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JBA shorty headers?

Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2015 8:20 am
by bsparks72
I searched the forum, and only found 1 reference to these, and it was from 2013 when all the JBA headers that were available were for the G8. The ones for the SS have a different p/n.

http://www.jbaheaders.com/detail_shortyV.asp?id=1811SJS" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I'm interested, and was wondering if these would likely bolt up to the stock exhaust. I'm gathering parts for a fairly mild cam swap, and would like to get a little more on the exhaust side, but I don't want to fork over $1500+ for Kooks or SW long tubes and the associated cats/mid pipes, and bother with extending the mids to reach the rear. These can be had for about $650 to the door in either of the coated varieties.

Would these likely bolt right up to our stock exhaust? Thanks!

EDIT: I think I've answered my own question, looking at the p/ns of the SS and the Caprice. Looks like a no-go. Time to pry open the wallet.

Re: JBA shorty headers?

Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2015 9:26 am
by Navy Lifer
It appears that the G8 version directly replaces the stock manifolds--same footprint.

That means the flanges connect to the OE catalytic converters. It should not matter that the PPV has an oil cooler, as does the SS, if the converter connections don't change. Not sure the up-swept pipe on the LH header is a good thing, but that's just me.

To learn why the SS has a different header PN, it would be best to ask JBA.

from the link you provided, installation instructions and Notes:

Contact the manufacturer directly:
Corporate Office:
PerTronix Inc.
440 E. Arrow Highway
San Dimas, California 91773
Phone 909.599.5955 • FAX 909.599.6424

Notes:
5
50-State Smog Legal header; C.A.R.B. E.O. D-57-29 (GM).

16
Direct replacement for factory manifold, installation hardware kit included.

Re: JBA shorty headers?

Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2015 1:37 pm
by bsparks72
Thanks Bill! I know the G8 GT and the Caprice have different p/ns on the cat pipe where the shortys connect. Do we know if the connections and locations are the same?

Re: JBA shorty headers?

Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2015 8:32 am
by Navy Lifer
The piping differences under the car are as much about the platform as anything--the fit/form/function of the cats may be the same, but each application, depending on model year or engine is often unique--OE converter specs and PN's seem to change almost by whimsy as much as anything else. From that, it's not a question (I) can answer with certainty, but I would say it's a safe bet.

Re: JBA shorty headers?

Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2015 10:05 pm
by bsparks72
After a little looking, I found a few things. First, the Caprice and the G8 Gt stock exhaust manifolds are the same part number, so I'm guessing the G8 shortys wouldn't be a problem. There's not much of a gain to be had by the shortys alone, but at just over $500 shipped for ceramic coated ones, I'll do that for now. The bigger cork in the system is the cats. The inlets on them are like 1-7/8". I may work on some Solo cats, which combined with the shortys will do a decent job for a daily driver. That, or I could just buy the Kooks mid length which would accomplish about the same thing as the shortys and Solo cats combined.

Re: JBA shorty headers?

Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2015 10:10 am
by Pursuit
Brandon,
I found that the biggest restriction to be in the flex coupler just before the flange to attach the mufflers. Take a look inside of it...
And FWIW, I used the L99 Camaro SS manifolds, cats and pipes on my car. It is a true 2-1/2" dual system with the Solo axle backs. It did take a little fab work, but has a great muscle sound to it. Not really that loud.

Maurice

Re: JBA shorty headers?

Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2015 5:42 pm
by xcidmigs
Pursuit wrote:Brandon,
I used the L99 Camaro SS manifolds, cats and pipes on my car. It is a true 2-1/2" dual system with the Solo axle backs..

Maurice
There is a difference in the system between a manual trans camaro SS and automatic. The L99 is the automatic version. The caprice cat pipes are smaller diameter although the actual manifold is the same between both and the same as the caprice and G8 factory parts. The increase is with using the camaro pipes from the manifold back. There are tons of used systems out there at this point although the cat pipes may be harder to find. I got the entire mess cats included for $100 with very little miles on them from someone who upgraded and needed it gone. I still have yet to install any of this as i have warranty left still and also don't have an obvious way to hook up from the camaro pipes to the caprice ones somewhere in the back area around the differential. I may have to let a exhaust shop do it.

Re: JBA shorty headers?

Posted: Thu Nov 26, 2015 4:01 pm
by Pursuit
I used the L99 Camaro exhaust because of the "suitcase" for the DOD drone. I was worried that adding the Solo axle backs would make the car to loud, but it is definitely not.

Maurice

Re: JBA shorty headers?

Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2015 6:56 pm
by The Tech
I have the Kooks long tube headers and their high flow race cats, cross-over and Solo axle backs. Mine is loud but everybody likes it. No problems with LE during the year I have run the car like this. What some may call drone is music to my ears. I have had quite a few thumbs up from strangers and the car always draws a crowd at shows when I rev it up. :lol:

Re: JBA shorty headers?

Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2015 8:31 pm
by bsparks72
I'm doing this on a budget...and long tubes along with necessary mid-pipe and connections/mods, etc. weren't in the budget at the moment, along with a cam swap and converter at the same time. And I know they're not long tubes, but they'll do for now. I got a pretty good deal on the shorties new, and have a line on a good deal on the cats. Look how choked down the factory cats are. Opening that up along has got to make it quite a bit better. I'll do it a step at a time.

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http://solo-performance.com/images/perf ... /1full.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://solo-performance.com/pe-pontiac- ... converters" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;