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Ok real talk...ATX=shorty header???

Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 1:24 am
by DroopDaddy408
I have an 02 ATX that I would love to swap to a MTX, but in "la vida real" it aint gonna happen. So then would a shorty style header be better??

Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 2:03 am
by ragek23
you are comparing apples to oranges here.

performance gains are going to be very little maybe 1-2hp max with a shorty style header alone.

The MTX setup is better for its gearing etc. but you are gonna end up with the same HP.

Go with something that will net your more bang for buck like an aftermarket camshaft.

Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 9:54 am
by DroopDaddy408
Very true, I agree with you on the camshaft. But I'm speaking of headers. Which one will work best taking into consideration that I have an ATX. Because in the end, the car needs to breathe. Just wanna make sure I buy the rite part :thumbup:

Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 11:59 am
by ragek23
if you mean ATX style header vs. MTX style header short tube header there is no difference. There is a difference in the stock r/t header and non r/t header if that's what u mean.

Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 1:22 pm
by occasional demons
I think he means the difference between short vs long tube design. The LTH will make more power, but it is going to be better in the higher rpms.

The real question, I think is, does an LTH make the same/better power at say 1500 to 5500 RPM as a shorty header? IDK if anyone has done a header shootout on a dyno, as of yet.

Only then would the question be truely answered.

But without supporting mods, a shorty/Magnum design header isn't going to make a noticeable difference over a standard manifold. I couldn't tell any seat of the pants change with my MTX.

I got a definate butt dyno difference with a GBI/60mm TB.

Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 2:23 pm
by DroopDaddy408
Yeah, thats what I meant. Short vrs longtube design. I think I remember reading here that someone thought the LTH design, aside from gaining top end, would lose bottom end. And If I remember correctly someone corrected him by saying both style header gives about the same amount of bottom end but since there is more gain on the top end with the LTH, it tends to "feel" as if bottom end is lost. Does that sound about rite???

Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 4:10 pm
by ragek23
yes i believe that was said. Just be aware if you go with a LTH there is no way your car will be able to be Cali emissions compliant. The LTH will require some exhaust reworking and you will need to relocate your downstream 02 sensor.

Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 4:27 pm
by DroopDaddy408
I here you on meeting the Cali smog tests. But those things are so f--king strict that sometimes its hard to pass even when your car is bone stock!! Its one hell of a speed bump us Cali guys have. But I say :thefinger: !!!

Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 5:05 pm
by excon
oh you're in cali? get the short tube header since you have an ATX non-mag head. This will allow you to keep your stock cat in the current position. Pacesetter, OBX, or stock R/T would all be better than stock.

I have the pacesetter and it requires some reworking/welding of the downpipe... so it'll cost more to get it welded on.

Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 8:38 pm
by DroopDaddy408
Thinkin about it :thumbup:

Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 10:09 pm
by Donkeypuncher
I want to say borla is the best shorty option, but I'm not sure how much power it's gonna make on the non-mag. Not many headers are gonna make much power on our engines. If your looking more for a better sound, then the muffler or cat-back is your best bet.

Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2009 4:36 pm
by DoubtedNeon
The mtx upgrade will technically free up hp bc a fluid coupler is less efficient then the gears would be.