Need an LT swap header that delivers solid performance and fits tight in narrow classic GM engine bays without the complexity of longtubes? Speed Engineering's 1-5/8" LT swap shorty headers are engineered with features that set them apart from the competition — V-band collector construction, merge spikes, and port-matched flanges combine with improved header-to-block and header-to-chassis clearance for a cleaner, better-fitting install across the most popular classic GM platforms including Camaro, Firebird, Chevelle, Nova, C10, K10, and OBS C1500/K1500. Compatible with Gen V LT1 and LT4 engines (5.3L and 6.2L, 2014+). Dyno proven to deliver over 18 rear-wheel horsepower over stock manifolds.
Built from 304 natural stainless steel with mandrel-bent primary tubes, CNC-machined flanges, and full TIG-welded construction. Standard graphite manifold gaskets included.
⚠️ Important Installation Notes:
- Gen V LT direct injection engine swaps only — these headers are NOT compatible with SBC or BBC engines
- 4L80E or older Turbo 350/400 transmission — bellhousing ears may need to be trimmed for proper clearance due to tight fitment on narrow older frames
- 1968–1974 Nova and early 1960s Chevelle applications require an aftermarket steering shaft
- Compatible with 6, 8, and 10 speed automatic transmissions
Features:
- Full 1-5/8" Port-Matched Primary Tubes — Full-diameter flow from cylinder head to collector for maximum scavenging on LT swap applications
- 2.5" V-Band Collector with Merge Spikes — V-band construction for a secure, leak-free collector connection; merge spikes for optimized exhaust scavenging
- Port-Matched Flanges — Precise alignment at the cylinder head for a leak-free seal and maximum flow
- Improved Header-to-Block and Chassis Clearance — Engineered to tuck tighter than competitor shorty headers on narrow classic GM frames
- Shorty Header Design — Compact and fitment-friendly profile ideal for builds where longtube routing is a challenge
- Mandrel Bent Tubing — Consistent tube diameter throughout; no crimping, no restriction
- CNC Machined Flanges — Precision-fit at the cylinder head
- 304 Natural Stainless Steel Construction — Corrosion resistant, heat tolerant, and built to last
- Standard Graphite Manifold Gaskets Included
- Dyno Proven — 18+ RWHP gain on LT swap applications
- Compatible with 5.3L and 6.2L LT1 and LT4 Engines (2014+)
- V8 LT Engines Only
Vehicle Applications:
Note: All applications listed are Gen V LT direct injection swap conversions. These headers are not compatible with the original factory engines in these vehicles.
GM F-Body (RWD) — LT Swap
Chevrolet Camaro
- 1967 Chevrolet Camaro (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1968 Chevrolet Camaro (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1969 Chevrolet Camaro (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1970 Chevrolet Camaro (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1971 Chevrolet Camaro (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1972 Chevrolet Camaro (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1973 Chevrolet Camaro (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1974 Chevrolet Camaro (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1975 Chevrolet Camaro (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1976 Chevrolet Camaro (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1977 Chevrolet Camaro (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1978 Chevrolet Camaro (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1979 Chevrolet Camaro (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1980 Chevrolet Camaro (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1981 Chevrolet Camaro (RWD) — LT Swap
Pontiac Firebird
- 1967 Pontiac Firebird (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1968 Pontiac Firebird (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1969 Pontiac Firebird (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1970 Pontiac Firebird (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1971 Pontiac Firebird (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1972 Pontiac Firebird (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1973 Pontiac Firebird (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1974 Pontiac Firebird (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1975 Pontiac Firebird (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1976 Pontiac Firebird (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1977 Pontiac Firebird (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1978 Pontiac Firebird (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1979 Pontiac Firebird (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1980 Pontiac Firebird (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1981 Pontiac Firebird (RWD) — LT Swap
Chevrolet Nova — X-Body (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1968 Chevrolet Nova (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1969 Chevrolet Nova (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1970 Chevrolet Nova (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1971 Chevrolet Nova (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1972 Chevrolet Nova (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1973 Chevrolet Nova (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1974 Chevrolet Nova (RWD) — LT Swap
⚠️ Early 1960s Nova applications require an aftermarket steering shaft.
Chevrolet Chevelle — A-Body (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle (RWD) — LT Swap
- 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle (RWD) — LT Swap
⚠️ Early 1960s Chevelle applications require an aftermarket steering shaft.
