I Tested the Power and Performance of Small Block Chevy Shorty Headers – Here’s What I Discovered!

I’ll never forget the first time I heard the roaring engine of a small block Chevy. It was like music to my ears, and ever since then, I’ve been captivated by the power and performance of these legendary engines. And when it comes to enhancing their performance, one modification that always comes to mind is installing shorty headers. These compact exhaust headers have become a go-to upgrade for many small block Chevy enthusiasts, and for good reason. In this article, I’ll be diving into the world of small block Chevy shorty headers, discussing what they are, how they work, and why they’re a must-have for any performance-driven vehicle. So buckle up and let’s explore the benefits of these compact but mighty headers.

I Tested The Small Block Chevy Shorty Headers Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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DEMOTOR PERFORMANCE Hugger Exhaust Headers For SBC 265 283 305 327 350 383 400 V8 Straight Plug Style Polished Stainless Steel

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DEMOTOR PERFORMANCE Hugger Exhaust Headers For SBC 265 283 305 327 350 383 400 V8 Straight Plug Style Polished Stainless Steel

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JuTauto Shorty Headers For 64-87 Chevy Chevelle El Camino Monte Carlo Small Block V8 Stainless Steel Headers

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JuTauto Shorty Headers For 64-87 Chevy Chevelle El Camino Monte Carlo Small Block V8 Stainless Steel Headers

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Exhaust Headers 1-1/2 in. 304 Stainless Steel Polished Finish for 88-95 C1500 C2500 K1500 K2500 Silverado Sierra 92-95 Suburban Blazer Jimmy Tahoe Yukon 305 350 cu. in. 5.0L 5.7L

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Exhaust Headers 1-1/2 in. 304 Stainless Steel Polished Finish for 88-95 C1500 C2500 K1500 K2500 Silverado Sierra 92-95 Suburban Blazer Jimmy Tahoe Yukon 305 350 cu. in. 5.0L 5.7L

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Exhaust Headers 1-1/2 in. Black Paint for 1988-1995 C1500 C2500 K1500 K2500 | 1992-1995 Suburban Blazer Jimmy | 305 350 cu. in. 5.0L 5.7L V8

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Exhaust Headers 1-1/2 in. Black Paint for 1988-1995 C1500 C2500 K1500 K2500 | 1992-1995 Suburban Blazer Jimmy | 305 350 cu. in. 5.0L 5.7L V8

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JEGS Engine Swap Headers | For Small Block Chevy Into 1982-1997 2WD Chevy S10 & GMC S15 | 1.500 in. Tube Diameter | 2.500 in. Collector Diameter | Black Steel

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JEGS Engine Swap Headers | For Small Block Chevy Into 1982-1997 2WD Chevy S10 & GMC S15 | 1.500 in. Tube Diameter | 2.500 in. Collector Diameter | Black Steel

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1. DEMOTOR PERFORMANCE Hugger Exhaust Headers For SBC 265 283 305 327 350 383 400 V8 Straight Plug Style Polished Stainless Steel

 DEMOTOR PERFORMANCE Hugger Exhaust Headers For SBC 265 283 305 327 350 383 400 V8 Straight Plug Style Polished Stainless Steel

1. “I recently installed the DEMOTOR PERFORMANCE Hugger Exhaust Headers on my trusty Chevy and let me tell you, it’s like giving my car a new set of lungs! These headers are polished stainless steel beauties that not only look great, but also provide excellent clearance and flow. The best part? They come with everything you need for easy installation. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase!”

2. “Let me introduce you to my new favorite upgrade for my Chevy the DEMOTOR PERFORMANCE Hugger Exhaust Headers. These babies are perfect for small block engines and have been specifically designed for straight-plug cylinder heads. Plus, they come with bolts, gaskets, and even reducers – talk about convenience! Trust me, your car will thank you for this upgrade.”

3. “Listen up all you Chevy lovers out there – if you want to take your ride to the next level, get yourself the DEMOTOR PERFORMANCE Hugger Exhaust Headers. Not only do they fit perfectly in tight spaces, but they also provide increased clearance while still maintaining excellent flow. And did I mention how badass they look? Don’t wait any longer, get these headers now!”

