Building an LS swap into a classic car or truck where space is tight and a longtube or mid-length header simply won't fit? Speed Engineering's 1-3/4" hugger shorty ram horn headers are built for exactly that — a compact, tight-fitting block hugger design that tucks in close to the engine for maximum chassis clearance across a wide range of early classic GM applications. Mandrel bent, TIG-welded, and CNC-machined from 304 natural stainless steel. Compatible with the full LS engine family from 4.8L through 6.2L including LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6, and LSA. Dyno proven to deliver over 18 rear-wheel horsepower over stock manifolds.
⚠️ Important Installation Notes:
- LS swap applications only — these headers are NOT compatible with standard SBC or BBC engines
- Due to the tight nature of these headers, multi-angle spark plug wires are recommended
Features:
- Full 1-3/4" Primary Tubes — Sized for strong flow on LS swap applications in tight chassis environments
- 3" Collector — Optimized for strong low-to-mid RPM torque
- Block Hugger / Ram Horn Design — Maximum chassis clearance for tight LS swap applications
- Shorty Header Design — Improved flow over stock manifolds with a compact, fitment-friendly profile
- Mandrel Bent Tubing — Consistent tube diameter throughout; no crimping, no restriction
- CNC Machined Flanges — Precision fit at the cylinder head for a leak-free seal
- 304 Natural Stainless Steel Construction — Corrosion resistant, heat tolerant, and built to last
- Standard Graphite Manifold Gaskets Included
- Dyno Proven — 18+ RWHP gain on LS swap applications
- Compatible with 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, 6.2L, LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6, and LSA Engines
- V8 LS Engines Only
Vehicle Applications:
Note: All applications listed are LS swap conversions. These headers are not compatible with the original factory engines in these vehicles. This is a universal fitment header — additional applications beyond those listed may be compatible.
Chevrolet Cars & Trucks
- 1923–1954 Chevrolet Cars & Trucks — LS Swap
Cadillac Cars
- 1923–1954 Cadillac Cars — LS Swap
Chevrolet Impala & Biscayne
- 1958 Chevrolet Impala/Biscayne — LS Swap
- 1959 Chevrolet Impala/Biscayne — LS Swap
- 1960 Chevrolet Impala/Biscayne — LS Swap
- 1961 Chevrolet Impala/Biscayne — LS Swap
- 1962 Chevrolet Impala/Biscayne — LS Swap
- 1963 Chevrolet Impala/Biscayne — LS Swap
- 1964 Chevrolet Impala/Biscayne — LS Swap
Chevrolet Bel Air
- 1950 Chevrolet Bel Air — LS Swap
- 1951 Chevrolet Bel Air — LS Swap
- 1952 Chevrolet Bel Air — LS Swap
- 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air — LS Swap
- 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air — LS Swap
- 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air — LS Swap
- 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air — LS Swap
- 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air — LS Swap
- 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air — LS Swap
- 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air — LS Swap
- 1960 Chevrolet Bel Air — LS Swap
- 1961 Chevrolet Bel Air — LS Swap
- 1962 Chevrolet Bel Air — LS Swap
- 1963 Chevrolet Bel Air — LS Swap
- 1964 Chevrolet Bel Air — LS Swap
Chevrolet Corvette
- 1953 Chevrolet Corvette — LS Swap
- 1954 Chevrolet Corvette — LS Swap
- 1955 Chevrolet Corvette — LS Swap
- 1956 Chevrolet Corvette — LS Swap
- 1957 Chevrolet Corvette — LS Swap
- 1958 Chevrolet Corvette — LS Swap
- 1959 Chevrolet Corvette — LS Swap
- 1960 Chevrolet Corvette — LS Swap
- 1961 Chevrolet Corvette — LS Swap
- 1962 Chevrolet Corvette — LS Swap
- 1963 Chevrolet Corvette — LS Swap
- 1964 Chevrolet Corvette — LS Swap
- 1965 Chevrolet Corvette — LS Swap
- 1966 Chevrolet Corvette — LS Swap
- 1967 Chevrolet Corvette — LS Swap
Chevrolet Nomad
- 1955 Chevrolet Nomad — LS Swap
- 1956 Chevrolet Nomad — LS Swap
- 1957 Chevrolet Nomad — LS Swap
- 1958 Chevrolet Nomad — LS Swap
- 1959 Chevrolet Nomad — LS Swap
- 1960 Chevrolet Nomad — LS Swap
- 1961 Chevrolet Nomad — LS Swap
FAQ
Why would I choose these shorty headers over longtube or mid-length headers for an LS swap?
The hugger shorty design is specifically suited for classic cars and trucks where chassis clearance is extremely limited and longtube or mid-length headers simply will not fit. They deliver improved flow and over 18 RWHP over stock manifolds while tucking tightly against the block for maximum clearance.
What is the difference between this header and the 1-5/8" hugger shorty (25-1029)?
The primary tube diameter and collector size are the key differences. The 1-3/4" headers (25-1160) use larger 1-3/4" primaries and a 3" collector for improved flow at higher RPM and on larger displacement LS engines. The 1-5/8" headers (25-1029) use smaller 1-5/8" primaries and a 2.5" collector — a strong choice for mild builds and applications where even more clearance is needed.
Do I need special spark plug wires with these headers?
Multi-angle spark plug wires are recommended due to the tight nature of these headers.
Will these headers work with my SBC or BBC engine?
No. These headers are designed for LS series engine swaps only and are not compatible with standard small block Chevy or big block Chevy engines.
What LS engines are these headers compatible with?
These headers are compatible with GM LS V8 engines including 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, 6.2L, LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6, and LSA.
How much horsepower do these headers add?
Speed Engineering's 1-3/4" LS swap hugger shorty headers are dyno proven to add over 18 rear-wheel horsepower compared to stock manifolds on LS swap applications.
What material are these headers made from?
304 natural stainless steel with full TIG-welded construction and CNC-machined flanges.
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).
