Swapping an LS into your classic Bel Air, Camaro, Nova, or Impala and need a shorty header that fits factory steering? Speed Engineering's 1-5/8" LS swap shorty headers are engineered for tight-clearance classic GM LS swap applications where longtube or mid-length headers won't fit the factory steering box. These headers step it up over competitors with V-band collector construction, merge spikes, and port-matched flanges — providing improved fitment and a cleaner installation. 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
- Spark plug wires required — Speed Engineering spark plug wires or a similar designed wire will be needed for proper clearance
- 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
- Aftermarket oil pans — collector may need modification for compatibility with some aftermarket oil pans
Features:
- Full 1-5/8" Port-Matched Primary Tubes — Full-diameter flow from cylinder head to collector
- 2.5" 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 for tight classic GM chassis
- Fits Factory Steering Box — Designed to clear the factory steering box on listed applications
- 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 Bel Air & Nomad (RWD) — LS Swap
- 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air/Nomad (RWD) — LS Swap
- 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air/Nomad (RWD) — LS Swap
- 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air/Nomad (RWD) — LS Swap
Chevrolet Camaro — 1st Gen F-Body (RWD) — LS Swap
- 1967 Chevrolet Camaro (RWD) — LS Swap ✓ Fits Factory Steering Box
- 1968 Chevrolet Camaro (RWD) — LS Swap ✓ Fits Factory Steering Box
- 1969 Chevrolet Camaro (RWD) — LS Swap ✓ Fits Factory Steering Box
Chevrolet Nova — X-Body (RWD) — LS Swap
- 1968 Chevrolet Nova (RWD) — LS Swap ✓ Fits Factory Steering Box
- 1969 Chevrolet Nova (RWD) — LS Swap ✓ Fits Factory Steering Box
- 1970 Chevrolet Nova (RWD) — LS Swap ✓ Fits Factory Steering Box
- 1971 Chevrolet Nova (RWD) — LS Swap ✓ Fits Factory Steering Box
- 1972 Chevrolet Nova (RWD) — LS Swap ✓ Fits Factory Steering Box
- 1973 Chevrolet Nova (RWD) — LS Swap ✓ Fits Factory Steering Box
- 1974 Chevrolet Nova (RWD) — LS Swap ✓ Fits Factory Steering Box
Chevrolet Impala — B-Body (RWD) — LS Swap
- 1965 Chevrolet Impala (RWD) — LS Swap ✓ Fits Factory Steering Box
- 1966 Chevrolet Impala (RWD) — LS Swap ✓ Fits Factory Steering Box
- 1967 Chevrolet Impala (RWD) — LS Swap ✓ Fits Factory Steering Box
- 1968 Chevrolet Impala (RWD) — LS Swap ✓ Fits Factory Steering Box
- 1969 Chevrolet Impala (RWD) — LS Swap ✓ Fits Factory Steering Box
- 1970 Chevrolet Impala (RWD) — LS Swap ✓ Fits Factory Steering Box
Frequently Asked Questions:
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 headers clear the factory steering box? Yes. These headers are specifically designed to fit with the factory steering box on all listed applications including 1967–1969 Camaro, 1968–1974 Nova, and 1965–1970 Impala.
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 I need special spark plug wires? Yes. Speed Engineering spark plug wires or a similar designed wire will be needed for proper clearance with these headers.
Q: Will these work with my aftermarket oil pan? The collector may require modification for compatibility with some aftermarket oil pans. Verify your specific application before ordering.
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 1-5/8" 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).
