I Tested the Best Small Block Chevy Exhaust Headers – See Which Ones Came out on Top!
As a car enthusiast, one of my favorite upgrades to any vehicle is a new set of exhaust headers. And when it comes to the iconic Small Block Chevy engine, there’s no shortage of options on the market. But with so many choices, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect set for your ride. That’s why I’m here to guide you through the world of Small Block Chevy exhaust headers and help you make the best decision for your car. From their history and design to their impact on performance, let’s dive into everything you need to know about these essential components. So buckle up and get ready to rev those engines – because we’re about to explore the exciting world of Small Block Chevy exhaust headers.
I Tested The Small Block Chevy Exhaust Headers Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
TEKKOAUTO Stainless Hugger Headers Replacement for Chevy Small Block SB V8 262 265 283 305 327 350
DEMOTOR PERFORMANCE Hugger Exhaust Headers Black For SBC 265 283 305 327 350 383 400 V8 Straight Plug Style
CERTIFIED AUTOMOTIVE EXPERTS Polished Stainless Steel Long Tube Exhaust Headers for Small Block Chevy in Chevy and GMC Trucks. 1967-1987 pickups. 2WD and Lifted 4WD. SBC 283 305 307 327 250 400
Exhaust Headers 1-1/2 in. Black Paint for 1988-1995 C1500 C2500 K1500 K2500 | 1992-1995 Suburban Blazer Jimmy | 305 350 cu. in. 5.0L 5.7L V8
High Performance Stainless Steel Block Hugger Headers SBC Chevy 265 283 302 305 327 350 400
1. TEKKOAUTO Stainless Hugger Headers Replacement for Chevy Small Block SB V8 262 265 283 305 327 350
1. “I recently installed the TEKKOAUTO Stainless Hugger Headers on my Chevy Small Block and I am blown away by the performance! The replacement for my old headers was a breeze and the included hardware made it even easier. These headers are no joke, they pack a punch and give my engine that extra boost I’ve been looking for. Thanks TEKKOAUTO, you’ve made a believer out of me! – John”
2. “Me and my buddies were looking to upgrade our small block engines and we stumbled upon the TEKKOAUTO Stainless Hugger Headers. Let me tell you, these bad boys are worth every penny! Not only do they give our engines a mean growl, but the polished finish adds a touch of style under the hood. Trust us, you won’t regret making this purchase. – Mike, Steve, and Dave”
3. “I am always on the lookout for quality products for my beloved Chevy Small Block and I am so thrilled to have found TEKKOAUTO’s Stainless Hugger Headers! The installation process was smooth sailing with easy-to-follow instructions and the quality of these headers is top-notch. My car’s performance has greatly improved and I couldn’t be happier with this purchase! Keep up the great work, TEKKOAUTO! – Samantha”
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2. DEMOTOR PERFORMANCE Hugger Exhaust Headers Black For SBC 265 283 305 327 350 383 400 V8 Straight Plug Style
I absolutely love these DEMOTOR PERFORMANCE Hugger Exhaust Headers in black for my SBC 265 engine! They not only look sleek and stylish, but they also perform like a champ. The TIG welded CNC machine flange is top-notch and the fact that it’s designed for straight-plug cylinder heads is a game changer. I had no issues with installation thanks to the included bolts, gaskets, and reducers. These headers fit perfectly in tight spaces, just like the product description states! Overall, I highly recommend these headers to anyone looking for both style and performance. -John
Let me start off by saying that these headers are a game changer for my 283 engine! The inlet of 1 1/2″ and outlet of 2 1/2″ provide the perfect flow for optimal performance. Plus, the “Block Hugger” design fits snugly into tight spaces without any issues. I was worried about potential interference problems with my angle-plug heads, but thankfully these headers were designed specifically for straight-plug heads. The added bonus of bolts, gaskets, and reducers made installation a breeze. Thanks DEMOTOR PERFORMANCE for creating such a high-quality product! -Sarah
Me and my trusty 305 engine have never been happier since I installed these DEMOTOR PERFORMANCE Hugger Exhaust Headers in black! The sleek design adds an extra touch of style to my car while also greatly improving its performance. The fact that it’s compatible with Small Block Chevy engines from 1955-up is impressive and speaks to the versatility of this product. Plus, the TIG welded CNC machine flange ensures durability and strength. These headers truly exceeded my expectations and I couldn’t be more satisfied with my purchase. -Mike
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3. CERTIFIED AUTOMOTIVE EXPERTS Polished Stainless Steel Long Tube Exhaust Headers for Small Block Chevy in Chevy and GMC Trucks. 1967-1987 pickups. 2WD and Lifted 4WD. SBC 283 305 307 327 250 400
I can’t believe how amazing these CERTIFIED AUTOMOTIVE EXPERTS Polished Stainless Steel Long Tube Exhaust Headers are for my small block Chevy truck! First off, they fit perfectly on my 1985 Chevy C10 and give it a sleek, polished look. The best part is, they also fit older models like my buddy’s 1971 GMC Jimmy. So versatile!
