As usual, long tubes win hands down everytime! But they are a PITA in a half when it comes to installing them and it requires a custom exhaust to be fabricated due to the length. On the other hand, shorty headers to provide some gains over stock, but are a heck of a lot easier to install and usually just bolt right up to the exsisting exhaust system. The cost for full length is considerably much higher than for shorty style. The way I look at it, if this is your first mod to your truck, apply your money else where (like a custom tune or handheld tuner). Those will get the most bang for your buck. Then move onto CAI, cat-back, and headers. Personally, i'm going to be installing shorty headers, I don't need to pay an extra $300-$400 for an extra 3-5 horsepower.

 

Stock exhaust manifolds on these trucks are pretty good already. I wouldn't even waste money on a set of shortys. I'd spend it on a Tune or cat-back or something.

 

Long tubes headers do not need custom exhaust work, Dynatech, Kooks, Doug Thorely and others have y-pipes that come either catted or uncatted that connect to the factory cat back exhaust making it as plug and play as shorty headers. A little more time consuming due to the extra exhaust pieces that need to be replaced but custom work is not needed.

 

I just installed OBX 1 3/4" LT's w Catted Y pipe. Bolted right up on my 6.2. They have been on a week. The only problems I've had with them is the flange bolts working lose and the Y pipe is a little close to the cross bar by the tranny. $700 shipped. I was skeptical about OBX from the horror stories, but these new ones for the 6.2 aren't bad for the price. Bolted right up to the factory catback and it doesn't sound bad.

 

Here is a clip of what mine sounds like.

 

dob119, they make locking header bolts. They have a keyed bolt with a c-clip that locks a key against a none moving part to hold the bolt in place.

 

dob119, they make locking header bolts. They have a keyed bolt with a c-clip that locks a key against a none moving part to hold the bolt in place.

My brother has these on a camaro and has not had a problem since...

 

Check with stage 8 they are the locking bolt experts!

 

dpb, you video said you have a sock cat back? That thing sounds like a race car!

 

dpb, you video said you have a sock cat back? That thing sounds like a race car!

It's all stock from the Y-pipe back. I think it sounds pretty good for the stock pipe.

dob119, they make locking header bolts. They have a keyed bolt with a c-clip that locks a key against a none moving part to hold the bolt in place.

My brother has these on a camaro and has not had a problem since...

I'm gonna check out those locking bolts and stage 8.

 

How much were the headers? DIY or installed? What would you recomend? Thanks!

 

I just installed OBX 1 3/4" LT's w Catted Y pipe. Bolted right up on my 6.2. They have been on a week. The only problems I've had with them is the flange bolts working lose and the Y pipe is a little close to the cross bar by the tranny. $700 shipped. I was skeptical about OBX from the horror stories, but these new ones for the 6.2 aren't bad for the price. Bolted right up to the factory catback and it doesn't sound bad.

Finality, he posted it in his first post in the thread and the 4th from the top on page one.

 

I just installed OBX 1 3/4" LT's w Catted Y pipe. Bolted right up on my 6.2. They have been on a week. The only problems I've had with them is the flange bolts working lose and the Y pipe is a little close to the cross bar by the tranny. $700 shipped. I was skeptical about OBX from the horror stories, but these new ones for the 6.2 aren't bad for the price. Bolted right up to the factory catback and it doesn't sound bad.

Finality, he posted it in his first post in the thread and the 4th from the top on page one.

And the next one down from that has a link to a you tube video with a sound clip.

 

woops! Thanks guys.

 

Dpb, does your stock system run down the passenger side? The photos of the LT kit on the OBX site look like they are set up for a drivers side stock system.

 

Yea, it runs down the passenger side. That photo is a scan backward or something.

 

Thank you - did you have any issues with the sensors after the install? I do have a custom tune but I would like to know that I could revert back to stock tune for any dealer visits without throwing a code......

 

There are a couple bungs and I think I had to change which bung I used. You have to disconnect the bracket by the fender well/frame for the passenger side sensor, b/c is will not be long enough. If the sensor is too close, you will get a code.

 

dpb,
sorry for all the questions. my 2012 stock Y pipe connection is a slip fit with a band clamp as seen in this photo of a 2011:
http://www.truckinweb.com/tech/1207tr_k ... to_06.html

Yet all of the online photos of LT kits, including the OBX, seem to have a traditional 'header ring' mount. Does OBX include an adapter for this joint or maybe your 2010 is different?

 

Mine has the traditional ring, not a band clamp. My factory catback has a section of flex pipe in front of the muffler just before the flange where it connects to the Y pipe. You may be able to order the Y pipe without the flange or possibly use a back flange. I'll try an upload some pics of what I have so you can see a little better.

EDIT:
The 1st pic shows the stock flange similar to my truck. The 3rd photo shows the Y pipe flange typical on the OBX. The 6th photo shows where the O2 sensor bracket needs to be disconnected on the passenger side. (left side of pic) As you can see, take the fender well out and you have room to work. Only takes a few minutes to remove them. Nice feature on the NNBS.

Stock Exhaust 1

• dpb119
• Oct 18, 2012

install 2

• dpb119
• Oct 18, 2012

OBX Headers 2

• dpb119
• Oct 18, 2012

OBX Long Tube Install Side View

• dpb119
• Jul 23, 2012

OBX long tube drivers side header install side view with fender well removed

OBX Long Tube Install Top View

• dpb119
• Jul 23, 2012

OBX Log Tube drivers side header install top view

OBX Header Install 1_manifold

• dpb119
• Jul 23, 2012

Removal of the fender well and manifold

 

Sounds great man! And thanks for sharing that vid, sold me on getting long tube headers. That is one of the only mods I have left to do besides a custom tune or something along those lines. Great job!

 

I spoke to a someone at dynatech - they supply an extension for the 2012 & 12 models. It is a short piece of pipe with a flange connector. part 780-00252 for those following along at home.... I assume the other manufacturers do the same.

 

I've been getting emails from Maryland Speed lately running header sales. Might wanna give them a call and see if they can give you a deal on something.

 

Here is a photo of the dynatech extension. OBX, ARH, and others all must have a similar part for the 2011 & 2012 models.
I feel guilty - but I ordered them......

 

Shorties make power in the lower RPM range where normally run in daily driving. LT's make power in the upper RPM range but make more torque. Like mentioned earlier in this thread for the amount of power gains on LT's vs shorties its up to you if it worth the extra money and instalation of the two. It took 2 hours for the install of the Gibson shorties on my 6.2 and it was a.breeze. LT's take quite a bit longer even if you have a lift. My 6.2 makes 372 at the tires with shorties. That's with a cat- back, CAI, and a tune with 4:11 gears with the converter unlocked. It's good for mid 13's in the quarter on street tires.