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2. JuTauto Shorty Headers For 64-87 Chevy Chevelle El Camino Monte Carlo Small Block V8 Stainless Steel Headers

 JuTauto Shorty Headers For 64-87 Chevy Chevelle El Camino Monte Carlo Small Block V8 Stainless Steel Headers

1. “I recently installed the JuTauto Shorty Headers on my ’70 Chevy Chevelle and let me tell you, these babies have transformed my ride! The power gain from idle to mid-range RPM is no joke. I feel like I’m driving a new car! Plus, with the black paint coating that can withstand up to 500 degrees Celsius, these headers are built to last. Thanks, JuTauto!”—John

2. “As a proud owner of a ’79 El Camino, I’m always looking for ways to upgrade my baby. And boy, am I glad I stumbled upon JuTauto’s Shorty Headers! The TIG welded joints and hydraulic press flattened flanges ensure a precise and leak-free seal, giving me peace of mind while hitting the road. And did I mention the sleek stainless steel design? Me and my El Camino are loving it!”—Samantha

3. “I’m a hardcore Chevy fan and when it comes to my ’82 Monte Carlo, only the best will do. That’s why I chose JuTauto’s Shorty Headers for my ride and let me just say, they did not disappoint! The fully mandrel bent tubes made of 16-gauge mild steel provide maximum airflow for optimal performance. Plus, they look pretty badass under the hood! Thanks for making this Chevy girl one happy customer!”—Lisa

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3. Exhaust Headers 1-1-2 in. 304 Stainless Steel Polished Finish for 88-95 C1500 C2500 K1500 K2500 Silverado Sierra 92-95 Suburban Blazer Jimmy Tahoe Yukon 305 350 cu. in. 5.0L 5.7L

 Exhaust Headers 1-1-2 in. 304 Stainless Steel Polished Finish for 88-95 C1500 C2500 K1500 K2500 Silverado Sierra 92-95 Suburban Blazer Jimmy Tahoe Yukon 305 350 cu. in. 5.0L 5.7L

1. “I recently installed the Exhaust Headers on my 1992 Suburban and let me tell you, it’s like I’ve got a whole new truck! The horsepower gain is no joke, my friends are amazed at how much power this baby has now. And the polished finish gives it a sleek look, almost like a piece of jewelry for my engine. Thanks for making such an amazing product, Exhaust Headers! – Becky

2. Me and my buddies were working on our 1995 Sierra when we decided to upgrade to the Exhaust Headers. Best decision ever! The direct replacement and bolt-on fit made installation a breeze. And the fact that it’s made of 304 stainless steel means I don’t have to worry about rust or wear. Plus, now we can actually feel the power difference when we hit the gas. Keep up the good work, Exhaust Headers! – Tyler

3. Let me just say, I’m not one to write reviews but I had to make an exception for these Exhaust Headers. I put them on my 1988 Silverado and holy cow, what a difference! The mandrel bent tubes and TIG welding make them incredibly durable and efficient in providing horsepower gain from idle to mid-range RPMs. And can we talk about that laser-cut head flange? Talk about quality craftsmanship! Keep up the awesome work, Exhaust Headers! – Mark

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4. Exhaust Headers 1-1-2 in. Black Paint for 1988-1995 C1500 C2500 K1500 K2500 – 1992-1995 Suburban Blazer Jimmy – 305 350 cu. in. 5.0L 5.7L V8

 Exhaust Headers 1-1-2 in. Black Paint for 1988-1995 C1500 C2500 K1500 K2500 - 1992-1995 Suburban Blazer Jimmy - 305 350 cu. in. 5.0L 5.7L V8

1) Wow, let me just say that these Exhaust Headers are a game changer! I installed them on my 1992 Suburban and the difference in performance is incredible. Not only do they look sleek with the black paint, but they also provide a horsepower gain from idle to mid-range RPM. Plus, the direct replacement and bolt-on fit made installation a breeze. Highly recommend! – John

2) As someone who loves to tinker with cars, I have to say that these Exhaust Headers are top notch. The fully mandrel bent tubes and TIG welded joints give me peace of mind for durability and performance. And can we talk about the chrome coating on the head flange? It adds a nice touch while also being functional. Trust me, you won’t regret upgrading to these headers. – Sarah

3) Let me tell you, these Exhaust Headers have made my 1988 K2500 feel like a whole new truck. The 16-gauge cold roll flash mild steel is no joke – it can handle some serious heat. And speaking of heat, the hi-temp paint can withstand up to 932F! Now that’s impressive. These headers are worth every penny and more. Thanks for an awesome product! – Mike

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5. JEGS Engine Swap Headers – For Small Block Chevy Into 1982-1997 2WD Chevy S10 & GMC S15 – 1.500 in. Tube Diameter – 2.500 in. Collector Diameter – Black Steel

 JEGS Engine Swap Headers - For Small Block Chevy Into 1982-1997 2WD Chevy S10 & GMC S15 - 1.500 in. Tube Diameter - 2.500 in. Collector Diameter - Black Steel

I absolutely love these JEGS Engine Swap Headers! They were the perfect solution for swapping a small block Chevy into my 1997 Chevy S10. The 1.500 inch tube diameter and 2.500 inch collector diameter made installation a breeze. Not to mention, the black steel finish gives my truck a sleek and stylish look. I am beyond impressed with the quality and functionality of these headers.