Chevrolet & GMC C10/K10 Pickups & Panels (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1960 Chevrolet/GMC C10/K10 Pickup/Panel (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1961 Chevrolet/GMC C10/K10 Pickup/Panel (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1962 Chevrolet/GMC C10/K10 Pickup/Panel (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1963 Chevrolet/GMC C10/K10 Pickup/Panel (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1964 Chevrolet/GMC C10/K10 Pickup/Panel (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1965 Chevrolet/GMC C10/K10 Pickup/Panel (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1966 Chevrolet/GMC C10/K10 Pickup/Panel (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1967 Chevrolet/GMC C10/K10 Pickup/Panel (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1968 Chevrolet/GMC C10/K10 Pickup/Panel (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1969 Chevrolet/GMC C10/K10 Pickup/Panel (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1970 Chevrolet/GMC C10/K10 Pickup/Panel (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1971 Chevrolet/GMC C10/K10 Pickup/Panel (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1972 Chevrolet/GMC C10/K10 Pickup/Panel (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1973 Chevrolet/GMC C10/K10 Pickup/Panel (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1974 Chevrolet/GMC C10/K10 Pickup/Panel (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1975 Chevrolet/GMC C10/K10 Pickup/Panel (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1976 Chevrolet/GMC C10/K10 Pickup/Panel (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1977 Chevrolet/GMC C10/K10 Pickup/Panel (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1978 Chevrolet/GMC C10/K10 Pickup/Panel (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1979 Chevrolet/GMC C10/K10 Pickup/Panel (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1980 Chevrolet/GMC C10/K10 Pickup/Panel (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1981 Chevrolet/GMC C10/K10 Pickup/Panel (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1982 Chevrolet/GMC C10/K10 Pickup/Panel (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1983 Chevrolet/GMC C10/K10 Pickup/Panel (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1984 Chevrolet/GMC C10/K10 Pickup/Panel (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1985 Chevrolet/GMC C10/K10 Pickup/Panel (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1986 Chevrolet/GMC C10/K10 Pickup/Panel (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1987 Chevrolet/GMC C10/K10 Pickup/Panel (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
Chevrolet & GMC C1500/K1500 OBS Truck (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1989 Chevrolet/GMC C1500/K1500 (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1990 Chevrolet/GMC C1500/K1500 (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1991 Chevrolet/GMC C1500/K1500 (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1992 Chevrolet/GMC C1500/K1500 (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1993 Chevrolet/GMC C1500/K1500 (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1994 Chevrolet/GMC C1500/K1500 (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1995 Chevrolet/GMC C1500/K1500 (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1996 Chevrolet/GMC C1500/K1500 (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1997 Chevrolet/GMC C1500/K1500 (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1998 Chevrolet/GMC C1500/K1500 (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
- 1999 Chevrolet/GMC C1500/K1500 (2WD/4WD) — LT Swap
FAQ
What makes these LT swap shorty headers better than other options?
Speed Engineering's 1-5/8" LT swap shorty headers use V-band collector construction, merge spikes, and port-matched flanges — features not commonly found on budget competitor shorty headers. They're also engineered with improved header-to-block and chassis clearance for better fitment on narrow classic GM frames.
What is the difference between these headers and the LS swap shorty headers (25-1021)?
The key difference is the engine family. Part 25-1057 is for Gen V LT direct injection engine swaps only (LT1/LT4, 2014+). Part 25-1021 is for GM LS engine swaps. Both cover the same classic GM platforms and feature the same V-band collector and merge spike design.
Will these headers work with my SBC or BBC engine?
No. These headers are designed for Gen V LT direct injection engine swaps only and are not compatible with SBC or BBC engines.
Do early 1960s Nova and Chevelle applications require any additional parts?
Yes. Early 1960s Nova and Chevelle applications require an aftermarket steering shaft for proper fitment.
Will these fit with a 4L80E or older Turbo 350/400 transmission?
These headers may require trimming of the bellhousing ears on 4L80E or older Turbo 350/400 transmissions for proper clearance. They are confirmed to fit 6, 8, and 10 speed automatic transmissions without modification.
What LT engines are these headers compatible with?
These headers are compatible with Gen V LT V8 engines including 5.3L and 6.2L LT1 and LT4 (2014 and newer).
What material are these headers made from?
304 natural stainless steel with full TIG-welded construction, CNC-machined flanges, merge spikes, and port-matched flanges.
Are gaskets included?
Yes. Standard graphite manifold gaskets are included.
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).
