LOW-BUCK, CHEAP VS EXPENSIVE HEADERS-WHO WINS? STOCK VS SHORTY VS LONG TUBES, BIG TURBO EXHAUSTS.

DO CHEAP LONG TUBE HEADERS REALLY WORK? HOW MUCH POWER ARE SHORTY HEADERS REALLY WORTH OVER STOCK MANIFOLDS? HOW MUCH LESS POWER DOES A COMPLETE 2.5-INCH CAT-BACK EXHAUST SYSTEM MAKE THAN AN OPEN HEADER WITH COLLECTOR EXTENSIONS? WHAT SIZE EXHAUST WORKS BEST ON A 900-HP TURBO 6.0L? CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO WHERE I TESTED THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STOCK EXHAUST MANIFOLDS, SHORTY HEADERS, CHEAP LONG TUBES AND EXPENSIVE LONG TUBES ON BOTH A STOCK AND THEN MODIFIED 4.8L! THE VIDEO ALSO COVERS THE COMPARISON BETWEEN OUR OPEN DYNO EXHAUST (LONG-TUBE HEADERS FEEDING 18-INCH COLLECTOR EXTENSIONS) AND A FULL 2.5-INCH X-PIPE EXHAUST WITH MUFFLERS AND TAIL PIPES. LOTS OF EXHAUST TESTS HERE-MAKES URE TO CHECK OUT richardholdenerperformance.com FOR GREAT DEALS ON LS CAMS, SPRINGS, INJECTORS AND LIFTERS.

[@tommytwotone81]

I think the best thing about this series and his videos in general are how fast he talks, how little he bullshits, and also how unbiased he is towards brands.

[@Jeffery-yo4vk]

Again. As a US Army veteran, you're heart is like ours you give and share freely without holding back. As a owner of a 2007 SaleenSC 4.6 3valve. Thank you Richard for your service to the General Public. Props

[@todddooley793]

X 2

[@michaelblacktree]

I'm enjoying this "what's it worth" series.

[@Dks-q6t]

Same same

[@agentsleepyhead]

I'm so very glad that you have the resources to test all this stuff

[@ls_812]

Not all heroes wear capes! Captain Dynoman is here to save the day!!

[@nunya7012]

You might have already done this. But I think it would be interesting to have a video showing stock LS with stock computer and stock tune compared to the optimized tune with the HP Management system to show how much the factory is leaving on the table.

[@dustinerickson1253]

To whom it may concern.... if you are considering changing to long tubes and full exhaust on your silverado. the NOISE is the most extreme difference. ended up swapping mufflers 5 times and settled with a 70 series delta flow i could live with

[@Funtimes670]

I have built my OBS to be as reliable as possible with stock exhaust manifolds that don’t burn wire boots or leak after 5 years! The only upgrade I have done is a stage 1 summit cam, otherwise stock. Starts every time and runs great.

[@KimiWallrus]

Brilliantly laying out dots for all to connect!

[@shortfingerkustoms3793]

So much effort to test, so many Informations... for free❤❤❤ Thank you... I love your Videos!

[@royleininger8427]

Other engine family’s will benefit more from even a shortie header due to restrictive stock manifolds. For instance the 5.7 Dodge truck engine will see gains in the high teens with a decent set of shorties like BBK sells. That and a muffler change can see gains well into the mid 20 HP range.

[@ug9191]

This is true. If your stock manifolds are horrible, even shorties will make good gains.

[@mason5540]

I was gonna say the LS stock manifolds are pretty good compared to the old school small block manifolds

[@richardholdener1727]

see the shorty vs long tube header tests on the Hemis-the Ram Truck manifolds were not good

[@robertries7774]

​@richardholdener1727 Those Hemi Ram exhaust🎉🎉 manifolds are absolute junk! Put long tubes and a nice exhaust system on my grand daughters 1500 and it ran so much better after it was tuned.

[@Cwrigh25]

woooooow this comes at the perfect time when I am literally considering stock vs shorty headers.

[@robertries7774]

Long tubes all the way!

