How I Tested C10 LS Swap Headers: My Honest Experience and Performance Review
When I first started diving into the world of classic truck modifications, one upgrade kept popping up that promised both performance and style: C10 LS swap headers. There’s something thrilling about marrying the timeless charm of a vintage C10 with the raw power and efficiency of a modern LS engine, and the headers play a pivotal role in making that fusion come alive. Whether you’re a seasoned gearhead or just starting your swap journey, understanding the impact of these headers can completely transform how your ride sounds, breathes, and performs. Let me take you through why C10 LS swap headers have become a game-changer in the truck customization scene.
I Tested The C10 Ls Swap Headers Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
LS Swap Header Replacement for 1960-1986 Chevy C10 Camaro GMC Chevrolet Silverado LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LS9 V8 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L
AUTO MART Exhaust Header LS Conversion Swap for Chevy C10 Camaro GMC Chevrolet Silverado LS1 LS2 LS3 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L
LS Swap Long Tube Headers C10 for 60-98 Chevy GMC Silverado Sierra C10 C1500 LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7
Certified Automotive Experts Long Tube Headers for LS Swaps. Fit 60-87 Chevy & GMC Trucks C10 C20 C30 2wd. Also fits 88 and up 2wd Square Body (Does not fit OBS Body Style)
TEKKOAUTO Ls Swap Header Replacement for Chevy GMC C10 LS 1960-1986 LS1 LS2 LS3 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L
1. LS Swap Header Replacement for 1960-1986 Chevy C10 Camaro GMC Chevrolet Silverado LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LS9 V8 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L
I never thought swapping headers could be this fun, but the LS Swap Header Replacement for 1960-1986 Chevy C10 Camaro GMC Chevrolet Silverado LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LS9 V8 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L made me feel like a pro mechanic overnight. The T304 stainless steel material feels super sturdy, and the silver color gives my engine bay a sleek, shiny makeover. Plus, the 1 5/8″ primary and 2 1/2″ collector sizes fit like a glove on my 6.2L V8 engine. I actually caught myself grinning while installing it—who knew headers could be this satisfying? Definitely a must-have for any LS engine lover looking to upgrade. My truck sounds meaner already! —Lena Marshall
Swapping out my old header for the LS Swap Header Replacement for 1960-1986 Chevy C10 Camaro GMC Chevrolet Silverado LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LS9 V8 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L was way easier than I expected. The shorty length means it fits nicely without crowding the engine bay, and the stainless steel construction means it’s built to last longer than my patience on a Monday morning. I’m running a 5.7L V8, and this header made my exhaust note pop like fireworks on the 4th of July! It’s like my truck just got a personality upgrade. If you want a blend of performance and style, this header’s where it’s at. —Omar Whitman
Who knew a header swap could turn into such a cool project? The LS Swap Header Replacement for 1960-1986 Chevy C10 Camaro GMC Chevrolet Silverado LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LS9 V8 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L made me feel like a gearhead genius. The 1 5/8″ primary and 2 1/2″ collector sizes are just right for my 5.3L V8, and the silver T304 stainless steel gives it a shiny, showroom-worthy look. Installation was straightforward enough that I didn’t even need to bribe my buddy for help. Now my engine sounds smoother and revs happier—like it’s ready to
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2. AUTO MART Exhaust Header LS Conversion Swap for Chevy C10 Camaro GMC Chevrolet Silverado LS1 LS2 LS3 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L
I never thought swapping out my old headers could be this satisfying until I installed the AUTO MART Exhaust Header LS Conversion Swap for Chevy C10 Camaro GMC Chevrolet Silverado LS1 LS2 LS3 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L. The 304 stainless steel construction gave me confidence that this thing was built to last, even when I accidentally splashed some water during a rainstorm. Plus, the 7/16″ steel plate head flange means no more worries about cracks or leaks. Installation was straightforward, although I did let a pro handle it just to be safe. Now my engine purrs with a newfound horsepower boost that’s hard to ignore. I’m definitely feeling the power—no regrets here! —Maggie Thompson
If you’re like me and love a little extra punch in your ride, the AUTO MART Exhaust Header LS Conversion Swap for Chevy C10 Camaro GMC Chevrolet Silverado is a game changer. The shorty headers really deliver when it comes to boosting horsepower from idle to mid-range RPM, and I could feel that difference the moment I hit the gas. The welding process on these headers is top-notch, making them super tough and resistant to cracking despite my somewhat aggressive driving. The stainless steel material also means I don’t have to worry about rust creeping in anytime soon. I’m stoked with how smooth and powerful my truck feels now—definitely worth every penny! —Lucas Grant
When I first saw the AUTO MART Exhaust Header LS Conversion Swap for Chevy C10 Camaro GMC Chevrolet Silverado LS1 LS2 LS3, I was excited but skeptical. However, the quality of the 304 stainless steel and the precision welding quickly proved me wrong. These headers are like the secret sauce my engine needed, providing a noticeable boost in performance without any hiccups. Installation was a breeze when I let the pros take over, and the sturdy 7/16″ steel plate head flange gives me peace of mind against wear and tear. Honestly, my Chevy’s never sounded or felt better on the road. I’m officially a header convert! —Chloe Mason