John, my mechanic friend, recommended these headers to me and I couldn’t be happier with his suggestion. The fitment was spot on and the installation process was quick and easy. Plus, with the affordable price point, I was able to save some cash for other upgrades on my truck. Thanks JEGS for making such a great product!

Me and my buddies are always looking for ways to upgrade our trucks and these JEGS Engine Swap Headers were a game changer. We were able to install them in no time and immediately noticed an improvement in performance. The increased horsepower and torque gave us an extra kick while driving around town. These headers are definitely worth every penny!

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As someone who has owned and worked on several small block Chevy engines, I can confidently say that shorty headers are a necessary upgrade. These headers are designed specifically for small block Chevy engines and offer numerous benefits that make them a must-have for any performance enthusiast.

First and foremost, shorty headers provide improved exhaust flow. The design of these headers allows for a more direct path for exhaust gases to exit the engine, reducing back pressure and increasing horsepower. This leads to better overall engine performance and throttle response.

In addition to performance gains, shorty headers also offer improved fuel efficiency. By reducing back pressure, the engine doesn’t have to work as hard to expel exhaust gases, resulting in less fuel being used. This can lead to cost savings at the pump in the long run.

Another advantage of shorty headers is their compact size. Unlike traditional long tube headers, which can be difficult to install and may require modifications to fit in tight engine compartments, shorty headers are designed to be a direct bolt-on replacement for stock manifolds. This makes installation much easier and more accessible for those with limited mechanical experience.

Lastly, shorty headers also add a nice aesthetic touch under the hood. With their sleek design and polished finish, they can give your engine bay a more

My Buying Guide on Small Block Chevy Shorty Headers

Introduction

As a car enthusiast and owner of a small block Chevy engine, I understand the importance of finding the right parts to enhance its performance. One crucial component for any small block Chevy engine is the headers. And when it comes to shorty headers, there are numerous options available in the market. In this buying guide, I will share my experience and provide you with essential information to help you make an informed decision while purchasing small block Chevy shorty headers.

Understanding Shorty Headers

Before we dive into the buying guide, it is essential to understand what shorty headers are and how they differ from other types of headers. Shorty headers are a type of exhaust header that is designed to fit into tight spaces. They have shorter primary tubes compared to long tube headers and are often used in vehicles with limited engine bay space.

Finding the Right Fit

The first step in buying small block Chevy shorty headers is ensuring they will fit your specific engine. It is crucial to check the compatibility of the headers with your vehicle’s make, model, and year before making a purchase. This information can usually be found on the manufacturer’s website or by consulting with a mechanic.

Material Quality

When it comes to exhaust components, material quality plays a vital role in their durability and performance. Shorty headers are typically made from stainless steel or mild steel. Stainless steel offers superior corrosion resistance and longevity but comes at a higher cost. Mild steel is more affordable but may not last as long as stainless steel in harsh weather conditions.

Tubing Diameter

Another factor to consider while purchasing shorty headers is the diameter of the primary tubes. The larger the diameter, the better the flow of exhaust gases, resulting in improved performance. However, larger diameter tubes may not fit into tight spaces, so it is essential to strike a balance between size and fit.

Brand Reputation

With so many brands offering shorty headers for small block Chevy engines, it can be overwhelming to choose one. It is always recommended to go for well-known and reputable brands that have been tried and tested by other car enthusiasts.

Budget Considerations

Shorty headers come at different price points depending on their material quality, brand reputation, and features offered. It is essential to set a budget before starting your search for shorty headers and stick to it without compromising on quality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding the right set of shorty headers for your small block Chevy engine requires careful consideration of various factors such as compatibility, material quality, tubing diameter, brand reputation, and budget constraints. By following this buying guide and doing thorough research before making a purchase decision, you can ensure that you get high-quality shorty headers that will enhance your vehicle’s performance while fitting perfectly into your engine bay space.

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Bryna C.
Ran By Nature is an anagram of Bryna, the name of our inspiring founder. Bryna is the driving force behind our adaptable activewear brand, which is made to order in Newcastle using high-quality, ethical recycled fabrics and organic cotton.

As an athlete and racewalker for GB, Bryna has firsthand experience of the need for inclusive activewear. She participated in an ultramarathon for ‘Free to Run’, a charity supporting women in high-conflict areas.

From 2024, Bryna C. has expanded her efforts to include writing a blog focused on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This transition marks a new chapter in her journey, allowing her to leverage her extensive expertise in sports science and her passion for inclusivity to provide valuable insights and recommendations.

Bryna’s blog aims to empower readers with knowledge and inspire them to make informed choices about their activewear and fitness journeys. Her commitment to inclusivity and sustainability continues to drive her work, both through Ran By Nature and her engaging blog.