I'm a little curious as to how after-market headers are actually different than the stock set up. I've searched the forum on this topic, but I'm looking for specific info on how they work, and how after-market is better over stock, and the difference between shorties and long tube headers. I understand the prinicpals behind air intake systems and cat-back systems, but not being mechanically inclined, I'm a little lost with headers. I don't need to now how much they cost or who manufactures them, I'm more interested in the mechanics behind the principal. Also, the y-pipe that I keep reading about, why is it important or not important to replace this piece. Any mechanical info would be most appreciated.

 

my basic understanding is this:

similar to an intake(more air enters engine);headers allow more(wider tubes) exhaust to exit the mainfold(less restriction),down and out through a performance exhaust with less restriction.
y-pipes= are also enarged to match exhaust tubing. with all this enlarged tubing comes more
HORSEPOWER!!!!!

 

Get some supermaxx long tube headers and you won't regret it. As far as differences...with the aftermarket long tube headers, there is less restriction and more flow thus the gas is exiting faster with the decreased back pressure which increases HP. Long tube headers are considered better, especially for our application, because of the primary lengths. You get a more laminar exhaust flow and greater exit speed of the gasses. Shorty headers are needed in certain instances. For example, someone shoehorning a 5.7L corvette motor into thier S-10. There just isn't enough room.

Hope this helps.

It is also nice to see everyone again. Just got power last night. Some of us are still without power here in South Florida. Also, you guys in the path of Katrina better get the hell out of Dodge as it will pack quite a wallop...and then some.

 

Well, all I know is that the stock headers(if you can call them that) suck! Anything would be better then them...even some shortys...but your right long tubes are the way to go.

 

Osteodoc knows of what he speaks.

Trust me on this (I've seen and done waaaayyy too much dyno work), if you cannot go with long-tubes and all appropriate attendant mods (free flowing air cleaner, metal-matrix hi-flow cats, and appropriate cat-back system), DON'T waste your money.

All the best.

 

Check this out for some interesting reading on exhaust theory (including headers!):
http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Miscella...austtheory.htm

 

Interesting reading. Thanks for the link. Was suprised, or was I, with this tidbit... Hmmm, Flowmaster no good. Wonder how long ago the study was and which muffler they tested.