BBK Short-Tube Headers... - ModernCamaro.com

Chapel · 07-12-2012, 05:11 PM

Would you buy a set for $300? Or would you rather buy a set of JBA short-tube headers for $375? If so or if not...then why?

I saw a couple deals (at least what seems like a good deal to me) online and I want to know what the general idea regarding ST headers, their gains, and their worth are on this site. For now I'm gonna do the ST with stock cat-back exhaust. I am not going with long-tubes as I have no desire to tamper with the cats. Been there and done that on other cars I've had and I have no desire to do so again. Any first hand experience with either of these brands (BBK or JBA) is greatly appreciated. Do they install and fit well? Do they need to be tack or spot welded? Thanks guys!!

hypurone · 07-13-2012, 07:24 AM

No FHE with either brand but I do have the DT shorties and can tell you they make a difference. The big draw for me was the weight savings and change in exhaust tonal quality. Gets rid of all the raspy nastiness....

The primary reason I went with DT was at the time they were the only ones out that were CARB legal in CA and have the number stamped into a plate that is welded on the header itself (rather than just a card with the number on it that can get lost)....

If you are trying to stay smog legal (as I have to), I would verify before purchasing as to whether they are CARB/EPA legal and can be found on the website.....

FYI, Ceramic coating makes a HUGE difference in under hood heat and helps tremendously in keeping flow/velocity up....

Chapel · 07-13-2012, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hypurone

No FHE with either brand but I do have the DT shorties and can tell you they make a difference. The big draw for me was the weight savings and change in exhaust tonal quality. Gets rid of all the raspy nastiness....

The primary reason I went with DT was at the time they were the only ones out that were CARB legal in CA and have the number stamped into a plate that is welded on the header itself (rather than just a card with the number on it that can get lost)....

If you are trying to stay smog legal (as I have to), I would verify before purchasing as to whether they are CARB/EPA legal and can be found on the website.....

FYI, Ceramic coating makes a HUGE difference in under hood heat and helps tremendously in keeping flow/velocity up....

I'm here in NJ and smog stuff isn't really a big concern. Still tho I wanna keep the car smog legal. I believe both of the headers I'm looking at are indeed legal. I prefer ceramic coating also. Unfortunately they both are stainless steel. Incidentally, I have no idea why BBK charges more for the stainless steel than the ceramics. Maybe because the ceramic style is heavier? Anyway, they both are an improvement over the stock manifolds. I guess it all depends on which person gives me the better price...

hypurone · 07-14-2012, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chapel

Incidentally, I have no idea why BBK charges more for the stainless steel than the ceramics. Maybe because the ceramic style is heavier?

Most likely it is a difference in material. One they list specifically as 304 which is one of the purest/truest stainless materials. The ceramic coated ones are prob 409, maybe even mild steel...

You can always have the ones you get ceramic coated before installing.