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
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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).
Q: 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.
Q: Are gaskets included? Yes. Standard graphite manifold gaskets are included.
Q: 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).