What kind of hearders for a 1989 firebird...

[S K]

...formula 350? Hi i need to know what kind of headers to get for my 1989 firebird formula 350 anyone know? also whats a good brand? and does anyone know whats the diffrence and whats better between the shorty headers and the longer ones..thanks in advance
Also what is a y pipe i see these headers im looking at offering it with or without?

 

[Mike R]

Long tube headers will make more power, but only high RPM.

Shorty headers are usually ALOT easier to put on.

The tube diameter also plays a big role in what kind of power they make. Stick with smaller tubes to keep torque output nice. Around 1 5/8" primaries should be good. Larger tubes can make more power high in the RPM band but lose torque down low where you do most of your street driving. If you have a high HP motor that can rev, you might consider 1 3/4" or larger primary tubes.

Another thing you will see is equal and unequal tube headers. This refers to the length of the primary tubes. Equal tubes are preferred because they are supposed to make better power.

1/4 length headers are a decent compromise, they make decent power, look nice and offer more ground clearance.

I've mostly dealt with Hooker Headers and they are OK, but I've seen some problems with their cheaper sets. I had a friend buy a set and he had to file welding flash out of each bolt hole before installing them. Thats lame to me. I'm going to try Hedman next time.

I didn't get into 4 into 1 vs Tri-Y etc. but I would stick with the more common 4 into 1 versions.

 

[Joe T]

I've been shopping around for those as well, I've been mostly looking at Hooker, their Super Competition ones was to be exact. My friend had Hookers on a Camaro that was around the same year as ours and had either a 305 or 350 I can't remember and said they were good and advised me at getting full length not shorty. Also, look for ones with ceramic coating.

I'm only looking around as well though so I wouldn't take this advice as a bible, hopefully someone can help better than that, but that's what I've gathered through my searching.

 

[CARL G H]

long tube give better top end power shortys give better lower and mid range power. Hooker makes awsome headers. the way to judge them is by the size of the flange plate used to hold to the block. a skinny plate tends to warp and leak, how does it connect to the conecter pipe? look for a good sealing design that looks solid. you still have an oxygen sensor so make sure it accomodated it. I like jet hot finish for them, its hassle free. does this help? I'f you do a web search under headers and custom exhaust you'll find tons of options on brands , sorry but you tend to get what you pay for on equipment like headers so be advised.