The factory exhaust manifolds on your 4th Gen Camaro or Firebird are one of the first restrictions holding back your LS1. This complete full kit pairs Speed Engineering's 1-3/4" longtube headers with a 3" off-road Y-pipe that connects directly to the existing cat-back location — everything you need to replace the restrictive factory exhaust manifolds with a free-flowing stainless system designed for improved horsepower, torque, and an aggressive exhaust tone.
Built from 304 natural stainless steel with mandrel-bent primary tubes, CNC-machined flanges, merge spikes, and full TIG-welded construction. Dyno proven to deliver over 25 rear-wheel horsepower over stock.
⚠️ Important Note: Rear downstream O₂ sensors are not used with this system. A check engine light for catalyst efficiency will appear and must be disabled via PCM tuning.
Kit Includes:
- 1 Pair of 1-3/4" Stainless Longtube Headers
- 1 Three-inch Off-Road Y-Pipe / Connection Pipe
- 1 Set of Zinc-Coated Header Bolts (upgrade to stainless ARP bolts available at checkout)
- 2 MLS Exhaust Gaskets
- 2 O₂ Sensor Extension Harnesses
Optional: Speed Engineering LS Spark Plug Wires and Plug Wire Fire Sleeves can be added at the time of purchase.
Features:
- Full 1-3/4" Primary Tubes with Merge Spikes — Full-diameter flow from cylinder head to collector for maximum exhaust scavenging
- 3" Collector — Optimized 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
- Longtube Header Design — Maximum scavenging efficiency vs. shorty or mid-length headers
- Dyno Proven — 25+ RWHP gain on 5.7L LS1 applications
- Compatible with 5.7L LS1 Engines
Vehicle Applications:
Chevrolet Camaro — SS & Z28 (RWD)
- 1998 Chevrolet Camaro SS/Z28 (RWD) — 5.7L LS1
- 1999 Chevrolet Camaro SS/Z28 (RWD) — 5.7L LS1
- 2000 Chevrolet Camaro SS/Z28 (RWD) — 5.7L LS1
- 2001 Chevrolet Camaro SS/Z28 (RWD) — 5.7L LS1
- 2002 Chevrolet Camaro SS/Z28 (RWD) — 5.7L LS1
Pontiac Firebird — Formula & Trans Am (RWD)
- 1998 Pontiac Firebird Formula/Trans Am (RWD) — 5.7L LS1
- 1999 Pontiac Firebird Formula/Trans Am (RWD) — 5.7L LS1
- 2000 Pontiac Firebird Formula/Trans Am (RWD) — 5.7L LS1
- 2001 Pontiac Firebird Formula/Trans Am (RWD) — 5.7L LS1
- 2002 Pontiac Firebird Formula/Trans Am (RWD) — 5.7L LS1
Note: These headers will also work on 1993–1997 Camaro and Firebird applications with an LS swap conversion.
FAQ
What is included in this kit?
The kit includes a pair of 1-3/4" stainless longtube headers, a 3" off-road Y-pipe, two MLS exhaust gaskets, two O₂ sensor extension harnesses, and zinc-coated header bolts. An upgrade to stainless ARP bolts is available at checkout. Speed Engineering LS spark plug wires and plug wire fire sleeves can also be added at the time of purchase.
Will I get a check engine light after installing this kit?
Yes. The rear downstream O₂ sensors are not used with this system, which will trigger a catalyst efficiency code. This must be resolved through PCM tuning and cannot be cleared by simply resetting the ECU.
How much horsepower does this kit add to a 4th Gen Camaro or Firebird?
Speed Engineering's 1-3/4" longtube headers are dyno proven to add over 25 rear-wheel horsepower on 5.7L LS1 equipped 1998–2002 Camaro and Firebird/Trans Am applications compared to stock exhaust manifolds.
What is the difference between this kit and the 1-7/8" headers?
The primary tube diameter is the key difference. The 1-3/4" headers work well across a broad RPM range and are a strong choice for most street and mild performance builds. The 1-7/8" headers offer a step up in flow better suited for more aggressive builds with supporting modifications.
Will these work on a 1993–1997 Camaro or Firebird?
Yes, with an LS swap conversion. These headers are designed for the 1998–2002 platform but are compatible with 1993–1997 Camaro and Firebird applications that have been converted to an LS engine.
What engines are these headers compatible with?
These headers are compatible with the 5.7L LS1 engine found in 1998–2002 Chevrolet Camaro SS/Z28 and Pontiac Firebird Formula/Trans Am models.
What material are these headers made from?
304 natural stainless steel with full TIG-welded construction, CNC-machined flanges, and merge spikes.
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).