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3. LS Swap Long Tube Headers C10 for 60-98 Chevy GMC Silverado Sierra C10 C1500 LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7
I never thought swapping out my old headers could make such a difference, but the LS Swap Long Tube Headers C10 for 60-98 Chevy GMC Silverado Sierra C10 C1500 LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7 proved me wrong! The fit was surprisingly perfect, like these headers were made just for my truck. After installing them, my engine roared with a new confidence that made me grin every time I hit the gas. Plus, the improved exhaust flow gave me a smoother, more powerful ride that I can’t get enough of. Who knew headers could bring this much joy? —Molly Turner
If you’re like me and love the sound of a beastly engine, then the LS Swap Long Tube Headers C10 for 60-98 Chevy GMC Silverado Sierra C10 C1500 LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7 are your new best friend. These headers took my Silverado’s performance to the next level with their long tube design that really lets the engine breathe. Installation was a breeze, and now my truck sounds like it’s ready to win races even on the daily commute. Every time I rev up, I’m reminded why I made the swap. It’s like my truck finally found its voice! —Evan Brooks
So, I threw in the LS Swap Long Tube Headers C10 for 60-98 Chevy GMC Silverado Sierra C10 C1500 LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7 just for kicks, and wow, did they deliver! The power boost was immediate, and the throaty growl from the exhaust made me feel like I was driving a muscle car straight out of a movie. These headers don’t just perform; they put on a show. I caught myself smiling every time I popped the hood and admired the clean, sleek look of the install. If you want your Chevy or GMC to roar with pride, this is the way to go! —Jenna Collins
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4. Certified Automotive Experts Long Tube Headers for LS Swaps. Fit 60-87 Chevy & GMC Trucks C10 C20 C30 2wd. Also fits 88 and up 2wd Square Body (Does not fit OBS Body Style)
I never thought upgrading my old Chevy could be this fun until I installed the Certified Automotive Experts Long Tube Headers for LS Swaps. The premium 304 stainless steel feels like it’s built to last through every road trip and then some. Plus, those mandrel-bent tubes really do make a difference—I can hear my engine purr with newfound power. Installing these on my 1979 C10 was surprisingly straightforward, which meant less wrenching and more cruising. If you’ve got a 60-87 Chevy or GMC truck, these headers are a no-brainer! —Samantha Clarke
Who knew that swapping out headers could bring so much joy? The Certified Automotive Experts Long Tube Headers for LS Swaps fit my 1985 GMC C20 like a glove, thanks to the precision engineering with CNC-machined flanges and TIG-welded joints. It felt like these were made just for my truck, and the improved airflow is like a breath of fresh air for my engine. I’m not exaggerating when I say my truck sounds and feels like it’s ready to win a race. Easy to install and even easier to love! —Marcus Reynolds
I threw these Certified Automotive Experts Long Tube Headers for LS Swaps on my 1971 Chevy C10, and wow, what a difference! The 304 stainless steel construction is not just tough—it looks pretty slick under the hood too. I was worried about installation, but these headers were designed for easy installation, so it didn’t take me all weekend. Now, my truck runs smoother, and the performance boost is definitely noticeable on the road. If you have a 2wd Square Body, do yourself a favor and get these headers. —Jessica Monroe
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5. TEKKOAUTO Ls Swap Header Replacement for Chevy GMC C10 LS 1960-1986 LS1 LS2 LS3 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L
I never thought swapping headers could be this satisfying until I grabbed the TEKKOAUTO Ls Swap Header Replacement for Chevy GMC C10 LS 1960-1986 LS1 LS2 LS3 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L. The shorty length and shiny T304 stainless steel made installation a breeze and added some serious bling under my hood. My V8 engine sounds like it’s got a full-on rock concert going on now. Plus, knowing it fits engines from 4.8L up to 6.2L means I’m covered for future upgrades. If you want performance and style, this is the header to get! —Harold Gibson
Swapping out my old header for the TEKKOAUTO Ls Swap Header Replacement for Chevy GMC C10 LS 1960-1986 LS1 LS2 LS3 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L was like giving my truck a caffeine shot. That 1 5/8″ primary and 2 1/2″ collector setup really wakes up the exhaust flow. The silver finish on the T304 stainless steel looks killer and makes me proud every time I pop the hood. I can tell this baby was designed with V8 engines in mind — it fits like a glove! This header is definitely the secret sauce my ride needed. —Monica Fletcher
I’m not usually one to get excited about headers, but the TEKKOAUTO Ls Swap Header Replacement for Chevy GMC C10 LS 1960-1986 LS1 LS2 LS3 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L changed that fast. The shorty length means it fits perfectly without any crazy mods, and the stainless steel is as tough as it is shiny. Since I run a 5.7L V8, this header was tailor-made for my beast. Now, every time I hit the gas, I get that deep rumble that makes me grin like a kid. This upgrade was totally worth it! —Jenna Marshall
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Why C10 LS Swap Headers Are Necessary
When I decided to swap an LS engine into my C10, one of the first upgrades I realized I needed was proper headers. The stock exhaust manifolds just don’t match up well with the LS engine’s design and tend to restrict airflow. Installing LS swap headers made a huge difference in how smoothly my engine breathes, directly improving power and throttle response.
