longtube/shorty headers,what's difference?

7moon12 · 02-01-2008, 08:28 AM

i have a stock '04/A4 and would like to improve the flow/sound over the stock exhaust. my plans are to get a cai(probably aem),coated headers(probably pacesetter because of warranty),resonator delete(add h-pipe), flowmaster super 44's and then get a good tune sometime after that. my confusion is the headers...i keep reading about long tube versions, mid-pipes, hi-flow cat's and all this other jazz-which is confusing the crap outta me...so...
1...if i go with pacesetter headers, does that mean i have to buy midpipes to
to connect 'em to the stock cat's ???
2...with my set-up mentioned above, would better flowing cat's make much
of a difference ??? all the better flowing cat's i see on ebay all seem to
be off road use only.

thanks for the help as always guys !!!

SnKGoat · 02-10-2008, 05:51 AM

I have an 04 /m6 with a borla catback. Long tubes will give you more horses, and a deeper more chambered rumble. Shorties will give you a bit more torque and a tighter rippier sound. High flow cats are exactly what they say....your cats are filters. High flows have better air flow thru them. If you go with Long tubes I know for sure you have to replace your midpipes. I dont know about shorties, but I dont think you have to replace your mids for those.

cncmasterofor · 02-11-2008, 04:55 AM

Long tube will give you better flow. You'll want to go long tube if your thinking of supercharging, cam, heads, ect. You will have to replace the mid pipes with those.
Short tube just replaces your stock exhaust manifolds. And bolts right up to your stock mids. I have JBA shorties and have no problems. Their also much easier to install and are 50 state legal.
From my understanding moving the locations of the cats is illegal. And that's what long tube headers do. Guess it depends on your state and local laws.