Mid Length fitment vs just leave the stock logs

Before you say "go longtubes, do it right", I am overseas living in Spain (usaf) where I NEED ground clearance. Also the inspections here are pretty loose for Americans and American cars for servicemembers but it only goes to a point... Longtubes would be instant fail/impound every time on a Spanish car even with cats so I don't want to push it. But... Mid lengths LOOK like shorties from under the car and have the ground clearance which is another issue. I'm actually installing a full air suspension to get the car in/out of my steep driveway. Also to be able to just take the car out exploring without having to worry about getting stuck somewhere with a big speed hump or some other asshattery in some of these small hill towns.

I do plan on putting a Novi 2000 on the car at some point... other than that it's a 4V swapped GT with a tune, midpipe/catback and a built IRS and some chassis mods. I will be swapping the K out for Max Motorsports when I do the air suspension (Ridetech Shockwave "coilovers" up front and Ridetech Coolride bags with D Spec adjustable shocks out back). So now would be the time to do it...

Anyone have the JBAs? Opinions? I know the Bassanis fit well and are fine with the remflex gaskets but they are $$$ with their catted mid pipe... The JBAs and their catless mid pipe would be a lot cheaper and I could have my current cats welded in. I'd even consider JBA shorties if I could find a set used in good shape... not paying $600+ for shorties...

I'd just keep the stock manifolds. I only have experience with the Bassanis and while the headers aren't bad, the mid pipe sits low. But plenty of people have cleared 600 with stock manifolds. I wouldn't even bother with shorties from any manufacturer.

Ask Biden!

Is Spain more strict than Commiefornia? I was stationed at Beale and just swapped my stock exhaust on for emissions tests then put the aftermarket stuff back on once it passed. When I'd get pulled over, I'd just kill the engine and never heard anything about it from the cops.

I have a full JBA setup on my car, midlengths fit great with no issues, had to modify the rest of the 3" system though.

01yellercobra said:

I'd just keep the stock manifolds. I only have experience with the Bassanis and while the headers aren't bad, the mid pipe sits low. But plenty of people have cleared 600 with stock manifolds. I wouldn't even bother with shorties from any manufacturer.

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Low is bad... I know ppl clear 600 with the stockers... I do plan on putting a Novi on the car eventually... But I would like the sound and the extra power under the curve.

MG0h3 said:

Ask Biden!

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He's too busy, I looked at his schedule. He has an actual schedule posted... I know right?

ajaf1656 said:

Is Spain more strict than Commiefornia? I was stationed at Beale and just swapped my stock exhaust on for emissions tests then put the aftermarket stuff back on once it passed. When I'd get pulled over, I'd just kill the engine and never heard anything about it from the cops.

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Yes, stricter... if you go full "euro compliant" which I would need to do if I retire here which I honestly am strongly considering. But... for older American cars their OBD scanners/testers don't have the right software so it goes to a visual/decibel test and sometimes a sniffer. Swapping longtubes in for the stock manifolds every year is no bueno. Right now I just need to pass visual, not be too loud and the brakes and horn work... but that's only till I retire. Thinking ahead.

JetmechF16 said:

I have a full JBA setup on my car, midlengths fit great with no issues, had to modify the rest of the 3" system though.

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I have the Pypes catback for IRS waiting to go on, everything is 2.5... how is the ground clearance? Same as stock?

scottydsntknow said:

I have the Pypes catback for IRS waiting to go on, everything is 2.5... how is the ground clearance? Same as stock?

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With full 3" it's probably very close to stock, I had my exhaust fab guy tuck them up a bit more when installing.