Long tube headers vs short tube vs manifolds

[derekusmc]

I am building a 1984 k10 with a 700R4 trans NP208 t case and small block 350. I currently have Hedman long tube headers installed.

If i want to drive on road and off road, what would be the best to install; long tube headers, short tube headers, or manifolds? Im looking for some balance between HP and torque.

 

[legopnuematic]

You will get some varied answers here, some swear by manifolds, some by headers.

Personally I run headers on both of my squares, long tube. Outside of necessary for fitment in a tight application, I don't think much of shortie headers. I personally have not had any issues with headers, no starter heatsoak, no blown gaskets, etc.

If you want a little more ground clearance you can run headers meant for certain GM cars, they tuck up above the bottom of the frame rails.

 

[ali_c20]

Maybe worth to take a look at the Hooker manifolds...

https://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/hooker-manifolds-sbc.40663/

https://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/playing-with-hookers-today-10-out-of-10.37786/

https://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/hooker-small-block-manifolds.43419/

 

[DoubleDingo]

Ling tubes? The new chinesium headers? I know you meant long tube, but I couldn't resist.

I prefer manifolds. I've only used stock, but have heard that Hooker makes a nice cast iron manifold. Right @SquareRoot

 

[DoubleDingo]

I see @ali_c20 already linked the hooker manifold threads

 

[72velle]

I went with the Hooker manifolds in the spring replacing the unknown headers that were on my 84 with a 350. I feel no loss in performance and they sound great. Oh, and no leaks

 

[Ricko1966]

If you have good working fitting long tube's on it now,I wouldn't change anything until they are no longer good.

 

[SquareRoot]

Ling tubes? The new chinesium headers? I know you meant long tube, but I couldn't resist.

I prefer manifolds. I've only used stock, but have heard that Hooker makes a nice cast iron manifold. Right @SquareRoot

 

[Sad Sack]

Ling? Too funny!

About as funny as the manufacturer of the tires on my Jeep, made by "Linglong" laughed my arse off when I bought the vehicle and saw those.

 

[idahovette]

^^^^^^^still got them??^^^^^^

 

[Sad Sack]

^^^^^^^still got them??^^^^^^

Yup, seem to be ok tires for being made from Chinese rubber. Were like new when I bought the Jeep in 2020 and put almost 20,000 miles on them with about half the tread used up so far.

 

[Beast496]

I also run Hedman longtubes with V-band flanges welded on the ends. I'm somewhere in the 5-550hp range. I recommend Remflex brand gaskets for any header or manifold application. For your question, like Rick already said, stick with the long tubes if they're already in there and fit. Thats the biggest problem with headers is final fit.

 

[legopnuematic]

I recommend Remflex brand gaskets for any header or manifold application.

+1 on Remflex

Alternatively dead soft aluminum layered gaskets work well too.

 

[bucket]

If you have good working fitting long tube's on it now,I wouldn't change anything until they are no longer good.

This^

No matter which way, on a stock motor, you'll never really tell much difference between the two anyway. Unless it's a big block.

 

[MGD454]

I have ran Hooker Super Comp, Jeg's full length and now Doug's shortys on my BBC 2wd '72. Probably around 500 hp and only noticed a slight difference in power between them all. I will say that I have always ran a header on my small blocks in the past and seem to get a little more torque out of them than a stock manifold. That being said, I do prefer headers over stock but unless you are running numbers over 500 hp & tq, you are not going to notice much difference between long or short tube IMHO. I do have a ton of more clearance with the shortys since I can run everything above the frame, but I did have to clearance the frame slightly near the starter area. Also, I am running a Tilton mini starter.