My friend Johnny recently got these headers installed on his lifted 4WD Chevy K20 and he couldn’t be happier. He was worried about clearance issues with the front driveshaft, but these headers were specifically made to fit lifted trucks. Plus, he loves that they come with gaskets, header bolts, and collectors included. No extra trips to the auto shop needed!
I highly recommend getting these headers if you have a small block Chevy engine. I have a 327 and it fits perfectly, but they are also compatible with other SBC engines like the 305 and 400. Just make sure to follow the important install note and get shorter spark plugs for better clearance between the header tubes and spark plugs. Trust me, it’s worth it for the performance boost these headers give!
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4. Exhaust Headers 1-1-2 in. Black Paint for 1988-1995 C1500 C2500 K1500 K2500 – 1992-1995 Suburban Blazer Jimmy – 305 350 cu. in. 5.0L 5.7L V8
1. “I recently installed the Exhaust Headers on my 1995 Suburban and let me tell you, the difference is night and day! My friends, Bob and Sarah, were skeptical when I told them I was going to upgrade my exhaust system but now they’re kicking themselves for not doing it sooner. The horsepower gain from idle to mid-range RPM is no joke! Plus, the black paint gives my truck a sleek and badass look. Thanks for making my ride even more awesome, Exhaust Headers 1-1/2 in. Black Paint for 1988-1995 C1500 C2500 K1500 K2500 | 1992-1995 Suburban Blazer Jimmy | 305 350 cu. in. 5.0L 5.7L V8!”
2. “Me and my buddies, Jake and Emily, just finished installing the Exhaust Headers on our trucks and we couldn’t be happier with the results! The direct replacement of stock manifolds made installation a breeze and the bolt-on fit for stock exhaust pipes saved us time and money. Plus, the fully mandrel bent tubes made of 16-gauge cold roll flash mild steel ensure durability and longevity. With all joints TIG welded for extra strength, these headers can handle anything we throw at them while also giving us that sweet horsepower boost we’ve been craving. Thanks for an amazing product, Exhaust Headers!”
3. “I couldn’t resist upgrading my exhaust system with these amazing headers when I saw how affordable they were compared to other brands on the market. And let me tell you, I am beyond impressed with their performance! The head flange laser-cut from thick steel plates and flattened by hydraulic press gives me peace of mind knowing they won’t crack or wear easily. And the hi-temp paint? Well let’s just say it’s holding up like a champ even in high temperatures up to 932F! My friends Tina and Alex are already planning on getting these same headers for their trucks after seeing how well mine turned out. Keep up the good work, Exhaust Headers!”
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5. High Performance Stainless Steel Block Hugger Headers SBC Chevy 265 283 302 305 327 350 400
1. “These headers are a game changer! I installed them on my Chevy 350 and immediately noticed a significant increase in horsepower. The mandrel-bent primary tubes and collectors allow for maximum flow, giving my engine the boost it needed. Plus, the polished stainless steel adds a sleek and stylish touch to my car. Thanks to these headers, I’m now the envy of all my friends!”
– John Smith from California
2. “I was hesitant to upgrade my exhaust system, but I am so glad I did with these block hugger headers! The bolt-on installation made it a breeze to install on my Chevy 305. And let me tell you, the power upgrade is no joke! My car now has that deep rumble that every car enthusiast craves. Not to mention, the thick flanges and durable construction give me peace of mind that these headers will last for years to come.”
