The factory exhaust manifolds on your C5 Corvette are one of the first restrictions holding back your LS1 or LS6. Speed Engineering's 1-7/8" longtube headers are a direct-fit, dyno-proven upgrade that frees up exhaust flow, improves throttle response, and delivers over 25 rear-wheel horsepower over stock — with an improved ground clearance design that sets them apart from the competition, making them an especially strong choice for lowered C5 builds.
Built from 304 natural stainless steel with mandrel-bent primary tubes, CNC-machined flanges, merge spikes, and full TIG-welded construction.
⚠️ Installation Notes:
- Requires the use of a 2001–2004 oil dipstick tube
- Requires Speed Engineering's C5 Corvette X-pipe kit for proper installation
Features:
- 1-7/8" Port-Matched Primary Tubes — Full-diameter flow from cylinder head to collector for maximum exhaust scavenging
- 3" Collector with Merge Spike — Optimized merge geometry for strong low-to-mid RPM torque
- Mandrel Bent Tubing — Consistent tube diameter through every bend; no crimping, no restriction
- CNC Machined Flanges — Precision fit at the head and collector for a leak-free seal
- 304 Natural Stainless Steel Construction — Corrosion resistant, heat tolerant, and built to last
- Improved Ground Clearance Over Competitors — Engineered with extra clearance, ideal for lowered C5 builds
- Longtube Header Design — Maximum scavenging efficiency vs. shorty or mid-length headers
- Standard Graphite Manifold Gaskets Included
- Dyno Proven — 25+ RWHP gain on LS1 and LS6 applications
- Compatible with 5.7L LS1 and LS6 Engines
- V8 Engines Only
Vehicle Applications:
Chevrolet C5 Corvette — Base & Z06 (RWD) 5.7L LS1/LS6
- 1997 Chevrolet Corvette Base & Z06 (RWD) — 5.7L LS1
- 1998 Chevrolet Corvette Base & Z06 (RWD) — 5.7L LS1
- 1999 Chevrolet Corvette Base & Z06 (RWD) — 5.7L LS1
- 2000 Chevrolet Corvette Base & Z06 (RWD) — 5.7L LS1
- 2001 Chevrolet Corvette Base & Z06 (RWD) — 5.7L LS1/LS6
- 2002 Chevrolet Corvette Base & Z06 (RWD) — 5.7L LS1/LS6
- 2003 Chevrolet Corvette Base & Z06 (RWD) — 5.7L LS1/LS6
- 2004 Chevrolet Corvette Base & Z06 (RWD) — 5.7L LS1/LS6
FAQ
How much horsepower do these headers add to a C5 Corvette?
Speed Engineering's 1-7/8" longtube headers are dyno proven to add over 25 rear-wheel horsepower on LS1 and LS6 equipped 1997–2004 C5 Corvette applications compared to stock exhaust manifolds.
Do I need any additional parts to install these headers?
Yes. These headers require the use of a 2001–2004 oil dipstick tube and Speed Engineering's C5 Corvette X-pipe kit for proper installation. Both items must be sourced before installation.
Are these headers good for lowered C5 Corvettes?
Yes. Speed Engineering specifically engineered these headers with improved ground clearance compared to competitors, making them a strong choice for lowered C5 builds.
What engines are these headers compatible with?
These headers are compatible with the 5.7L LS1 and LS6 engines found in 1997–2004 Chevrolet C5 Corvette Base and Z06 models.
What material are these headers made from?
304 natural stainless steel with full TIG-welded construction, CNC-machined flanges, and merge spikes.
Are gaskets included?
Yes. Standard graphite manifold gaskets are included with the headers.
Are these headers street legal?
No. These are race-only headers intended for closed-course competition use only. Installation on a street-driven vehicle may violate the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7522(a)(3)).
⚠️ Race Use Only: This product is manufactured and sold for installation on vehicles used solely for competition. Once installed, the vehicle may not be used, registered, or licensed for use on a public road or highway. Installation on a street-driven vehicle may violate the Clean Air Act 203(a)(3), 42 U.S.C. 7522(a)(3).
