One header that covers a lot of ground. Speed Engineering's 1-3/4" LS swap shorty headers are engineered to fit across the most popular classic GM LS swap platforms — from F-body muscle cars to A-body builds to C10 and OBS trucks — with V-band collector construction, merge spikes, and port-matched flanges that step it up over competitors. 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.
Built from 304 natural stainless steel with standard graphite manifold gaskets included.
⚠️ Important Installation Notes:
- LS swap applications only — these headers are NOT compatible with standard SBC or BBC engines
- 1968–1974 Nova and 1968–1972 Chevelle early 60s applications require an aftermarket steering shaft
- 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
Features:
- Full 1-3/4" Port-Matched Primary Tubes — Full-diameter flow from cylinder head to collector
- 3" V-Band Collector with Merge Spike — V-band construction for a cleaner, more secure collector connection over standard band clamp designs
- 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.
Chevrolet Camaro & Pontiac Firebird — F-Body (RWD)
- 1960s Chevrolet Camaro — LS Swap
- 1970s Chevrolet Camaro — LS Swap
- 1960s Pontiac Firebird — LS Swap
- 1970s Pontiac Firebird — LS Swap
Chevrolet Nova — X-Body (RWD)
- 1968 Chevrolet Nova — LS Swap
- 1969 Chevrolet Nova — LS Swap
- 1970 Chevrolet Nova — LS Swap
- 1971 Chevrolet Nova — LS Swap
- 1972 Chevrolet Nova — LS Swap
- 1973 Chevrolet Nova — LS Swap
- 1974 Chevrolet Nova — LS Swap
⚠️ Early 1960s Nova applications require an aftermarket steering shaft.
Chevrolet Chevelle — A-Body (RWD)
- 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle — LS Swap
- 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle — LS Swap
- 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle — LS Swap
- 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle — LS Swap
- 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle — LS Swap
⚠️ Early 1960s Chevelle applications require an aftermarket steering shaft.
Chevrolet & GMC C10/K10 Pickups & Panels
- 1960–1987 Chevrolet C10/K10 Pickups & Panels — LS Swap
- 1960–1987 GMC C10/K10 Pickups & Panels — LS Swap
Chevrolet & GMC OBS C1500/K1500
- 1989 Chevrolet C1500/K1500 — LS Swap
- 1990 Chevrolet C1500/K1500 — LS Swap
- 1991 Chevrolet C1500/K1500 — LS Swap
- 1992 Chevrolet C1500/K1500 — LS Swap
- 1993 Chevrolet C1500/K1500 — LS Swap
- 1994 Chevrolet C1500/K1500 — LS Swap
- 1995 Chevrolet C1500/K1500 — LS Swap
- 1996 Chevrolet C1500/K1500 — LS Swap
- 1997 Chevrolet C1500/K1500 — LS Swap
- 1998 Chevrolet C1500/K1500 — LS Swap
- 1999 Chevrolet C1500/K1500 — LS Swap
- 1989 GMC C1500/K1500 — LS Swap
- 1990 GMC C1500/K1500 — LS Swap
- 1991 GMC C1500/K1500 — LS Swap
- 1992 GMC C1500/K1500 — LS Swap
- 1993 GMC C1500/K1500 — LS Swap
- 1994 GMC C1500/K1500 — LS Swap
- 1995 GMC C1500/K1500 — LS Swap
- 1996 GMC C1500/K1500 — LS Swap
- 1997 GMC C1500/K1500 — LS Swap
- 1998 GMC C1500/K1500 — LS Swap
- 1999 GMC C1500/K1500 — LS Swap
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: 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.
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: Why do these headers have a V-band collector instead of a standard band clamp? V-band collector construction provides a more secure, cleaner connection compared to standard band clamp designs. It also makes removal and reinstallation easier and reduces the chance of exhaust leaks at the collector joint.
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 due to the tight fitment design.
Q: 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.
Q: How much horsepower do these headers add? Speed Engineering's 1-3/4" LS swap shorty headers are dyno proven to add over 18 rear-wheel horsepower compared to stock manifolds on LS swap applications.
Q: What material are these headers made from? 304 natural stainless steel with full TIG-welded construction, CNC-machined port-matched flanges, and a V-band collector with merge spike.
Q: Are gaskets included? Yes. Standard graphite manifold gaskets are included with the headers.
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).