[@DillonAuto]

My stock engine 1990 Mustang GT at Bandimere in 1997 ran 16.048 and 16.051. With Mac 1 5/8 unequal length and an under drive crank pulley (not the whole set) it went 15. 891. The headers were the big difference. They didn't go on at the same time, and I didn't go to the track in between. With crappy E7 heads. It sure helped them.

[@hayden6056]

Wish you showed some of the tri y 4-2-1's but decenf length. Ive got a variatronic steering rack and the last one of ghese cars took me ages to make long tubes fit. It has 4-2-1s on it now that fit so much easier and wondered just how bigger difference tye 4-1 would make.

[@Mike-xt2ot]

Great tech in this video!! Thanks Richard!!! Why are Tri Y headers so difficult to find these days ? I really like that design.

[@richardholdener1727]

often times you can make Tri Y and 4:1 do the same thing

[@tristansmirnow850]

Thank u for making this video

[@richwood8650]

Large tube, long collector extension,3.5 inch open. On a small block.

[@xXxNECROMONGERxXx]

​@@TT64NOVASSwith an intercooled 10-71

[@jcherbst8381]

With an 18 inch extension

[@martinmdl6879]

Excellent analysis.

[@7000U9ZHIFT]

Long tubes always!!

[@STOK5OH]

Love it. I'll ask yet again, can you do a 1/2/3UZ series of testing? Especially 1UZ, would be interesting to those of us residing in areas where they're the only affordable V8 on hand.

[@chipcurrey653]

Provide him with those engines and he will test them

[@richardholdener1727]

THE ENGINES ARE CHEAP AT THE JUNYARD, THE EXPENSIVE THING IS THE DYNO AND HARNESS AND BELHOUSING ETC...TO RUN ON THE DYNO

[@Gaterstoo]

Just a wild hair here, what about the gm 3.6l? Would be interesting to see with turbo or supercharger, or NA mods.

[@dsm4959]

Great content as always, Appreciate you Richard.. Just a couple questions: Have you ever tested a stock vs ported Intake Manifold to see what it’s worth NA and Boosted. Also, have you ever an Interchiller? (Not Intercooler But Interchiller) Thanks again. Appreciate all you do Bro...

[@richardholdener1727]

YES TESTED PORTED LS3 INTAKE NA, NOT BOOSTED-NO NEED FOR PORTED ON BOOSTED

[@robland6118]

I love ur knowledge and ur videos. I really wish u would point me in the right direction for a decent port fuel injection for the older 4.3 vortec v6. The only option I can find is the mercruiser cast iron intake manifold and fuel injection system. It's hard to source the old typhoon or syclone fuel injection systems. I am trying to build my own typhoon with a turbo awd bravada, but selections for fuel injection on the 4.3 is nearly unobtainable. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

[@Dks-q6t]

The issue is finding them sometimes , I have 99 Dakota , and I can’t find longtube …..I’m on my third set of shortys, Gibson, jba. I’d like to try long tho..or if they had side mount like the vettes lol,

[@scottishtomlinson3539]

I plan on running full exhaust, now I’m gonna have to go big though

[@scottishtomlinson3539]

Turbo setup, while staying street legal

[@jeffrentsch4318]

Bigest issue I have with headers in my small block chevy 350 is interference with spark plug changes and melting plug wires. I'm going back to manifold.

[@richardholdener1727]

that does happen

[@theguy9234]

Richard. Have you tested David vizard's zero loss exhaust design?

[@ChevyBoy804]

Thank You!

[@GtaGood-o9k]

What time will you go live today

[@812racing]

Wonder if you opened up the inside of the stock manifolds some of it would help any and put it at the power of like the shortys or something? Just a thought lol

[@BamaGunsOutdoors]

Well Richard I’m running some brand new LS swap Cast iron shorty headers so have u heard many people running these type ??

[@bryanunion5110]

Can we get 1 7/8 vs 2” headers ????

