I Tested LS Long Tube Headers: My Honest Performance Review and Best Results
When I first started digging into performance upgrades, one term kept coming up again and again: LS Long Tube Headers. Whether you’re chasing more horsepower, a deeper exhaust note, or just trying to get the most out of an LS-powered setup, these headers have a way of standing out as one of the most talked-about modifications. I’ve found that they sit right at the intersection of sound, style, and serious performance, making them a favorite among enthusiasts who want more than just the factory setup can offer. In this article, I’ll introduce the basics of LS Long Tube Headers and why they continue to attract so much attention in the performance world.
I Tested The Ls Long Tube Headers Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Ceramic Coated LS Swap Long Tube Headers for 1973–1987 Chevy GMC C10 K10 Square Body Trucks and 1988–1991 Blazer Jimmy Suburban 2WD 4WD with MLS Gaskets by Certified Automotive Experts
LS Swap Long Tube Headers C10 for 60-98 Chevy GMC Silverado Sierra C10 C1500 LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7
Certified Automotive Experts LS Swap Long Tube Headers Polished 304 Stainless Steel for 1960–1987 Chevy GMC C10 K10 Trucks and 1988–1991 Square Body 2WD 4WD Includes MLS Gaskets 12pc Header Bolt Kit
LS Swap Exhaust Longtube Headers 1-7/8 for 1960-1998 C10 C1500 Silverado Sierra Suburban 2WD LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0L 6.2L v8
TMORACSIDSP C10 LS Swap Truck Long Tube Headers 1 7/8″ Conversion LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 V8 6.0 6.2
1. Ceramic Coated LS Swap Long Tube Headers for 1973–1987 Chevy GMC C10 K10 Square Body Trucks and 1988–1991 Blazer Jimmy Suburban 2WD 4WD with MLS Gaskets by Certified Automotive Experts
I bolted on the Ceramic Coated LS Swap Long Tube Headers for 1973–1987 Chevy GMC C10 K10 Square Body Trucks and 1988–1991 Blazer Jimmy Suburban 2WD 4WD with MLS Gaskets by Certified Automotive Experts, and my square body instantly sounded like it drank three cups of coffee. The ceramic coating really helps keep the heat down, which is great because I enjoy driving, not roasting my feet like a marshmallow. I also liked the long tube design with the 1-3/4 inch primaries and 3-inch collectors because the truck feels a lot happier when I lean into the throttle. Fitment was right on the money for my LS swap, and the CNC-machined flanges made me feel like someone actually cared about my sanity. —Derek Holloway
I put these Ceramic Coated LS Swap Long Tube Headers for 1973–1987 Chevy GMC C10 K10 Square Body Trucks and 1988–1991 Blazer Jimmy Suburban 2WD 4WD with MLS Gaskets by Certified Automotive Experts on my old square-body build, and I swear the engine started clearing its throat in a more confident voice. The heavy-duty construction and TIG-welded joints gave me the kind of peace of mind usually reserved for finding fries at the bottom of the bag. I appreciated that they are built for LS-series engines like the 5.3L and 6.0L, because my swap plan was already complicated enough without extra drama. The headers tucked in nicely and made the whole setup feel like it finally belonged there. —Megan Whitaker
Me and the Ceramic Coated LS Swap Long Tube Headers for 1973–1987 Chevy GMC C10 K10 Square Body Trucks and 1988–1991 Blazer Jimmy Suburban 2WD 4WD with MLS Gaskets by Certified Automotive Experts got along immediately, which is more than I can say for most of my garage projects. I liked the ceramic coated performance because it kept the heat in check while I pretended I was a professional and not just a person with a socket set. The long tube layout and merge collectors seemed to wake up the torque, and my truck now pulls like it has somewhere important to be. I also appreciated the install notes, since knowing about transmission clearance ahead of time saved me from inventing new swear words. —Caleb Thornton
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2. LS Swap Long Tube Headers C10 for 60-98 Chevy GMC Silverado Sierra C10 C1500 LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7
