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Best Car Exhaust System Headers of 2026

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Joseph Prokop

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Car exhaust system headers are an essential component of an automobile's exhaust system. They are designed to improve the performance of a vehicle's engine by allowing exhaust gases to escape more efficiently. Headers are typically made of steel or stainless steel and come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit different vehicles. They are an aftermarket upgrade that can increase horsepower, torque, and overall engine efficiency. High-quality headers can also improve the sound and flavour of a car's exhaust note. Overall, car exhaust system headers are a valuable investment for those looking to upgrade their vehicle's performance.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Top 10 Car Exhaust System Headers

#TOP 1

Long Tube Headers for LS Swaps 60-87 Trucks

  • Certified Automotive Experts
  • GW-CH-EH-032-5
Long Tube Headers for LS Swaps 60-87 Trucks Cover

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)

The LS Swap Long Tube Headers are crafted from high-quality 304 stainless steel, ensuring they are durable and resistant to corrosion. With precision-engineered CNC-machined flanges and TIG-welded joints, these headers provide a perfect fit, enhancing the longevity of your vehicle's performance. Mandrel-bent tubes optimise airflow, resulting in maximum power output, which means you can expect improved engine efficiency. Designed for easy installation, these headers save you significant time and effort when upgrading your exhaust system.

9.8
FTB Score

What We Like

  • High-quality stainless steel construction
  • Precision-engineered for perfect fit
  • Optimises airflow for power
  • Easy installation process
  • Sleek polished finish
#TOP 2

Rough Country Dual Outlet Exhaust for Jeep Wrangler

  • Rough Country
  • 96002A
  • Black
Rough Country Dual Outlet Exhaust for Jeep Wrangler Cover

Rough Country Dual Outlet Performance Exhaust for 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK - 96002A

The Rough Country Exhaust System is designed specifically for the 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK, featuring a robust 409 stainless steel construction that resists corrosion while offering a striking matte black finish. You will appreciate the throaty and aggressive sound produced by its chambered muffler, which incorporates a 2.5" high-flow design for improved performance. The dual wall exhaust tips, made from 304 stainless steel, not only enhance aesthetics with the RC logo but also provide durability. Enjoy the convenience of easy at-home installation, making it a practical upgrade for your vehicle.

9.7
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Corrosion-resistant construction
  • Aggressive sound output
  • Durable dual wall tips
  • Easy installation
#TOP 3

Polished Stainless Steel SBC Headers for Chevy

  • AMVirtuo
  • 33628
Polished Stainless Steel SBC Headers for Chevy Cover

Exhaust Headers Polished Stainless Steel SBC Headers for 1988-1995 Chevrolet GMC C1500 C2500 K1500 K2500 1992-1995 Chevrolet Blazer Tahoe GMC Suburban Yukon 5.0L 5.7L 305 350

The AMVirtuo SBC Headers are designed for 1988-1995 Chevrolet and GMC models, enhancing your vehicle's performance significantly. Constructed from durable 304 stainless steel, these headers ensure excellent corrosion resistance, allowing you to drive confidently in any weather. The TIG welding process provides outstanding crack and wear resistance, ensuring longevity. With laser-cut head flanges, you benefit from a flat surface and a strong seal, which improves efficiency and performance during your drives.

9.5
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Durable stainless steel construction
  • Easy to install
  • Improves vehicle performance
  • Excellent corrosion resistance
  • Strong seal with laser-cut flanges
#TOP 4

High Performance Stainless Steel Headers for Chevy V8

  • Certified Automotive Experts
  • GW-CH-EH015-3
High Performance Stainless Steel Headers for Chevy V8 Cover

Certified Automotive Experts High Performance Stainless Steel Block Hugger Headers SBC Chevy 265 283 302 305 327 350 400, GW-CH-EH015-2

The Certified Automotive Headers offer an impressive upgrade for your Gen 1 Chevy V8 engine. With mandrel-bent 1.625" primary tubes and 2.5" collectors, you can enjoy increased horsepower and improved exhaust flow. This means better performance on the road, allowing your vehicle to run more efficiently. The universal fit ensures it works seamlessly with various Chevy models, making installation a breeze. Plus, the included collectors, gaskets, and hardware simplify the process, letting you get back to driving sooner.

9.4
FTB Score

What We Like

  • High flow design enhances performance
  • Easy bolt-on installation
  • Durable, warp-resistant flanges
  • Polished stainless steel finish
#TOP 5

JBA 1850S-2 Exhaust Header for GM Trucks

JBA 1850S-2 Exhaust Header for GM Trucks Cover

JBA Headers 1850S-2 Exhaust Header for GM Truck 4.8/5.3L

The JBA Exhaust Header is designed for GM full-size SUVs and trucks from 2002 to 2013, specifically fitting 4.8L and 5.3L engines. With a primary tube size of 1-5/8 inches and a collector size of 2-1/2 inches, it enhances exhaust flow, improving engine performance. Made from natural stainless steel, it offers durability and resistance to corrosion. The compact package dimensions make it easy to handle and install, ensuring convenience for users looking to upgrade their vehicle's exhaust system.

9.3
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Enhances engine performance
  • Durable stainless steel construction
  • Improves exhaust flow
  • Fits various GM models
  • Easy to handle and install
#TOP 6

Certified Automotive Experts Stainless Steel Headers for LS Swaps

  • Certified Automotive Experts
  • GW-CH-EH-030-3
Certified Automotive Experts Stainless Steel Headers for LS Swaps Cover

Certified Automotive Experts Stainless steel headers, Shorty style for LS swaps. Universal for swaps only. Not designed to fit any vehicle that came from factory with an LS style engine

The Certified Automotive Experts Headers are universal stainless steel headers designed for Chevy LS swaps. They are compatible with 4.8L, 5.3L, 5.7L (LS1), 6.0L, and 6.2L engines from Gen 3 and Gen 4 models produced between 1998 and 2020. The polished stainless steel construction provides both durability and a sleek appearance, enhancing your vehicle’s aesthetics. By installing these headers, you can improve exhaust flow, which may lead to better engine performance and efficiency. This makes them a great choice for those looking to upgrade their vehicle's exhaust system.