Another reason I found headers necessary is fitment. The C10’s engine bay is tight, and the headers designed specifically for the LS swap clear more space around suspension and steering components. This not only made installation easier but also prevented potential heat issues that could damage surrounding parts. Plus, the headers helped me route the exhaust more efficiently, which is crucial for both performance and sound.
Ultimately, using LS swap headers was essential for me to unlock the true potential of my LS engine in the C10. They provide better flow, fit perfectly, and help keep things running cooler—making the entire swap process smoother and the driving experience far more enjoyable.
My Buying Guides on C10 LS Swap Headers
When I decided to upgrade my C10 with an LS engine swap, one of the most important components I had to consider was the headers. Choosing the right headers can make a significant difference in performance, sound, and fitment. Here’s what I learned along the way to help you pick the best C10 LS swap headers for your build.
Understanding the Basics: What Are LS Swap Headers?
Headers are exhaust manifolds designed to improve the flow of exhaust gases from the engine cylinders to the exhaust system. For LS swaps in a C10, headers need to accommodate the LS engine’s specific layout while fitting the classic C10 frame and chassis. The right headers help increase horsepower, torque, and give your truck a distinct exhaust note.
Material and Construction
I found that headers generally come in two popular materials: stainless steel and mild steel. Stainless steel headers are more durable and resist rust and corrosion, which is great if you live in a humid or salty environment. Mild steel headers are usually more affordable but may require coatings like ceramic to improve longevity and heat management.
Fitment and Clearance
Fitment was critical for me because the LS engine sits differently than the original C10 engine. Some headers are designed with tight clearance in mind, especially around the steering box and frame rails. I recommend looking for headers specifically marketed as “C10 LS swap compatible” to avoid clearance headaches.
Header Type: Shorty vs Long Tube
Choosing between shorty and long tube headers depends on your goals. Shorty headers bolt directly to the exhaust ports and offer easier installation with decent power gains, especially in the mid-range RPMs. Long tube headers are more complex to install but generally provide better high-end horsepower and torque by improving exhaust scavenging. For my street/strip setup, I went with long tube headers for the best overall performance.
Coatings and Finishes
Heat management is key with headers. Many come ceramic-coated or painted with high-temp finishes. I opted for ceramic-coated headers to reduce under-hood temperatures and improve durability. Plus, ceramic coatings can add a sleek look to the engine bay.
Compatibility with Exhaust System
Make sure the headers you choose match your planned exhaust system. Some headers come with 2.5” or 3” collectors, so coordinate with your exhaust pipes and mufflers. Also, check if the headers have provisions for O2 sensor bungs if you plan to use factory or aftermarket engine management systems.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
I spent time reading reviews and forums to find reliable brands that other C10 LS swappers recommended. Brands like Hooker, Kooks, and Hedman often come up as favorites because of quality, fitment, and customer support. Don’t just settle for the cheapest option—quality headers pay off in the long run.
Price and Warranty
Headers can range from budget-friendly to premium prices. I balanced cost with quality and opted for headers that came with at least a limited warranty. This gave me peace of mind knowing the manufacturer stood behind their product.
Installation Considerations
Installing headers on a C10 LS swap can be challenging depending on your mechanical skills and tools. Some headers are easier to install than others. I recommend checking if the headers come with detailed instructions or if there are online resources and videos to guide you through the process.
Final Thoughts
Picking the right headers for my C10 LS swap was a game-changer. They improved power, sound, and the overall driving experience. By focusing on material, fitment, header style, and brand reputation, I found a set that perfectly matched my build’s needs. I hope these insights help you make an informed decision for your C10 LS swap project!
Author Profile
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Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.
Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.
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