As an automobile enthusiast, you’re probably always on the lookout for ways to boost your car’s performance. If you’ve dabbled in performance enhancing modifications, you’ve likely come across the term “long tube headers.” But what exactly are these components, and how can they increase your vehicle’s horsepower?

This blog post aims to demystify the world of long tube headers. We will delve into what these components are, how they function, and the real-world horsepower gains they can offer. We’ll also explore which types of cars are best suited for long tube header installations and investigate the intriguing question: can these components alter the sound of your vehicle?

By the time you finish this article, you’ll be well-versed in long tube headers, their benefits, and the role they can play in enhancing your car’s performance. So fasten your seatbelt, rev your engine, and let’s take a thrilling journey into the world of long tube headers!

What Are Long Tube Headers?

Long tube headers are aftermarket upgrade parts for cars that help improve engine performance. They work by providing each cylinder with its own mini exhaust pipe, which extends the length of the header. This setup allows exhaust gases to exit with less resistance, helping the engine to breathe better, and thereby improving performance.

Long tube headers are constructed from multiple pipes that merge into one. These pipes are typically made from high-grade steel or stainless steel to withstand high temperatures. The “long tube” design refers to the length of the pipes, which are typically longer than those found in short tube headers. This length is a crucial factor in determining how the headers affect engine performance, especially regarding torque and horsepower.

How Do Long Tube Headers Work?

Long tube headers work by reducing exhaust back pressure and improving the engine’s ability to expel exhaust gases. By providing each cylinder with its own mini exhaust pipe, long tube headers allow the engine to run more efficiently, which can lead to increased horsepower and torque.

Delving deeper, the main job of long tube headers is to facilitate the efficient exit of exhaust gases from each cylinder. They achieve this with their unique design: each cylinder is connected to a long, smooth tube, which extends to a collector. As each cylinder fires, it pushes exhaust gases into the tube and towards the collector, where they merge with gases from the other tubes.

One key factor that sets long tube headers apart from their short tube counterparts is the length of their tubes. Long tube headers have longer primary tubes, which create a broader torque curve and enhance high-RPM power. This is because the longer tubes delay the merging of exhaust gases, which creates a sort of vacuum effect that helps pull the gases out of the other cylinders. This effect, known as scavenging, improves exhaust flow and thus engine efficiency.

Another key advantage of long tube headers is their ability to significantly reduce back pressure. Back pressure is resistance that hinders the flow of exhaust gases out of the engine. By providing a more clear path for these gases, long tube headers help decrease back pressure, allowing the engine to breathe easier and perform more efficiently.

The result? A boost in both horsepower and torque, especially at higher RPMs. While the actual increase can vary based on a range of factors including the specific car model, engine size, and the quality of the headers themselves, it’s not uncommon for long tube headers to provide a noticeable performance enhancement.

Long Tube Vs Short Tube Headers – Whats The Difference?

It’s essential to note that while both long tube and short tube headers serve the same basic function, they do so in slightly different ways and provide different benefits. Short tube headers, or “shorties,” are often better for low-RPM power due to their compact size, while long tube headers tend to provide a noticeable boost in high-RPM power.

The choice between long tube headers and short tube headers ultimately depends on what kind of performance you want to enhance in your vehicle. Whether you’re racing on a track, driving on city streets, or cruising down a highway, understanding how long tube headers work can help you make the best decision for your car.

How Much HP Do Long Tube Headers Add?

Long tube headers can potentially add anywhere from 10 to 20 additional horsepower to your car. However, the actual horsepower increase can vary based on several factors, including the specific car model, engine size, existing modifications, and the quality of the headers themselves.

Going more in-depth, the performance increase that long tube headers offer largely hinges on the specifics of your vehicle and its engine. Larger, more powerful engines tend to see a more substantial increase in horsepower when fitted with long tube headers compared to smaller, less powerful ones. This is due to the increased volume of exhaust gases they produce, which can be more effectively managed with the addition of long tube headers.

Other Modifications Can Make An Impact

The current modifications on your car also play a crucial role in determining the horsepower increase. If your vehicle has already been extensively modified, particularly with performance-boosting modifications that enhance the engine’s air intake or exhaust systems, the addition of long tube headers might offer less of an increase since the engine is already operating at a higher level of efficiency.

Quality Of The Design Matters

Furthermore, the quality of the long tube headers themselves is a critical factor. High-quality headers, made from durable materials with a smooth interior surface and well-designed merging collectors, will provide a more significant performance increase compared to cheaper, lower-quality options.

However, it’s important to remember that while the horsepower increase is a major selling point, it’s not the only benefit that long tube headers provide. They also deliver an improved torque curve and can enhance the sound of your vehicle, making them a popular choice among car enthusiasts.

Types of Cars Suitable for Long Tube Header Installation

Long tube headers can be installed in a variety of cars, including sports cars, muscle cars, and trucks. They are particularly beneficial for vehicles with larger engines or those used for racing, as they can significantly enhance high RPM performance.

High-Performance Vehicles: Sports and Muscle Cars

Sports cars and muscle cars often derive significant advantages from long tube headers. These vehicles are engineered for high-speed performance—a realm where long tube headers excel due to their enhancement of power at high RPMs. The increased horsepower and torque are assets in track races and spirited drives, enabling these cars to push their performance boundaries.

Trucks and Utility Vehicles

Trucks, especially those used for towing or hauling, can also leverage the benefits of long tube headers. While the high RPM horsepower gain may not be crucial for these heavy-duty applications, the improved torque curve offered by long tube headers can dramatically improve their pulling power when carrying heavy loads.

Compact Cars and Sedans

Even some compact cars and sedans can experience improvements from long tube headers, particularly if they’re utilized for performance driving or racing. While the horsepower increase might not be as substantial compared to larger vehicles, any performance enhancement can be a game-changer in competitive scenarios.

Considering the Complexity of the Installation

However, it’s important to remember that long tube headers require a more complex installation process compared to short tube headers and might necessitate more extensive vehicle modifications. Therefore, they might not be the best choice for every car or driver. Always consider your vehicle’s specifications, your driving habits, and performance objectives when deciding whether to install long tube headers.

Do Long Tube Headers Change the Sound of a Vehicle?

Yes, long tube headers can change the sound of a vehicle. They often give the car a deeper, more aggressive exhaust note, which many car enthusiasts find appealing.

To provide more context, the way long tube headers alter the sound of a car comes down to their design and function. As we’ve discussed, long tube headers improve the flow of exhaust gases from the engine. This improved exhaust flow doesn’t just enhance performance—it also affects the sound waves traveling through the exhaust system, leading to a change in the vehicle’s exhaust note.

Generally speaking, long tube headers tend to produce a deeper, more robust exhaust note compared to stock exhaust manifolds or short tube headers. This sound is often described as more “aggressive,” which can add an extra layer of excitement to the driving experience.

The exact change in sound can vary based on several factors. These factors include the specific design of the headers, the type of vehicle, the size and configuration of the engine, and the rest of the exhaust system setup (such as the type of muffler used).

So, in addition to the performance benefits, installing long tube headers can also provide an auditory enhancement that many car enthusiasts appreciate. However, it’s important to note that because the change in sound can be quite noticeable, it might not be to everyone’s liking. Always consider your personal preferences and local noise regulations when considering this type of modification..

Long Tube Headers FAQ