Choosing The Right Long Tube Headers

[Apex Motorsports]

Originally Posted by NYYFan325

Can you elaborate on WHY to this? Or point me to a thread where you already did?

I ask because my buddy just put these on his 2014 and I was very impressed with them. I was considering them for myself as well, but I keep getting torn between these and a standard longtube design

Stepped headers are designed to optimize scavenging and create more power and a broader torque curve than standard straight tube headers. The stepped design is acoustically tuned specifically for their application, some math is involved in order to get it right. When the shock wave from the exhaust valve opening travels across the step it reflects back towards the exhaust valve creating a negative pressure. It's like the waves caused by throwing a rock into water, when the waves hit something like the edge of a pool, they reflect back.

When the step(s) are at the correct length for the application, this wave of negative pressure assists scavenging of the next exhaust cycle by pulling it out into the pressure drop created. The negative pressure could be something like 3-5 PSI at the exhaust valve. This is usually at tuned length of either the HP peak rpm of the engine for a drag car, or the mid-range operating rpm of a street or road race car. The Tri-Y uses similar theory but with a different approach. Placement is just as important.

[DarknightSS]

Im looking into headers and just wondering what your thoughts on JBA LT and HF are? Im looking on their site to find if they're 304 stainless steel and CNC bent. My other choice would be Kooks

[NYYFan325]

Originally Posted by Apex Motorsports

Stepped headers are designed to optimize scavenging and create more power and a broader torque curve than standard straight tube headers. The stepped design is acoustically tuned specifically for their application, some math is involved in order to get it right. When the shock wave from the exhaust valve opening travels across the step it reflects back towards the exhaust valve creating a negative pressure. It's like the waves caused by throwing a rock into water, when the waves hit something like the edge of a pool, they reflect back.

When the step(s) are at the correct length for the application, this wave of negative pressure assists scavenging of the next exhaust cycle by pulling it out into the pressure drop created. The negative pressure could be something like 3-5 PSI at the exhaust valve. This is usually at tuned length of either the HP peak rpm of the engine for a drag car, or the mid-range operating rpm of a street or road race car. The Tri-Y uses similar theory but with a different approach. Placement is just as important.

Excellent information! My buddy wound up with the doug thorley 1 7/8" Try-Y. Lets' say for example I went with TSP/SW/Kooks (basically any standard long tube design) What would I gain/lose compared to going with the DT headers?

[Apex Motorsports]

Originally Posted by NYYFan325

Excellent information! My buddy wound up with the doug thorley 1 7/8" Try-Y. Lets' say for example I went with TSP/SW/Kooks (basically any standard long tube design) What would I gain/lose compared to going with the DT headers?

Short of back-to-back testing the only way you can answer that is to say in general the benefit of the Tri-Y design is in the mid-range and straight tubes do better at the higher RPMs.

[NYYFan325]

That's pretty much what I was hearing as well - thank you for the confirmation

[WhitePhantomSS]

Hey Chase i just installed Solos Mach XL exhaust on my car. And was wondering what would you recommend the next step in performance would you take without losing the warranty. I was thinking Solo High flow cats but I'm not a professional.lol

[Apex Motorsports]

Originally Posted by WhitePhantomSS

Hey Chase i just installed Solos Mach XL exhaust on my car. And was wondering what would you recommend the next step in performance would you take without losing the warranty. I was thinking Solo High flow cats but I'm not a professional.lol

Is the Solo exhaust all you have done to the car? Their high flow cats will add some sound and power without jeopardizing your warranty.

[WhitePhantomSS]

Yeah that's all I have done.

[Apex Motorsports]

Originally Posted by WhitePhantomSS

Yeah that's all I have done.

In that case do not ignore the intake side. You should consider a good intake, scoop, and ported throttle body upgrade.

[Adversanized]

I have a 2010 camaro with a Borla ATAK catback exhaust. I am looking to buy Anerican Racing headers in the near future. They are longtubes 1-7/8 x 3". Its a short connection with Cat delete pipes. Will this bolt right up to my catback exhaust? Please help.

[Apex Motorsports]

Originally Posted by Adversanized

I have a 2010 camaro with a Borla ATAK catback exhaust. I am looking to buy Anerican Racing headers in the near future. They are longtubes 1-7/8 x 3". Its a short connection with Cat delete pipes. Will this bolt right up to my catback exhaust? Please help.

Yes, as long as you get the short connection it will bolt up.

[jose1003]

Mr. Chase
What do you think about the jba longtubes 1 7/8 and high flow cats

[Apex Motorsports]

Originally Posted by jose1003

Mr. Chase
What do you think about the jba longtubes 1 7/8 and high flow cats

For the money you get a better product with Stainless Power. JBA uses 14 gauge mild steel for their coated headers or 400 series stainless for the uncoated. 400 series is the same thing used for your stock exhaust so it will rust.

[USMUCL]

I haven't read the whole thread, but didn't see this answered in the original post.

Are there significant differences in noise between designs and brands? I don't mean the good noise like exhaust rumble, but am instead talking about the increase in tick/tap at the headers themselves that headers can cause.