Pros and Cons of longtube headers
 

I have been thing about longtube headers for the longest time and I would like to know what the pros and cons are of having longtubes. I think for performance, longtubes are the way to go, but as far as installation and maintenance, what are the issues?

The cons are typically more expensive, harder to install, less ground clearance, must get matching h-pipe.
Pros are more hp (it depends).

Your call...
I went with ceramic coated longtubes:
http://www.dariusrudis.com/engine.jpg

http://www.dariusrudis.com/mustang/a...C01600_JPG.jpg

The LT's are the only way to go if your looking for HP and TQ, but if you work on your car much they are a major PITA. I pulled the trans 3 times this past summer, put in 2 differen't clutches and a new BH and the LT's made it 5 times more of a PITA than shorties would have.

On the other hand, I picked up more than 10hp and my torque curve improved dramatically going from the shorties to the LT's.

Well, I just changed out my cluth set, starter, and put in a new oil pump...I don't anticipate having to work on the under side of the car really, so maybe it's time...

drudis - are those the standard hight valve covers..if so do you think they would clear afr 185 heads with 1.6 rr's?? also..what is that your oil filter is on...why do you have a extention?? what are you useing for a oil fill tube...is it hard to install this?

yes all of the above and more
 

BUT you get that nice tinkle sound ( you no what i mean ) ;) and indead it does give you more of that all around feel of a muscle car of yesteryer :D does that sound convincing ;)

They are TFS valvecovers, that are "similar" to stock, but a wee bit taller.
The oil filler tube was a 6" tube that was fitted into the valvecover and welded from the uderside.

The oil extension is a water-to-oil oil cooler. Se my homepage and engine link to see...

http://www.dariusrudis.com/mustang/o...ilcooler12.jpg

Drudis can i have your car please? :D :D :D ;) :p :D

Do you have to remove or loosen the long tubes to get the bellhousing off?

is it possible to cut a normal h-pipe and reflange it, or is it just easier to buy a mathcing h-pipe for longtubes?

I guess ANYTHING is possible...

I know (for a fact) that all longtube H-pipes are not created equally. As in, thats how I got a bargain on a new (used) MAC H-pipe, when it didnt fit the guys BBK longtubes.