Find the right long tube header for your small-block Chevy 350-powered ride. This guide highlights strong options for 1973–1987 classic C/K trucks and later Square Body models, plus LS-era swaps where applicable. Best for: builders upgrading mid-range torque and horsepower on street-to-strip projects, and anyone fitting a 350 V8 with long-tube exhaust. The table below summarizes the five picks to help compare fitment and purpose at a glance.
| Product | Vehicle Fitment Focus | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Headers Replacement for Small Block Chevy GMC Trucks 1966-1987 | Classic trucks; small-block 305/327/350 era | Budget replacement with broad compatibility |
| Polished Stainless Steel Long Tube Headers SBC Chevy GMC 1973–1987 | Gen 1 SBC; square-body trucks | Square-body builds; broad collector clearance |
| Exhaust Headers 1-5/8″ x 2-1/2″ 304 Stainless | 1988-1999 C1500/C2500 | Mid-to-high RPM power gains |
| Polished Stainless Long Tube Headers for Small Block Chevy GMC 1973–1991 | C/K trucks and Blazer/Jimmy/Suburban | Extensive model coverage; strong LS-bolstered SBC fit |
| Knetegd Stainless Steel Exhaust Headers for Chevy Small Block SB V8 350 | Small-block SBC 262–400 V8 range | Premium stainless, broad compatibility |
Stainless Headers Replacement for Small Block Chevy GMC Trucks 1966-1987
Brand: Generic
- Vehicle coverage includes Chevy C10/C20/C30, Blazer, Suburban, and pickup/truck configurations from 1966–1987, with 305/327/350 engines noted in the description.
- Material and finish: stainless steel for corrosion resistance and durability in standard street setups.
- Best for: buyers replacing a worn set on mid-1990s-era small-block Chevys or building a classic daily driver with a straightforward install.
Best for: a broad compatibility replacement that prioritizes fit and availability over exotic coatings or advanced gaskets. Caution: verify engine year range and plug clearance for your particular build, as some 350-era configurations may need extra clearance checks.
Polished Stainless Steel Long Tube Headers SBC Chevy GMC 1973–1987
Brand: Certified Automotive Experts
- Coverage includes 1973–1987 Chevy & GMC trucks (C10, K10, C20, K20, C30, K30, Blazer, Suburban, Jimmy) and square-body models up to 1991.
- Engine fitment targets Gen 1 SBC 265–400 V8s; supports a broad era range with emphasis on classic Square Body compatibility.
- Best for: builders seeking a polished finish with square-body clearance considerations and broad year coverage.
Caution: Some older Spark plug configurations may require specific plugs or heat shields for optimal clearance.
Polished Stainless Long Tube Headers for Small Block Chevy GMC 1973-1991
Brand: AutoForge
- Wide vehicle compatibility: fits 1973–1991 C10, C20, C30, K10, K20, K30, Blazer, Suburban, Jimmy, and 1500–3500 Square Body models.
- Engine fitment includes 265–400 V8 for classic Chevy/GMC builds.
- Best for: custom builds requiring strong cross-generation compatibility and a robust long-tube design.
Limitation: minor clearance adjustments may be needed for certain 4WD configurations.
Polished Stainless Long Tube Headers for Small Block Chevy GMC 1973-1987
Brand: Certified Automotive Experts
- Fits 1973–1987 Chevy & GMC trucks and square-body families; designed for SBC engines with heavy-duty fitment for Blazer, Jimmy, Suburban, and various pickups.
- Requires header spark plugs and heat shields for clearance; recommends Accel 0576S or 0414S plugs for proper fit.
- Best for: buyers seeking a plated finish with explicit header plug clearance guidance for classic builds.
Caution: ensure your spark plug type and heat shield compatibility to avoid clearance issues.
Knetegd Stainless Steel Exhaust Headers for Chevy Small Block SB V8 350
Brand: Knetegd
- Perfect compatibility for Chevy small block SB V8 262–400 engines, excluding 1989 Camaro RS per listing.
- Premium material: 304 stainless steel; mandrel-bent and TIG-welded for durability and improved flow.
- Best for: a stainless-steel option with robust construction for classic SBC builds aiming for longevity and performance gains.
Caution: verify engine model and year to avoid fitment conflicts with non-standard SBC configurations.
Long Tube Headers for LS Swaps Black Aluminized Coated
Brand: Certified Automotive Experts
- LS swap long tube kit designed for 73–87 C/K and 88–91 square-body Blazer/Jimmy/Suburban models (not OBS).
- Includes MLS gaskets and header bolts; high-performance flow design with 1-3/4″ primaries and 3″ merge collectors.
- Best for: LS swaps that aim to maximize exhaust scavenging and torque across the power band in square-body platforms.
Limitation: not intended for OBS GMT400 or newer Gen-V LT engines; verify your platform before ordering.
Buying Guide: 350 Long Tube Headers For Classic Chevys
- Engine compatibility: Confirm your engine family (SB V8 265–400, LS swaps) and year range to ensure proper fitment and clearance.
- Material and finish: Stainless steel offers corrosion resistance and durability, while aluminized finishes reduce cost but may wear faster in harsh climates.
- Fitment specifics: Check spark plug type, heat shields, and required gaskets. Some listings recommend specific plugs for clearance.
- Leak prevention: Look for multi-layer gaskets or MLS kits included with the headers, as listed in some product bundles.
- Vehicle platform: Square-body compatibility is common for mid-1970s to early-1990s trucks; confirm if your model falls within the described ranges.
- Installation considerations: Long-tube designs may require minor modifications to achieve ideal clearance on 4WD platforms or stock-height suspensions.
FAQ
- Q: Are these headers legal for street use in all states? A: Header legality varies by jurisdiction; check local emission and inspection requirements before installation.
- Q: Do these headers require different spark plugs? A: Some models recommend specific spark plug types or heat shields to ensure clearance.
- Q: Will these headers fit my 4WD square-body truck? A: Fitment depends on year, model, and suspension; verify clearance around the collector and steering components.
- Q: Do headers come with gaskets and hardware? A: Some listings include MLS gaskets and bolts; others require separate purchases.
- Q: Is polishing or coating necessary after installation? A: Polished stainless steel resists corrosion, but periodic cleaning helps maintain appearance and performance.
- Q: Are LS-swap headers compatible with small-block Chevy engines? A: LS-swap headers are designed for LS engines and not suitable for small-block SBC engines.