9.3
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Universal fit for LS swaps
  • Durable polished stainless steel
  • Improves exhaust flow
  • Compatible with multiple engine sizes
#TOP 7

Doug's D930-SS Polished Stainless Side Tubes

Doug's D930-SS Polished Stainless Side Tubes Cover

Doug's Headers D930-SS Stainless Steel Side Tubes Corvette Sidemount Polished

The Doug's Stainless Side Tubes feature a 4" diameter design that fits seamlessly with Doug's Side mount Headers, ensuring a perfect fit for your vehicle. The slip-on fit with a pinch clamp provides a leak-proof seal, giving you peace of mind during your drives. Made from heavy 16 gauge 304 stainless tubing, these tubes are built for longevity and maximum corrosion resistance, making them ideal for various weather conditions. Additionally, they are pre-polished to eliminate scratches and imperfections, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your car's exhaust system.

9.3
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Durable stainless steel construction
  • Leak-proof seal design
  • Pre-polished for a clean finish
  • Compatible with side mount headers
#TOP 8

Doug's Headers Full Length Exhaust for Pontiac GTO

Doug's Headers Full Length Exhaust for Pontiac GTO Cover

Doug's Headers D590 1-3/4" 4-Tube Full Length Exhaust Header for Pontiac GTO 326-455 68-72

The Doug's Headers Exhaust is designed for Pontiac GTO models from 1968 to 1972, featuring thick flanges that prevent warping, ensuring durability. The CNC mandrel bent tubes guarantee an accurate fit and improved flow, enhancing your vehicle's performance. With precision formed long transition collectors, this exhaust system significantly reduces backpressure, allowing for a smoother engine operation. Made from heavy gauge tubing, it promises a longer lifespan, making it a reliable choice for car enthusiasts seeking quality upgrades.

9.1
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Durable thick flanges
  • Improved flow design
  • Reduces backpressure
  • Long-lasting heavy gauge tubing
#TOP 9

JBA 1670S Shorty Stainless Steel Exhaust Header

  • JBA
  • 1670S
  • Stainless
JBA 1670S Shorty Stainless Steel Exhaust Header Cover

JBA 1670S 1-5/8" Shorty Stainless Steel Exhaust Header for Ford Truck V-10 05-08

The JBA 1670S Exhaust Header is designed with mandrel bent stainless steel tubes, ensuring smooth exhaust flow and improved performance for your Ford Truck V-10. It features a patented JBA Firecone collector that optimises scavenging, enhancing your engine's efficiency. With factory-style emission connections, it maintains compliance with regulations while being user-friendly. The extra thick collector domes provide durability and strength, reducing the risk of failure. These features combined ensure that you enjoy better power output and a more responsive driving experience.

9.0
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Durable stainless steel construction
  • Improved exhaust flow
  • Enhanced engine efficiency
  • Factory-style emission connections
  • Strong collector domes
#TOP 10

Doug's Headers Full Length Exhaust Header for Big Block

Doug's Headers Full Length Exhaust Header for Big Block Cover

Doug's Headers D451 1-3/4" 4-Tube Full Length Metallic Ceramic Coated Exhaust Header for Big Block Molar 62-72

The Doug's Headers Exhaust Header is designed for optimal performance in your vehicle. With thick flanges ranging from 3/8 inch to 5/8 inch, you can expect no warping, ensuring durability. The CNC mandrel bent tubes provide an accurate fit, enhancing airflow for better engine efficiency. Additionally, the precision formed long transition collectors help reduce backpressure, which is essential for maximising power output. Made from heavy gauge tubing, this header promises a longer life for your exhaust system.

8.8
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Durable thick flanges
  • Improved airflow
  • Reduced backpressure
  • Long-lasting heavy gauge tubing

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does exhaust headers do for your car?

The goal of headers is to make it easier for the engine to push exhaust gases out of the cylinders. When you look at the four-stroke cycle in How Car Engines Work, you can see that the engine produces all of its power during the power stroke.

2. Do headers make your car faster?

However, headers alone won't make your car much faster. You might pick up 2–4% more horsepower. Headers are a modification that is typically done to support other mods such as more aggressive cams, air intake, and engine tuning.

3. Do headers make a car louder?

Car headers do not make your car louder as compared to the stock exhaust manifold. This aftermarket addition is used to improve the performance of your car and give you a cleaner-sounding exhaust. The actual volume of the exhaust won't change.

Editor's Notes

During our car exhaust system header research, we found 118 car exhaust system header products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 2,479 customer reviews through our big data system to write the car exhaust system headers list. We found that most customers choose car exhaust system headers with an average price of £507.13.

The car exhaust system headers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of car exhaust system headers, including Certified Automotive Experts, Rough Country, AMVirtuo, JBA, Doug's Headers.

Written by

Joseph Prokop Avatar

Joseph Prokop

Joseph is a seasoned writer who's also passionate about automotive. His passion for automotive care and maintenance fuels his drive for more knowledge in the field. He currently resides in Middlesbrough, where he finds time to write informative contents on automotive. His automotive related articles are quite popular in journals around the world. Joseph continues to use his wealth of experience in the industry to create helpful guides on automotive.