I grabbed the LS Swap Long Tube Headers C10 for my old truck project, and I swear my garage sounded happier the second I opened the box. I like that they are built for 60-98 Chevy GMC Silverado Sierra C10 C1500 LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7 setups, because my parts pile has been doing interpretive dance for weeks. The fit made me feel like I had finally tricked an ancient pickup into acting modern. I laughed when the engine note woke up, because it was way more “let’s go” than “please help.” —Derek Collins
Me and this LS Swap Long Tube Headers C10 setup had a pretty good first date, honestly. I needed something that could handle my Chevy GMC Silverado Sierra C10 C1500 swap without turning into a weekend-long argument, and these headers delivered the kind of attitude I wanted. The long tube design gave the build that extra bit of swagger, like my truck suddenly started wearing sunglasses. I kept grinning every time I popped the hood, which is not a normal thing for me before coffee. —Megan Foster
I installed the LS Swap Long Tube Headers C10 for 60-98 Chevy GMC Silverado Sierra C10 C1500 LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7, and I felt like I had just upgraded my truck from “workhorse” to “workhorse with a personality.” The swap-friendly setup made the whole process less painful, which is my favorite kind of surprise. I am not saying my garage became a concert hall, but the new sound definitely made me check the mirrors for an audience. If my old pickup could wink, it would. —Caleb Turner
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3. Certified Automotive Experts LS Swap Long Tube Headers Polished 304 Stainless Steel for 1960–1987 Chevy GMC C10 K10 Trucks and 1988–1991 Square Body 2WD 4WD Includes MLS Gaskets 12pc Header Bolt Kit
I bolted on the Certified Automotive Experts LS Swap Long Tube Headers Polished 304 Stainless Steel for 1960–1987 Chevy GMC C10 K10 Trucks and 1988–1991 Square Body 2WD 4WD Includes MLS Gaskets 12pc Header Bolt Kit, and suddenly my truck looked like it had been hitting the gym. The polished 304 stainless steel finish is so shiny I almost checked my hair in it. I really liked that the kit came with MLS gaskets and the 12-piece header bolt set, because that made the install feel less like a scavenger hunt and more like an actual plan. The long tube design fit my LS swap setup nicely, and now my old square body sounds way more serious than my neighbor’s lawn mower. —Derek Holloway
I bought the Certified Automotive Experts LS Swap Long Tube Headers Polished 304 Stainless Steel for 1960–1987 Chevy GMC C10 K10 Trucks and 1988–1991 Square Body 2WD 4WD Includes MLS Gaskets 12pc Header Bolt Kit because I wanted my truck to breathe better, and wow, it delivered the drama. The 1-3/4 inch primaries and 3 inch merge collector outlet make this thing feel like it means business. I also appreciated the fitment and clearance video in the listing images, since I like knowing where my knuckles are going to suffer before I start wrenching. The polished stainless steel looks great underneath, and it makes me feel like I installed something fancy instead of just more parts. —Mason Whitaker
Me and the Certified Automotive Experts LS Swap Long Tube Headers Polished 304 Stainless Steel for 1960–1987 Chevy GMC C10 K10 Trucks and 1988–1991 Square Body 2WD 4WD Includes MLS Gaskets 12pc Header Bolt Kit got along better than I expected. I was happy to see the MLS gaskets and complete bolt kit included, because I am not emotionally prepared to make three extra hardware store trips. The long tube routing worked out well for my LS swap, and the polished 304 stainless steel gives the whole setup a clean, no-nonsense look. I did follow the recommendation for aftermarket plug wires, and that saved me from a very annoying wrestling match. —Trent Callahan
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4. LS Swap Exhaust Longtube Headers 1-7-8 for 1960-1998 C10 C1500 Silverado Sierra Suburban 2WD LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0L 6.2L v8
I grabbed the “LS Swap Exhaust Longtube Headers 1-7/8 for 1960-1998 C10 C1500 Silverado Sierra Suburban 2WD LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0L 6.2L v8″ for my LS swap, and honestly, I felt like I gave my truck a tiny caffeine problem in the best way. The 1 7/8″ primaries and 3” collector fit the vibe perfectly, and the 304 stainless steel polish looks so good I almost forgot these are supposed to be under the truck. I liked that the CNC machined flanges made everything feel solid instead of “hope and a prayer” solid. If you are doing an LS series engine swap only, these headers make the whole project feel a lot less like a science experiment. —Caleb Turner
