Dan,
I assume you’ve run both types of headers. If you have, have you noticed any appreciable difference in performance? My headers are ceramic coated. Would that be an issue if I decided to modify them. How much are your headers made from scratch (not converted Jose headers)?
I bought the Jose Kit in which the headers were included back in '09. They stuck out the side of the Alpine behind the front wheels (designed for racing) and they were and still are very difficult to reroute under the Alpine with adequate clearance from speed bumps and sharp angled drives.
As I have spoken about them many times not being to my liking, I spent a good bit of money and time developing headers that run straight back similar to the Tiger system.
That being said, I did not ever run my Alpines with the Jose style headers installed, therefore I can't speak of the performance differences.
I do believe Barry has defined some potential differences in what the "Shorty's" are capable of producing.
The ceramic coating can not be completely saved. Because of the "new" metal required for the modification they will need to be either recoated or some other coating applied.
In the PIC below even though it is not a very good depiction, the routing of the exhaust from Jose style header had to be turned
back in and under the Undercarriage. I have more and better PIC's of the routing needed, just haven't been able to find them yet....
I just added three (3) PICS of the "Shorty's" to show how yours should turn out. They will have the ball & socket and a piece to mate the ball necked down to 2" where you can weld/adapt your exhaust piping the reminder of the way to the rear.
Hopes this helps answer your questions, if not, please let me know.