From what I understand long tube headers is a one-piece headers + cat replacements.

What is the advantage of this over the existing setup (short headers + cats)?

Thanks
- Mike

 

I think you are right, its just a 1-piece replacement for the cats and headers... it would make it flow better... the longer the 6 tubes coming out of the engine, the less backpressure if it goes into the same exhaust as if the 6 tubes were short (I think)... plus its probably better anyways to have the cat+headers as one piece instead of two, just sturdier...

 

Long tube does not have to eliminate cats . . .it really depends on the length of the primary tubes. Agreed most long tube headers replace the cats. IF developed correctly you can get enough tube in the available space to be considered long tube. How much tube? It just depends on the car. In the Z any thing over 25" (primary tube length) could be considered "long."

 

Typically, stock cars have exhaust manifolds, not tube headers. I have no reason to believe that the Z would be any diff.

That said, properly designed headers do a few things.

First, they provide better flow. Exhaust manifolds don't do much to help flow. You normally end up with exhaust gasses from many cylinders shoved into one chamber.

Second, in NA applications tube headers of the proper lenght scavenge exhaust gasses. In other words, the pulse from one cyl will create a vacuume in another cyl, and help suck out exhaust gasses.

 

You're right about that. The stock unit in the Z is just cast(?) and bolts right to the cat. Mandrel bent tubes cost much more expensive than cast parts, which is why most cheap stock cars have non-tubular designs.

I'm still unsure as to why well-made long tube headers flow better than well made short tube headers.