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.
Recommended Picks
A starting point for your build, sorted by budget.
All Headers (26)
View as grid- Corsa Performance 1-3/4-Inch Long Tube Headers$1
- Kooks 1-7/8-Inch Super Street Series Shorty Headers$1
- Hooker BlackHeart 1-3/4-Inch Shorty Headers$1
- Kooks 2 in. Long Tube Headers$1
- BBK Performance Shorty Headers$469.99
- BBK Performance 1-3/4-Inch Tuned Length Shorty Headers$469.99
BBK Performance Shorty Headers - Polished Ceramic+15 HP$599.99- JBA Shorty Headers (Raw Finish)$633.56
- JBA Shorty Headers (Raw Finish)$633.56
BBK Performance 1-5/8" Shorty Headers (5.7L/6.4L) Tune required+18 HP$650
JBA Shorty Headers (5.7L/6.4L HEMI) Tune required+17 HP$700- BBK Performance 1-7/8-Inch Long Tube Headers; Titanium Ceramic$799.99
- JBA 1-3/4-Inch Shorty Headers; Silver Ceramic$880.68
- JBA 1-7/8-Inch Long Tube Headers$963.59
aFe Power Twisted Steel 1-7/8" Long Tube Headers (6.4L) Tune required+35 HP$1,200- Stainless Power 1-7/8-Inch Long Tube Headers with Catted Mid-Pipe$1,709.05
- Stainless Power 1-7/8-Inch Long Tube Headers with Catted Mid-Pipe$1,709.05
American Racing Headers 1-7/8" Long Tube Headers+30 HP$1,899.99- American Racing Headers Headers for Dodge Challenger 6.4L 392$1,927.74
- Stainless Works Long Tube Headers & Mid Pipes$2,560.25
- Kooks Headers 1-7/8" x 3" Longtube Headers & OEM Catted Mid Pipes$2,757.3
- Kooks Headers 1-7/8" x 3" Longtube Headers & OEM Catted Mid Pipes$2,757.3
- Kooks Headers 1-7/8" x 3" Longtube Headers & OEM Catted Mid Pipes$2,757.3
- Kooks Headers 1-7/8" x 3" Longtube Headers & OEM Catted Mid Pipes$2,780.03
- Kooks 1-7/8-Inch Long Tube Headers with Catted Mid-Pipe$3,063.67
- Kooks 2-Inch Long Tube Headers with GREEN Catted OEM Connections$3,795.67
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.