Pros and Cons of longtube headers

Falcons Talon · 10-25-2002, 09:25 AM

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?

drudis · 10-25-2002, 09:37 AM

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:

chris91LX · 10-25-2002, 11:51 AM

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.

Falcons Talon · 10-25-2002, 12:05 PM

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...

DemonGT · 10-25-2002, 11:03 PM

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?

moc · 10-25-2002, 11:16 PM

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

does that sound convincing

drudis · 10-26-2002, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DemonGT
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?

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...

MidNiteBlu 5.0 · 10-27-2002, 03:13 AM

Drudis can i have your car please?

briand · 10-28-2002, 01:22 PM

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

Agent_4573 · 10-28-2002, 01:33 PM

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?

drudis · 10-28-2002, 03:27 PM

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.

10-25-2002, 09:25 AM	#1
Falcons Talon T.P.M. President Join Date: May 2002 Location: Brownsville Posts: 265	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?

10-25-2002, 09:37 AM	#2
drudis Moderator Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Livonia, MI, USA Posts: 1,194	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: __________________ Darius Rudis, Moderator Corner Carvers Delight 1989 Mustang LX - Open Track Car http://www.dariusrudis.com

10-25-2002, 11:51 AM	#3
chris91LX Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1998 Location: Suburban Chicago, Hanover Park Posts: 695	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. __________________ My Ford Club http://www.midwestfords.org/ Best time N/A 12.9 @ 107 1.711 60' 125 shot - 12.04 @ 113 1.59 60'

10-25-2002, 11:03 PM	#5
DemonGT Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 879	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? __________________ '91 GT,410W,10.5 to 1 comp,Victor Jr. heads,Victor 5.8 intake,FTI cam,Crane retro fit lifters,Scorpian 1.6 RR's,Melling HV oil pump,MSD distro.,Canton oil pan,FMS flywheel,Romac balancer,FMS timing chain,Accufab 90mm TB,C&L 76mm maf, 42lbers,HD clutch,K&N air filter,Mac long tubes,Pro dumps,powerchamber,FMS 9mm wires,180 thermostat,Ford Racing gauges,5inch Tach,centerline convo pro's,nitto DR's,Pro3i lower control arms,50/50 shocks,3.55 gears,TFS HD diff. cover Next year: Tremec TKO,Spec stage 3 clutch,alum driveshaft,complete fuel system www.angelfire.com/linux/demondan

10-25-2002, 11:16 PM	#6
moc Registered Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ocean City , Maryland Posts: 344	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 does that sound convincing __________________ 1991 5.0 NotchBack,Black as of 05/04/09 34,300mi. 2001 LIGHTNING Black 29,872 mi. 05/04/09 (Hangar Queen) SMOKEM UP

10-25-2002, 12:05 PM	#4
Falcons Talon T.P.M. President Join Date: May 2002 Location: Brownsville Posts: 265	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...

10-27-2002, 03:13 AM	#8
MidNiteBlu 5.0 I got something to say Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,557	Drudis can i have your car please? __________________ 91 LX Hatch 5.0 - made for the twisties 89 LX Hatchback 5.0 5spd. stolen/stripped 4/7/05 http://www.mustangworks.com/cgi-bin/...splay.cgi?3494 1987 Toyota Pickup Ricer Haters Club Member #33 Want a custom gauge cluster for your Vintage Mustang? www.jmeenterprises.com

10-28-2002, 01:22 PM	#9
briand Registered Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Jackson, LA Posts: 264	Do you have to remove or loosen the long tubes to get the bellhousing off? __________________ GT-40X heads(58cc), Cobra upper and lower, 75 mm Bullet, Moroso fenderwell induction, FRPP 65mm TB, 24# injectors, black magic electric fan, phenolic spacer, 1.7 crane cobra roller rockers, crane 2031, BBK 1 5/8 equal length hearders, 2.5 inch off road pipe, 2.5 flowmaster catback, FMS 3.55 gears, T5-Z transmission, FRPP aluminum driveshaft, svo heavy duty clutch, mcleod bullet proff bellhousing, BBK adjustable cluth quadrant, hurst billet shifter, lakewood subframes, BBK strut tower brace, BBK 2pt lower cross bar, FMS 190 lph fuel pump, crane ps91 coil, FMS street pulleys, and 300+ race wires. All thanks goes to my wife sheri, jason, jeff, robby, my dad and all others you helped contribute. most importantly GOD!!!

10-28-2002, 01:33 PM	#10
Agent_4573 Registered Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: New Jersey Posts: 375	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? __________________ '89 LX 5.0, off-road h pipe, flowmaster muffs, underdrive pulleys, rebuilt WC T-5, King Cobra Clutch, 65mm throttle body, Explorer Upper/GT40 lower, Lakewood Rear Lift Bars. 76mm C&L Mass air w/ inlet pipe, Twisted wedge heads w/ stage 2 port,polish, MAC equal length shorties, Billet AFPR, 255LPH fuel pump, fresh low end w/ 10.5:1 compression. If anyone ever wants to go to Raceway Park in Englishtown New Jersey, give me a shout. RICER HATERS CLUB MEMBER 87! www.ricehatersclub.com

10-28-2002, 03:27 PM	#11
drudis Moderator Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Livonia, MI, USA Posts: 1,194	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. __________________ Darius Rudis, Moderator Corner Carvers Delight 1989 Mustang LX - Open Track Car http://www.dariusrudis.com

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