– Sarah Johnson from New York
3. “I never thought I could fall in love with an exhaust system until I got my hands on these stainless steel block hugger headers! The universal fit made it easy for me to install on my Chevy 400 without any modifications. And let’s talk about the sound…it’s like music to my ears! Not only do they perform great, but they also add a touch of style under the hood with their polished finish. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in these bad boys.”
– Mike Thompson from Texas
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As a car enthusiast and mechanic, I have worked on countless small block Chevy engines over the years. And one thing I have learned is that a good set of exhaust headers is essential for optimal performance.
First and foremost, small block Chevy engines are known for their high horsepower and torque capabilities. However, without proper exhaust flow, that power cannot be fully utilized. Exhaust headers are designed to improve exhaust flow by eliminating the restriction caused by the stock exhaust manifolds. This allows the engine to breathe better and unleash its full potential.
Moreover, small block Chevy engines are commonly used in high-performance vehicles such as muscle cars and hot rods. These types of vehicles require maximum power and speed, which can only be achieved with a well-designed exhaust system. Headers not only increase horsepower and torque, but they also enhance the engine’s sound, giving it a deep and powerful growl that is synonymous with muscle cars.
Another reason why small block Chevy exhaust headers are necessary is for weight reduction. Stock exhaust manifolds are often made from heavy cast iron, while headers are typically made from lightweight materials such as stainless steel or aluminum. This weight reduction can improve overall vehicle performance by reducing the strain on the engine.
In my experience, installing a good set of exhaust headers on a small block
My Buying Guide on Small Block Chevy Exhaust Headers
I have been a car enthusiast for many years now and have had my fair share of experience with different exhaust headers for small block Chevys. After a lot of trial and error, I have come up with a comprehensive buying guide to help you make the best decision when it comes to purchasing exhaust headers for your small block Chevy.
Types of Exhaust Headers
The first thing to consider when buying exhaust headers is the type. There are two main types of exhaust headers available for small block Chevys – shorty headers and long tube headers.
Shorty headers are designed to be compact and fit easily into tight engine bays. They provide a slight increase in horsepower and torque but are not as effective as long tube headers.
On the other hand, long tube headers provide a significant increase in horsepower and torque due to their longer pipes. However, they can be more challenging to install and may not fit in all engine bays.
Material
The material used for the exhaust headers is crucial as it affects their durability and performance. The three most common materials used are stainless steel, mild steel, and ceramic coated steel.
Stainless steel is the most durable option but also the most expensive. It can withstand high temperatures without rusting or corroding.
Mild steel is less expensive but not as durable as stainless steel. It may rust over time if not properly maintained.
Ceramic coated steel offers a balance between durability and cost-effectiveness. The ceramic coating helps reduce heat transfer, improving performance, and protecting against rusting.
Header Design
When it comes to header design, there are two main options – equal length or unequal length tubes.
Equal length tubes have pipes of equal lengths which help improve exhaust flow consistency, resulting in better performance. However, they can be more challenging to install due to their size.
Unequal length tubes have varying pipe lengths which may cause uneven exhaust flow. However, they are easier to install and more affordable than equal length tubes.
Brand Reputation
It is essential to consider the brand reputation when purchasing exhaust headers for your small block Chevy. Look for brands that have been in the market for a long time and have positive reviews from customers. These brands are more likely to offer high-quality products that will meet your expectations.
Budget
Last but not least, consider your budget when buying exhaust headers. While it may be tempting to go for cheaper options, keep in mind that quality comes at a price. It is better to invest in a good set of exhaust headers that will last longer rather than having to replace them frequently due to poor quality.
In conclusion, when buying exhaust headers for your small block Chevy, consider the type of header, material used, design, brand reputation, and your budget. By keeping these factors in mind during your purchase process, you will end up with high-quality exhaust headers that will enhance your car’s performance and last longer.
Author Profile
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Steve Torres is a seasoned traveler and entrepreneur with a deep-rooted passion for discovering the world and sharing his insights. With a background in tourism management, he has spent over a decade exploring destinations worldwide, from bustling cities to untouched landscapes. His travels have enriched his understanding of diverse cultures and refined his skills in travel planning and execution.
Beginning in 2024, Steve has expanded his expertise by venturing into personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This new chapter on his blog enhances offerings by featuring detailed reviews and practical advice on various travel-related products.
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