tow a small trailer, but nothing crazy. Which type would be better for my driving style?

Would I need a custom tune with long tube headers?

Finally, any other suggestions on headers? Like any others that you would say would be better? I don't really want to deal with having to tighten them up all the time.

Thanks in advance for any input!

Here's a pic of the truck...Was my grandpas truck

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[skylark]

My personal opinion here. Don't waste your time and money on shorties. I've never been impressed by them. I'm not familiar with the Patriots but I am familiar with Hookers. Hookers work amazing and fit perfect while retaining a 2.5 collector. I don't like the Headmans. The fit is really poor on the passenger side and they just didn't seem to work as well with the larger collector.

 

[bagged92sdime]

Thanks for the reply! Yeah, looked at the Hookers...My only issue with them is that they're almost $100 more than the Patriots. I really want ceramic coated headers since I have done a little dress up under the hood and I like the looks of ceramic coated headers. Maybe I could live with just painting them...lol

One more question I forgot to ask - With doing headers and/or a full exhaust, would I need a custom tune?

 

[Rick1991]

Iffy on shorties, iffy on longtubes? I just got some mid-lengths hah.

 

[Daniel907]

Like Skylark said, Hooker makes a great header. I have a set on my 92 K2500, and there were no major issues installing them. There are two small things you will encounter if you buy them. #1 It can be a pain in the ass tightening the headers to the cylinder head back towards the firewall. There isn't much room to get a big wrench in there so patience is key. #2 Changing spark plugs after installing the headers is a bit more fun than before.

I'd go with an x-pipe. I had true duals for a while, they aren't as nice sounding as an x. Me n some buddies are re-routing my exhaust with an x and, although not yet complete, it is already a much nicer tone.

 

[bagged92sdime]

Iffy on shorties, iffy on longtubes? I just got some mid-lengths hah.

Haha, there we go...lol

 

[bagged92sdime]

Thanks for the input everybody. Yeah, I'm sure they'll be a pain to install and make plugs harder to change. Not a huge deal though.

Still, how far will long tubes hang down?

Would I need a custom tune after installing them?

 

[skylark]

Thanks for the input everybody. Yeah, I'm sure they'll be a pain to install and make plugs harder to change. Not a huge deal though.

Still, how far will long tubes hang down?

Would I need a custom tune after installing them?

Hookers tuck above the frame. Headmans have the tube right at the frame but the flange hangs below the frame.
I was in k falls last weekend.

 

[cjman250]

as far as getting an x or h pipe, ive always noticed that an x pipe sounds more like a car and an h pipe makes more of a truck tone

 

[bagged92sdime]

Hookers tuck above the frame. Headmans have the tube right at the frame but the flange hangs below the frame.
I was in k falls last weekend.

Hmmm...Maybe I will just go with Hookers then. lol And what brought ya to good ol' Klamtucky? lol

as far as getting an x or h pipe, ive always noticed that an x pipe sounds more like a car and an h pipe makes more of a truck tone

Interesting...I'll definitely have to keep that one in mind...