[v6stang3215]

I am about to buy some headers for my cobra and I was wondering what kind I should get. My question is should I get long tubes. equal length, or shortys. I have also seen equal length shortys. Are they any good? It already has an offraod h pipe so I was thinkin shortys but it's really not a problem to get a new one made. What do u guys think?

[EagleAutosports]

You can do either of the three, all three have their good points/improvements, and each has their short comings.

PROS:
Long tubes typically produce the most power. Especially beneficial on modified engines, due to the power band being raised higher by the length.
Equal lengths in theory are supposed to produce more power over shorties due to the equalization of exhaust pulses, resulting in more effective scavaging of the next cylinder's exhaust flow.
Shorties are easiest to install, and mate up to stock or aftermarket mid pipes the easiest as well.

CONS:
Long tubes are a major pain to install, forcing you to raise the engine a large amount to get them in. Sometimes a mini starter and aftermarket steering shaft are both necessary for added clearance. No long tube is smog legal as well.
Equal lengths can be a slight pain to install because of the bends necessary to get them close to each other in length. These can also cause burned spark plug boots, making boot protectors almost necessary.
Shorties are just a slight improvement over stock tubular headers, basically the same as stock without all the kinks and bends that limit flow.

[v6stang3215]

thanks for the info man. Are equal lengths smog legal? And what kind of hp would I get with shorty's?

[EagleAutosports]

Yes, equal lengths are smog legal and they'll usually have a plate on one of the tubes, usually on the drivers side header, stating it's legal. With them, you'll add maybe 15-18 hp. With shorties, you'll typically add around 10-13 hp. Of course these numbers can be affected by your exact combo.

[v6stang3215]

so if I go equal lengths I will need a new h pipe right? and what about the equal length shortys? will they give me any power gains over regular shortys?

[EagleAutosports]

With long tubes, you'll need a new mid pipe. With the equal lengths and shorties, you can use the same mid pipe you have now.

[v6stang3215]

really I thought that equal lengths were longer and u had to get a new h pipe made. Is there a difference between equal lengths and equal length shortys?

[v6stang3215]

oh nevermind i just looked some up I was thinking of full length not equal length thanks for the help man i think i'll b ordering some equal length headers soon

[v6stang3215]

One more question will they do anything for sound??

[jerseyviper]

i run MAC shorty's on my 94'...love them...as far as equal...if your just running street an what a nice tone...i don't think you'll notice the difference...i went through NJ...STATE INSPECTION with MAC shorties/CATCO h-pipe/MAC mufflers and MAC stainless tips...

car sounds like a freaking animal..

TONY

[SVT1995]

I have "bbk long tube headers" I pass state inspections with them they also come with the tube on top by the pass. side for the emmisions. They were a pain in the ass putting them on but it was worth it. When you buy any kind, it would be a better choice to go with a ceramic coated header. It's better for heat. My sound also improved with them!