Performance wise which exhaust style is better for power/torque? The short type or the full length style (stock fiero route). Engine is 3800n/a.

All other things being equal, technically a shorter one would be less restrictive. But...the size of the tubing will have a larger affect than the length. I don't think you are going to see enough of a difference to worry about considering how short even the long version is. I think the real answer will be to find the headers you want to use (which will likely have a much larger affect than the length of the exhaust), and build the exhaust to suit them.

the more free flowing the better if you replace the exhaust with a $1,000 exhaust what good is it if you still got a restrictive catalyst in the car or cat. The style exhaust you have there is restrictive and does not flow as much I suggest the type they use here on the turbo kit engines in there turbo kit photo gallery at this link. All it is a strait shot to a tee and two glass packs out the ends. Any ways hope this helps the more bend and turns you have the more it will reduce flow something I learned in h.v.a.c. when I took classes for it at school.
http://www.design1systems.com/turbo/index.html

Makes absolutely no difference. If you need a cat, go full ypipe to cat. If not, just use the factory manifolds and a trunk friendly exhaust

We sell both

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True dual equal length 3800 Headers