[NightDreams]

OK, so my budget does not allow for my LS swap to materialize yet so I`m going to see just how much horsepower I can squeeze out of my 4.3 vortek. I will start with some headers and some really good exhaust, but the question is on the headers long or short? Does anyone care to give me any pointers?

 

[NightDreams]

Yea so I`m new on here, trying to navigate around the website to find out where everything is. Just want to give everybody a Heads-up I`m sure that I will make a fool of myself sooner or later so just bear with me, I`ll get my act together one of these days !

 

[bk2life]

OK, care to give me any pointers?

whatyver your wallet allow you to do is what is best for you when it come to modifyinjg our truck.
long vs short headers is sort of a wash depending on how you drive.
good exhaust with free flowing cats is a plus.
good quality CAI is a good addition.
--no matter what, after you change these parts you need, not want, but actually need a dyno tune to recalibrate the computer for the new fuel and timing curves itll need.

 

[Gen210]

Don't bother with headers your best gain is a larger Y pipe since the original is barely 2". Go to 2.25 or even a 2.5" Y pipe
2.5" -3" from cat to a Magnaflow muffler and 3" tailpipe.
Throttle body mod.
Take the air horn off the factory airbox and make the Inlet to the box LARGER.
Get a dyno tune

 

[Innate]

"Get a dyno tune"... I'll be going there. Thanks for the link, didn't know they were there. I have some milder mods going into my '96, however this video, and their results from just playing with the tuning are too impressive to ignore. Their website states they do performance work on '99 and up GM; I have a '96. I'll check with them, but I'm assuming that when we talk S10, the '96, and the '99 and up, are close enough that they would be able to play with the ECM in the same ways. I'm up on the coast, maybe 2 hrs from them. Next Spring.

 

[Rhotpursuit]

"Get a dyno tune"... I'll be going there. Thanks for the link, didn't know they were there. I have some milder mods going into my '96, however this video, and their results from just playing with the tuning are too impressive to ignore. Their website states they do performance work on '99 and up GM; I have a '96. I'll check with them, but I'm assuming that when we talk S10, the '96, and the '99 and up, are close enough that they would be able to play with the ECM in the same ways. I'm up on the coast, maybe 2 hrs from them. Next Spring.

If they specify 99+, it's probably because they don't mess with the earlier black box ecm's.

 

[Innate]

Probably. Thanks. But of course I'll see what they say they can do, maybe still worth it. If I get a next S10, which I'll likely never need, it sure will be a '99-up, or a good LS swapped that someone moves on from.

 

[bk2life]

I'm assuming that when we talk S10, the '96, and the '99 and up, are close enough

94/5/6/7 s10s might as well be fords or dodges compared to the 98 up computer system.
They are that different, and not as 'tunable' as 98 up.
So much so, that i wouldn't even waste my time. Oh, i didn't, i pulled the engine and the wiring harness out of my 96 and threw it all away. now it thinks its a 2004.

 

[Innate]

Okay, I get that. So, while I have you on this.... Is it reasonable to do what you did, swap forward? I realize that takes a certain level of ability, which I can come up with, not afraid of the dark. And that it may bring the FBI down on me for an emissions violation. Is it worth it, and a reasonable amount of work, how much wiring has to change? I have access to two of my former trucks, all the parts I need, and they are all there, a 2000 and a 2003, plus a complete 98 Blazer that is going to be scrapped before snowfall. Into: '96 Xcab, AC AT 4wd 4.3, no power in the doors, for winter use, highway, some towing. If you were me, what would you be doing?

 

[bk2life]

If you were me, what would you be doing?

id start an entire new thread dedicated to your truck. As this thread was started about long or short tube headers.
And we have gotten way off topic from exhaust

 

[Innate]

Good idea. And, I'll first get into the archives a bit more and see what has already been written. The topic will be swapping the cpu/ECM from '96 to 2000, to gain advantages, including tuning ability, 4.3.

Thanks.

 

[thebeavis]

I liked the Edelbrock TES exhaust when I had a 4.3. The kit had tri y (maybe 2 y) headers and a mandrel bent y pipe

 

[Dan_in_WA]

but the question is on the headers long or short? Does anyone care to give me any pointers?

Here’s a great source for header info. I ordered his Header Info Pack years ago and wasn’t disappointed.
www.headersbyed.com

I’ve seen a few of the aftermarket headers for our 4.3L and wouldn’t waste my money. The primary tubes need to be equal length, and smaller tubing around 1 5/8” dia. should be about right. Longer primaries help the torque if I remember correctly.

The tubing needs to be bent on a mandrel - not bent like you would do with electrical conduit.

Good luck finding that off the shelf! You’d probably have to build good ones yourself.

 

[Ericedeerslayer2]

I recently installed some JBA compact headers on my 2002 ZR2 4WD. I am thrilled with them. The truck has a bit more power, gets better gas mileage and sounds better. The reality is the 4.3L motor is anemic. Every little helps. Put a cold air kit on as well! It is your ride, do what you want!

 

[PeteD]

OK, so my budget does not allow for my LS swap to materialize yet so I`m going to see just how much horsepower I can squeeze out of my 4.3 vortek. I will start with some headers and some really good exhaust, but the question is on the headers long or short? Does anyone care to give me any pointers?

Spend exhaust $$$ on a good 2.5" pipe system from each exh manifold to rear bumper. It'll do more good than any 4.3 header and plenty big for any future V8.

 

[TCW148]

.......the question is on the headers long or short? Does anyone care to give me any pointers?

Short tube headers are for looks only. They add nothing to performance. You need long tube headers to gain torque which is what you feel in the "seat of your pants".

Tom

 

[NightDreams]

Don't bother with headers your best gain is a larger Y pipe since the original is barely 2". Go to 2.25 or even a 2.5" Y pipe
2.5" -3" from cat to a Magnaflow muffler and 3" tailpipe.
Throttle body mod.
Take the air horn off the factory airbox and make the Inlet to the box LARGER.
Get a dyno tune

ok so I found out I can get a dyno tune for 450. So I`ve decided on going with 2 1/2 inch y pipe to the cat and 3 inch dual tail

 

[bk2life]

ok so I found out I can get a dyno tune for 450. So I`ve decided on going with 2 1/2 inch y pipe to the cat and 3 inch dual tail

bigger y pipe is a must.
high flow cat is a good one as well. How old is yours? it might be dead already.
dual 2.5 into a single 3" pipe to a good flowing muffler, then that 3 inch out is a nearly perfectly ideal exhaust system.
That is what i have on my LS swap, youll love it.
ALSO, FYI, ask them if they are tuning your transmission as well, or only doing the engine. The trans needs help also.
$450 seems on the low side of a tune, so ask questions.

 

[Gen210]

It's a proven modifacation. I would never suggest a modifacation with confidence if I had not done it myself.
Our trucks were never designed with "performance" in mind however, once they get the modifacations and proper tuning to compliment those mods it's not uncommon to have strong enough gains to really make you wonder if it's the same truck.
Be sure to post up pics of the new exhaust and visible mods you can even post up a video of your s10 on the dyno. Let the mods begin