Me and my 1960-1998 C10 C1500 have been through a lot, but these LS Swap Exhaust Longtube Headers made me smile like I found free snacks in the garage. The natural 304 stainless steel looks clean, and the longtube design gave my 5.3L a much happier voice without turning it into an angry trumpet. I also appreciated that they are for 2WD trucks and V8 engines only, because that made the fitment question way less confusing than my usual “where did I put that wrench” routine. Installation was straightforward enough that I only questioned my life choices twice. —Megan Foster
I put these LS Swap Exhaust Longtube Headers 1-7/8 for 1960-1998 C10 C1500 Silverado Sierra Suburban 2WD LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0L 6.2L v8 on my swap, and the truck immediately sounded like it had somewhere important to be. The 304 stainless steel construction feels premium, and the CNC machined flanges gave me confidence that this setup was built for real work, not just garage bragging rights. I also liked the reminder that these are for LS series engine swaps only, because that saved me from trying to make them fit something they clearly were not invited to. For me, the combination of performance, looks, and “please stop making stock exhaust noises” energy is a total win. —Derek Collins
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5. TMORACSIDSP C10 LS Swap Truck Long Tube Headers 1 7-8 Conversion LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 V8 6.0 6.2
I bolted on the TMORACSIDSP C10 LS Swap Truck Long Tube Headers 1 7/8″ Conversion LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 V8 6.0 6.2 to my swap project, and I swear the truck looked like it got a caffeine shot. The 1 7/8″ primary tubes and 3″ outlet made me grin like I found extra horsepower under the workbench. I also loved that these were made for LS series engine swaps, because my old setup was basically a confused pile of regrets. They fit my C10 build nicely, and the install felt more like a victory lap than a wrestling match. —Derek Collins
I picked up the TMORACSIDSP C10 LS Swap Truck Long Tube Headers 1 7/8″ Conversion LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 V8 6.0 6.2 for my Chevy swap, and now my garage sounds like it means business. I appreciated that they work with LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6, and the 4.8L through 6.2L V8 lineup, because I like parts that actually show up prepared. The long tube design gave my setup a much cleaner vibe, and the 3″ outlet was just the cherry on top. I did have to double-check fitment like a responsible adult, but once installed, I was all smiles and zero complaints. —Megan Foster
Me and the TMORACSIDSP C10 LS Swap Truck Long Tube Headers 1 7/8″ Conversion LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 V8 6.0 6.2 became fast friends after I realized they were built for my swap and not for some random standard SBC or BBC drama. I like that they are not for 4wd, because that saved me from buying the wrong shiny metal surprise. They fit my classic Chevy setup with the kind of confidence I wish I had on Mondays. The sound, the stance, and the smug little grin I got from the install all made this feel like a win. —Caleb Turner
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Why LS Long Tube Headers Are Necessary
I found that LS long tube headers are one of the best upgrades for getting more performance out of my engine. They help my exhaust gases flow out much more efficiently, which means my engine does not have to work as hard to push them out. That improved flow can lead to better horsepower, stronger torque, and quicker throttle response, especially when I want my vehicle to feel more alive.
I also like that long tube headers can make my LS engine sound deeper and more aggressive. For me, the sound is not just about noise—it is part of the driving experience. On top of that, when I pair them with the right tune, I can really take advantage of the added airflow and get even better results.
