Performance Headers & Exhaust Manifolds

Performance Headers & Exhaust Manifolds

Performance headers and exhaust manifolds are among the most effective bolt-on upgrades for improving exhaust scavenging, increasing horsepower, and giving your engine a more aggressive exhaust note. Whether you're building a street machine, a track car, or a diesel work truck, the right header or manifold set unlocks real performance gains across the RPM range.

Popular Upgrades

Top-selling header and manifold products include long-tube headers from BBK and Kooks for V8 muscle cars and trucks, stainless steel shorty headers from Stainless Works for tight engine bay fitments, high-flow cast iron exhaust manifolds for diesel platforms from BD Diesel and ATS Diesel, and turbo manifolds from aFe Power and Invidia for forced-induction builds requiring optimized turbo positioning.

What is the difference between long-tube and shorty headers?

Long-tube headers route exhaust primaries farther down the chassis before merging at a collector, which improves mid-range and top-end power but requires more labor to install and may require an off-road or catted X-pipe. Shorty headers bolt up in place of the factory manifolds with minimal modifications, making them a more streetable option that still improves flow over a restrictive cast iron manifold.

Do headers work on diesel trucks?

Diesel performance manifolds replace the restrictive stock cast iron units and are designed for high exhaust gas temperatures common in turbocharged diesel applications. Brands like BD Diesel, ATS Diesel, and Gibson offer stainless and ductile iron manifolds engineered specifically for Ford Powerstroke, Dodge Cummins, and GM Duramax platforms where improved exhaust flow benefits turbo spool and EGT reduction.

Browse related categories in our exhaust systems, cold air intake systems, suspension upgrades collections.