[@jb333zy3]

What about the sound how much did it change from shorties to longtube it would have been really cool if we got to hear em😅

[@richardholdener1727]

IT DOES SOUND DIFFERENT-ESPECIALLY STOCK MANIFOLDS VS LONG TUBES

[@warrenglover]

Have you try c-5 corvette stock manifold?? Big difference?

[@l77scmaro2]

In my experience, headers are most important on camed NA motors. Roots/screw/centrifugal superchargers don't care that much. Turbo engines mostly only care that you get all the exhaust to the turbo, they don't really seem to care that much how as long as the pipes aren't ridiculously long or oversized. Will still make boost and power you might just have to wait slightly longer. After the turbo go as big (within reason) as will fit in the car. Now if you want every last few hp you can spend thousands on equal length turbo headers but for most just get it to the turbo and angle your wastegate efficiently.

[@midnight347]

This is totally untrue. People always say oh boost doesn't care about headers that is absolutely nonsense. My 07 gt500 picked up 15 rwhp and 40 tq peak to peak gains going long tubes and the car already had a catless h on it prior to that and I went w a catless h w the headers so then only Change was headers. It picked up 25-30 rwhp through most of the curve and 40 tq down low around 3000. Oh and it did this at 1 psi less boost too. Imagine if you added 1 psi to make up for the efficiency dropping boost imagine how much it would be at the same boost? This was with a 2.65 tvs gen3r supercharger. So yes I'm gonna say that roots blowers not caring about headers is untrue.

[@l77scmaro2]

@midnight347 Where did I say boost dosn't care about headers?

[@fast8379]

​@@l77scmaro2 Your second sentence said that

[@terrypikaart4394]

How about what its worth with a turbo, manifold to turbo or some short tube header..

[@richardholdener1727]

JUST GET ALL THE EXHAUST TO THE TURBO

[@ZekeWoodard]

What brand were the cheap long tubes

[@richardholdener1727]

DNA-BUT SAME AS A LOT OF STUFF LIKE SPEED ENGINEERING

[@WhoThisGuy515]

I had a set of those on my 3v Mustang for 5 years, best $150 I ever spent.

[@xcandiottix]

Out of curiosity, when you set up the tune .. are you just using a base map that you've already dialed in for a general combination or do you take that base tune and then modify it even further to customize it to each engine? I only ask because I'd have to imagine if you are doing a tune for each individual motor that has to take a lot of time.

[@richardholdener1727]

every NA motor and every combo is tuned so that it makes no more power-the turbo stuff we don't keep adding timing til it stops making power

[@gregorylozado4627]

It would be really cool to see a 6.0 LS turned into a 392 stroker motor.

[@richardholdener1727]

402/408 is more common

[@gregorylozado4627]

​@@richardholdener1727 yeah I understand that but the whole process of sending it out to a machine shop for 10 to 16 extra cubic inches seems a bit much.

[@robertries7774]

Hey Richard, I've been watching you for a while now and always find good info in your videos. I have a question about approximate hp estimates. I have a fresh 6,2 L92, .020 over, .006 of the deck and heads, TSP L92 stage 1 truck cam 216/228 .600/.600 113 lsa, long tube headers, True dual 3" exhaust with high flow cats and magnaflow mufflers. My Denali is AWD and dynos in my area are all 2wd. Will be tuned with hp tuners. what do you think the hp numbers will be close to? What do you think the most timing it should see WOT? I'm 63, been into cars my whole life, built many go fast small blocks, but this is my first full efi build. My tuning knowledge should cross over fairly well instead of getting my hands ditry, I'll be going over data logs and pecking at a keyboard. Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks again for all your video's.

[@richardholdener1727]

AB L92 WITH THAT CAM AND HEADERS WILL EXCEED 500 HP THE WAY WE TEST THEN ON THE ENGINE DYNO. AN LS MOTOR MAKES BEST POWER NEAR 29 DEGREES AT THE HP PEAK (BUT ON PUMP GAS AND AT STREET OPERATING TEMPS-YOU MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO RUN THAT)

[@robertries7774]

Thanks, Richard, that gives me an idea on what to expect if I ever get a chance at an AWD DYNO. Hopefully, 400hp at the wheels. Now, if I convert to 2wd...

