Exhaust · Buyer's Guide

Headers

Headers replace the factory cast-iron exhaust manifolds with individual tubes for each cylinder. Long tube headers provide the biggest gains (25-40 HP) by optimizing exhaust pulse tuning across the full RPM range. Shorty headers are easier to install and give about half the gains. Both improve exhaust flow dramatically.

Kooks 1-7/8-Inch Long Tube Headers with High Flow Catted OEM Connections
Featured pick: Kooks 1-7/8-Inch Long Tube Headers with High Flow Catted OEM ConnectionsFrom $4,122.45

Recommended Picks

A starting point for your build, sorted by budget.

Best ValueMost affordable in this category
Corsa Performance Corsa 1-3/4 Inch Long Tube Headers

Corsa Performance

Corsa 1-3/4 Inch Long Tube Headers

$1.00
Mid-Range PickBalanced price and performance
BBK Performance 1-7/8-Inch Long Tube Headers - Titanium Ceramic

BBK Performance

1-7/8-Inch Long Tube Headers - Titanium Ceramic

$799.99
Premium PickTop-tier brand and performance
Kooks 1-7/8-Inch Long Tube Headers with High Flow Catted OEM Connections

Kooks

1-7/8-Inch Long Tube Headers with High Flow Catted OEM Connections

$4,122.45

All Headers (23)

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2. EXHAUST SYSTEMS

System Types — Explained

Type What It Replaces HP Gain Cost Range Best For
Axle-Back Mufflers + tips only (behind rear axle) 1–5 HP $300–$800 Sound, budget buyers
Cat-Back Catalytic converter to tips (includes muffler, mid-section) 5–15 HP $700–$2,000 Best value performance+sound
Headers Exhaust manifolds at engine (upstream of cats) 15–40 HP $600–$1,500 Power-focused builds
Full Header-Back Headers + mid-pipe + cat-back — entire system 40–70 HP (w/tune) $2,500–$5,000+ Max power builds

Shorty vs. Long Tube Headers

  • Shorty headers (BBK, Flowmaster): Drop-in replacement for stock manifolds. Compatible with factory mid-pipe. +10–20 HP. Great street manners, pass smog in most states.
  • Long tube headers (American Racing Headers, Stainless Works): Require matching aftermarket mid-pipe — will NOT bolt to factory mid-pipe. +25–40 HP (up to +50 HP with tune). Significantly louder, may not pass emissions. Best for serious power builds.

Key Brands

  • Borla: ATAK (loudest), S-Type (moderate), Touring (subtle). Premium quality, lifetime warranty.
  • Corsa Performance: Patented reflective sound technology — sounds aggressive under throttle, quiet at cruise.
  • AWE Tuning: Touring and Track editions. Known for quality fit and finish.
  • Flowmaster: American Thunder line. Iconic American muscle sound. Budget-friendly.
  • MagnaFlow: Clean, deep tone. Good value.
  • American Racing Headers (ARH): Long tube specialist for HEMI platform.
  • BBK Performance: Strong shorty header option, powder-coated or ceramic.

Sound Character Guide

Brand/Line Sound Level Character
Borla ATAK Aggressive Loud, raspy, race-bred
Corsa Xtreme Moderate-Aggressive Tech-tuned, resonance-free
Flowmaster Outlaw Aggressive Classic American muscle rumble
AWE Track Aggressive European sport tone
Borla Touring Subtle Refined, barely louder than stock
AWE Touring Subtle Daily-driver friendly
MagnaFlow Street Moderate Deep, throaty

Critical Compatibility Rules

  • Long tube headers CANNOT use factory mid-pipe — always sold as a set.
  • Shorty headers work with factory OR aftermarket mid-pipes.
  • Catless mid-pipes give max flow but fail emissions — "off-road use only."
  • High-flow catted mid-pipes balance flow and street legality.

Site UX Recommendations

  • Sound clips are essential — exhaust is #1 bought for sound.
  • Sound Level rating badge (Quiet / Moderate / Aggressive / Extreme).
  • Headers must show "Compatible Mid-Pipe Required" warning for long tubes.
  • "Emissions Note" badge on catless components.
Kooks1-7/8-Inch Super Street Series Shorty Headers
$1.00+
Hooker BlackHeart1-3/4-Inch Shorty Headers
$1.00+
Kooks2 Inch Long Tube Headers
$1.00+