Shorty Exhaust Header Manifold for Chevy/Pontiac/Buick (1978-1987) With SBC Engines

High-Flow T-304 Stainless Shorty Headers for Small Block Chevy (SBC) V8 Engines

Who It’s For: Engineered for owners of classic GM iron running the legendary Small Block Chevy (SBC) platform who want to unlock the breathing potential of their 283, 305, 327, 350, or 400 cubic inch powerplants.

The Symptom: The factory cast-iron exhaust manifolds on your SBC are a major bottleneck, especially in heavy G-Body and F-Body chassis. These OEM "log-style" manifolds force exhaust gases from all four cylinders on a bank to crash into each other in a cramped, turbulent chamber, creating massive backpressure. This restriction chokes the engine’s ability to vacate spent gases, resulting in sluggish off-the-line torque, a muffled exhaust note, and excessive heat soak in the engine bay.

The Engineering Fix: This Shorty Header system utilizes a 4-1 racing-spec design crafted from high-grade T-304 stainless steel. By using computerized mandrel-bent 1.625" primary tubes, we ensure the exhaust pulses are organized and accelerated toward the 3" collector without the turbulence found in factory castings. The TIG-welded CNC machined flanges provide a warp-resistant seal against the cylinder head, while the shorty design offers superior ground clearance for lowered street machines while still providing a 10-15 horsepower jump over stock.

Why Mechanics Choose This Kit

• Optimized Scavenging: The 4-1 design utilizes the kinetic energy of exiting exhaust pulses to pull the next pulse out of the combustion chamber, specifically improving mid-range torque in heavy-bodied Chevy and Pontiac cruisers.
• High-Temp Durability: Constructed from T-304 stainless steel, these headers resist the oxidation and scaling common with chrome-plated or mild-steel alternatives, ensuring long-term structural integrity.
• Direct Bolt-On Geometry: Featuring a standard SBC 3-bolt collector flange, this kit allows for a straightforward installation that integrates with existing exhaust piping while providing the "induction roar" and exhaust snap every V8 enthusiast craves.

Technical Specifications

Compatibility & OEM Reference

Fits the Following Vehicles:

• 1971-1975 Chevy Bel Air
• 1971-1972 Chevy Biscayne
• 1971-1972 Chevy Brookwood
• 1967-1981 Chevy Camaro
• 1964-1973 Chevy Chevelle
• 1968 Chevy Chevy II
• 1978-1987 Chevy El Camino
• 1971-1985 Chevy Impala
• 1971-1972 Chevy Kingswood
• 1973-1976 Chevy Laguna
• 1978-1983 Chevy Malibu
• 1978-1988 Chevy Monte Carlo
• 1969-1979 Chevy Nova
• 1978-1987 Pontiac Grand Prix
• 1978-1980 Pontiac Lemans
• 1978-1980 Buick Regal

Interchange & Identification Markers:

4.3L, 4.6L, 4.9L, 5.0L, 5.4L, 5.7L, 6.6L, 262, 283, 302, 305, 327, 350, 400, 3-BOLT-FLANGE, 1.625-INLET, 3-INCH-OUTLET

The Performance Promise

Buy with confidence. This header set is designed to breathe life back into your Small Block Chevy by reducing parasitic exhaust loss. Backed by real automotive experts and fast shipping to get your project back on the blacktop.