[@rodgarcia6563]

You just saved me 3000 bucks for an expensive long tube xpipe setup for a tow cam 5.3 build I am doing... lol. I very much appreciate your videos and I was wondering if I could through patreon donation get a recommended build including fuel delivery, cam, exhaust, intake, throttle body etc to make a 2006 gmc sierra 5.3. I don't much care about numbers insofar as I was it to comfortably tow 5000 lbs rv with ease, not be too loud and come in with a rebuild, which I will do myself, with a 4 to5k budget including machine shop typical costs etc. The donor motor is from a 2006 and has good compression but I plan on a full rebuild and was thinking of increasing the compression ratio a bit with some higher compression pistons. I already have a dual tip mbrp cat back exhaust and being in canada, plan to replace cats with resonators if the power gains would be worth it. (we don't have air care where I live 👍) Having an expert create an efficient build list to maximize gains for the $ is worth it when considering the cost of things these days and I would be happy to pay for that as knowledge is never free! Lol

[@richardholdener1727]

join the nightly live feed at 7 PM PST on this channel

[@rodgarcia6563]

@richardholdener1727 will do!

[@ob1expressflying374]

what would you compare the hooker swap manifolds to? more like a shorty header or more like a stock manifold?

[@richardholdener1727]

shorty

[@samstewart4807]

Hi, very interesting test results.Are you also comparing, but not releasing ex. back pressure vs boost vs ex. pressure after the turbo? Are you only? looking at ex.pipe air flow?( all ex. components?) OR are you also looking at- lol LISTENING to the SOUND each component/ pipe makes? I have built parts that flowed the same BUT sounded completely different and got completely different dyno results when testing the 2 components.

[@richardholdener1727]

I measured boost and back pressure. back pressure was changed both before and after the turbo (we measured both). Exhaust sound also changed dramatically

[@raymonejohnson1625]

Can u please please please compare a L77 6.0 with E85 to a LS3 stock vs mods???

[@richardholdener1727]

I have vids up on 6.0L vs 6.2L stock and mod-the 6.2L makes more

[@CanadianHighTech]

The only questions missing is short vs long headers, small or large primary size, before a turbo..

[@benjaminwatson7868]

Short large before turbo

[@keithsmith9889]

So in all fairness you could exit at 4 put in a couple of electronic cut outs and still be over 900+ hp and drive it home without pissing off all your neighbors?

[@joshgessinger4509]

Always new cheap headers make good power but the problem is the build quality. Not all cheap headers built the same either iv had ones that the welds broke everywhere had ones that didn’t.

[@midnight347]

Fitment on the vehicle is also a concern

[@finecrazygunz]

Did i hear correctly? U said the atl doesnt really make power?

[@richardholdener1727]

ATL?

[@finecrazygunz]

@ ati

[@mjtopfuel4462]

Hi can you take 706 with ls1 valve intake and cut 1in" of the head to make it 55 cc with Cometic Head Gasket 0.030

[@richardholdener1727]

1 INCH?

[@mjtopfuel4462]

@richardholdener1727 yeah new low buck preferences 😂

[@daileydriven]

Couldn't you have turned up the boost on the boost controller to make up for the exhaust? Or was the turbo maxed out at that point?

[@richardholdener1727]

yes-you can add boost-the S480 was good for over 1000 hp

[@daileydriven]

@@richardholdener1727I know the S480 is good for over 1000hp under ideal conditions. I was wondering if the 3" full exhaust was choking it down to the point that the boost controller couldn't make up for it.

[@Cwrigh25]

sooo link for them cheap longtubes????

[@fericyde]

Thinking of switching out my shorties for long tubes on my NA coyote - could I expect similar response to what you saw or would the 4v change any of the equation?

