Headers: long or short

[CaseyNut]

I've been bouncing back and forth this idea to replace my standard exhaust manifolds with new headers. I have a broken bolt, I think and when I get at it and start the repair work, I might just swap out the manifolds for headers.

On my '03 2500 do shorties line up without too much modification? What about long headers ?

 

[DILLIGAF]

LTs for sure , But I might be a bit bias... lol...

 

[rzr6-4]

I'm still stock so take this with a grain of salt but shorties look like at least some, if not all will just bolt up. Long will take some modification. Exhaust is easy, buy some tube and fire up the welder.

 

[CanuckRam1313]

All depends on what you are wanting overall.

Shorty's are bolt in and connect to stock back, so the install is much easier and less costly.
There is minimal gain with shorty's (although it does allow for much better flow vs. stock cast iron manifold garbage), but you'll never have a leak or broken bolt again.

However, if you have the coin and are wanting the most out of your HEMI, go LT and also get a custom y-pipe factored into that equation, too. Make your HEMI breathe like the animal it is

Yes, the LT's may set you back a bit more vs. the shorty's, but if I had more budget I would have gone LT's as opposed to shorty's. It just wasn't in my cards at the time.

 

[Lyle Longboat]

I bought my 2005 5.7 and it had mid length headers…. I was thinking of changing to long tubes. However… I just bought the same mid length as they already had the extensions pipe welded in. Now, I should’ve just drop the mid length headers and whole Exhaust, cut the cats and went long tube with x pipe true dual. Going this route soon. Go long tubes and a tune or use the non foulers so you’re not throwing codes.

 

[RedRAM21]

Long Tube Headers work the best at higher RPMs, maybe a little more HP but the difference shouldn't affect basic road use.
Short Tube Headers are not only easier to install but they work a little better on everyday vehicles.

Either type are more free flowing than OEM Cast iron headers and will free up HP and some Torque.
The choice is your, are you installing DIY, is a shop installing, how much do you want to spend. The headers and the install labor will increase with the increased length of the long tube headers, also, tuning, you will need some tuning to the OEM Computer or an added Tuning Chip, more cost.
The computer may compensate for the headers but to get the most out of them you need a separate tune to make all the add-on work together.

All above is IMHO !

 

[HemiLonestar]

LT's don't exist for the 3rd gen 2500 chassis. Shorties or custom.

 

[Spsully]

Isn't an 03 2500 a 2nd gen?

 

[Spsully]

..... cut the cats and went long tube with x pipe true dual. Going this route soon. Go long tubes and a tune or use the non foulers so you’re not throwing codes.

Lt with 3" duals all the way back x pipe and magnaflows is my set up...... once I get my motor in my truck.

 

[HemiLonestar]

Isn't an 03 2500 a 2nd gen?

No, 2002 was the crossover year. 2002 25/3500 is a 2nd gen. 2003 is the wildly weird year where there were 6 engine options across the line & model year (3.7, 4.7, 5.7, 5.9 gas, V10, 5.9 diesel) lol. If I ever find a 2003 V10 2500 4wd I'd probably buy it just because it's such an oddball.

 

[Lyle Longboat]

Lt with 3" duals all the way back x pipe and magnaflows is my set up...... once I get my motor in my truck.

View attachment 524895

I have this setup on my 2011 Ram 1500 5.7 Sport. I have the 2.5” though with dual super 44s, x pipe, and 5” tips running out the back end. I’m changing the LT headers for a better brand and may go 3” instead of the 2.5”. $400 difference from my exhaust shop. Plus she’s got the TSP stage 2 cam.