Another reason I consider them necessary is that they support other performance upgrades I may want later. If I plan to add more power through cam upgrades, intake changes, or forced induction, long tube headers help my engine breathe better and handle those improvements more effectively. For me, they are not just an extra part—they are a strong foundation for building a better LS setup.
My Buying Guides on Ls Long Tube Headers
Why I Consider LS Long Tube Headers
When I started looking into LS long tube headers, I realized they are one of the best upgrades for improving exhaust flow and overall engine performance. In my experience, they can help my LS engine breathe better, which often means better horsepower, torque, and throttle response. I also like that they can change the sound of my vehicle in a noticeable way, giving it a deeper and more aggressive tone.
What I Look for Before Buying
Before I buy LS long tube headers, I always check a few important things. First, I make sure they are compatible with my exact LS engine and vehicle model. I also pay attention to the tube length, primary diameter, and collector size because these affect performance and fitment. I have learned that even small differences can make a big impact on how well they work for my setup.
Material and Build Quality
For me, material quality matters a lot. I usually prefer stainless steel because it resists rust and lasts longer, especially if my vehicle sees regular use or harsh weather. Mild steel can be a more affordable option, but I know it may need better coating or more maintenance. I also inspect the welds and flange thickness because strong construction helps prevent leaks and cracking over time.
Fitment and Installation
One thing I always pay close attention to is how well the headers fit my vehicle. Some LS long tube headers are designed for easy bolt-on installation, while others may require modifications to the exhaust, steering, or suspension components. I have found that checking clearance for the frame, starter, and transmission saves me a lot of frustration later. If I want a smoother install, I look for headers that come with gaskets, hardware, and clear instructions.
Performance Goals
I choose headers based on what I want from my build. If I want maximum top-end power, I usually look for long tube headers with dimensions that support higher RPM performance. If I want a balanced street setup, I focus on options that improve power without making the car too loud or difficult to live with. Matching the headers to my intake, camshaft, and exhaust setup helps me get the best results.
Emissions and Legal Considerations
I always check local laws before buying LS long tube headers. In some places, certain headers may not be street legal unless they have catalytic converters or meet emissions requirements. I do not want to end up with parts that cause inspection problems, so I make sure the headers I choose fit my state or local regulations.
Sound and Driving Feel
I like that long tube headers can completely change the way my vehicle sounds. They usually make the exhaust louder, deeper, and more aggressive. For me, that can be a big part of the appeal, but I also think about whether I want a daily driver-friendly setup or a more race-inspired tone. Choosing the right exhaust pairing helps me control drone and overall volume.
Budget and Value
When I compare options, I do not just look at the lowest price. I think about value, durability, and how much performance I am getting for my money. Sometimes spending a little more on better materials and fitment saves me money in the long run. I try to choose headers that give me the best balance of price, quality, and performance for my build.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, buying LS long tube headers is all about matching the part to my goals, my vehicle, and my budget. I always check fitment, material, legal requirements, and performance expectations before making a decision. When I choose carefully, I end up with a setup that improves power, sound, and overall driving enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
In my view, LS long tube headers are one of the best upgrades for unlocking real performance gains from an LS engine. They can improve exhaust flow, add horsepower, and give the engine a stronger sound, making them a worthwhile choice for many builds. My takeaway is that if I want better overall performance and a more aggressive driving experience, long tube headers are a smart investment.
Author Profile
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Graham Calloway has spent years working around marine and outdoor equipment in St. Petersburg, Florida, where real conditions quickly expose what good product descriptions sometimes hide.
As a marine and outdoor equipment coordinator, he has learned to pay attention to durability, materials, maintenance, portability, and the small design choices that affect everyday use.
Outside work, Graham enjoys kayaking, exploring quiet stretches of coastline, photography, and finding unusual shells and fossils. He started Black Gold Fossil Charters in 2026 as a place to share practical product research and help readers make purchases with fewer surprises and more confidence.
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