[@richardholdener1727]

SEE THE COYOTE SHORTY VS LONG TUBE VIDEO

[@jarmominkkinen9409]

I wonder wath power dou i miss!! If I miss the Adjust the rockers.I have tou bigg Adjust the valve with 1mm.Tou Bigg less!?.Mek Cam Roller.Have ProchargerF2..May ges least 20-30 Hp.Wate dou you tink??? AHope you anderstand may question!

[@richardholdener1727]

YOU DON'T HAVE TO ADJUST THE LASH ON HYD ROLLER CAMS LIKE MOST USED IN THE LS. IF YOU RUN A SOLID ROLLER (RARE), THEN YOU NEED TO HAVE THE CORRECT LASH AND ADJUSTING IT CAN CHANGE THE POWER SLIGHTLY.

[@jarmominkkinen9409]

@richardholdener1727 I men have Mek Cam.i miss 1mm in lift!! Most dou least 20-30 Hp!! Thats a lotta miss in lift.8 Intake valves!! In Boost Engine wood dou more loss!! Tanks you anser me !!👍👍❤️

[@larrytremblay2311]

I’m seriously considering buying a 2025 F-150 regular cab with coyote engine how much H P gain can I expect with kooks long tube and high flow cats and true dual exhaust?

[@richardholdener1727]

I have not tested the newer or truck versions-but do have a video up on stock vs shorty vs long tubes on early Coyote

[@larrytremblay2311]

Ok thx.

[@paratracker]

Thanks so much for this comparison, it gives me hope that I might sneak past 500hp on my naturally aspirated stock LS2 block.

[@codymoe4986]

My "log tube headers" reek of burning wood when I run the engine for longer than a minute or so...is this normal? Any help would be greatly appreciated, the inside of my car is beginning to smell like an old campfire..

[@richardholdener1727]

painted?

[@tonymickens8803]

I Always say Not to Spend the High dollar for Expensive Longtube Headers, Especially on Trucks.

[@dannykichar9066]

From a lot of tests I've seen hooker super competition headers are the best

[@japjoem4077]

So the expensive headers have to be way better quality and the fitment must be on point ,it can't be because they flow better

[@richardholdener1727]

CAN BE MATERIAL AND BUILD QUALITY AND FITMENT-BUT NOT ALWAYS

[@japjoem4077]

Would you say in most cases the inexpensive header will do the job just fine?

[@coltonbuxbaum9339]

Smoking the header hookah😅

[@randallsavage3795]

LOL "off shore headers".

[@paulezay3599]

Stick with the cheap headers it shows only one or two horsepower gain for some expensive headers

[@itsinyouryard]

What is with all of these fake bot comments!!

[@Russell_and_Rosko]

Your videos are a ray of sunshine in a dimly lit machine shop. The creativity and quality in these videos are inspiring. (Insert obligatory bikini thumbnail)

[@itsinyouryard]

@Russell_and_Rosko 🤣🤣🤣

[@ChurchAutoTest]

For a second I thought you wrote fake "boob" comments. Same difference I suppose..

[@roberthamilton1152]

You botched the whole test by putting that cam in.

[@richardholdener1727]

we ran the header test with both the stock cam and then mods

[@topcat5988]

Why do we have to repeat ourselves?? Just get on with the information and do away with the word salads already! This is why I switch you off all the time. I tune in for a minute then I get tired of the fluff and leave…

[@richardholdener1727]

I'll try to give all the information in 30 seconds to cater to your attention span next time

[@topcat5988]

Yep, your not worth watching. What kind of attitude is that…

[@joshiek7839]

@@topcat5988I hope you make a full recovery. I’m so sorry this happened to you.

[@topcat5988]

@@joshiek7839 Why should you be so sorry? You’re just a person with no idea…

[@joshiek7839]

@@topcat5988 for the damages done to you by people on the internet. I’m praying for you and your family. Hopefully your butt will make a full recovery.

[@Sh00fly86]

Maybe people will stop paying $1200 for kooks headers now; that company is such a ripoff.

[@OneTonTahoe]

Honestly the only reason they’d be worth the cost is if the fit is better. As long as the headers are stainless; I’ve always gone the budget route.