While trying to fix my exhaust leak I'm thinking I may just go with a long tube headers now in case I decide to go with the 408 stroker later on. The problem I'm now seeing is that I've read many reports of people claiming that long tubes causes these trucks to run lean, so that you will need a tune. Well, I really don't want to spend the extra money on a SCT tuner just for a set of headers. I currently have a Hypertech 87 tune that's been on here for years. Will I be okay with long tubes and the Hypertech tune, or do I risk running lean and damaging the motor?

I'm wondering if a set of shorties isn't a better option for me since I wouldn't have to worry about this as much, and I do want more torque rather than more power up top which is what the long tubes help with. However, I also don't want to spend $650 on a set of headers and y-pipe now, only to have to replace them if I go with a 408 in 6 months.

 

Shorties would be the better choice for what you want. And they will still work just fine when you build the 408.

I haven't heard folks complaining about running lean with long tubes..... Our trucks have heated O2 sensors, so, that shouldn't really be an issue. Shouldn't.......

 

Thanks! I really do think shorties would be better for what I'm wanting. Guys over on a Facebook group are the ones saying I need long tubes with the 408 as the primaries in the available shorties aren't big enough to let it breathe properly. However, these are also the guys claiming it's running lean. The group is also full of other guys that have no idea what they are talking about, so I'm skeptical about anything I read on there.

I really only use this truck to tow, when it snows, or when I go hunting. So everything I do with it, I want power down low. It never really sees high rpm's.

 

Do shorties, and 2.5 inch duals, all the way back, and you'll be good. Larger primaries for the bigger motor sure wouldn't hurt though.....

 

I have LT's on a 5.2 (planning for a 390)... no issues.

 

The shorties will get very hot and radiate heat at everything, most importantly the spark plug wires witch are very close to them. I had to buy an entire wire support set up with high temp socks around each wire boot to prevent damage.

 

I'd keep the stock manifolds if all you're going to do is toss on shorties.
Get the Spintech Mids, they are all you will ever need.

 

On spintechs web page it says the Mids are for 97' and older rams. Seeing how he has an 01' would fitment be an issue? Can anyone confirm using spintechs mid length headers on an 01 ram?
Curious as id be interested on some for my 01 if they will fit.