Chevy LS Swap Shorty Block Hugger Headers LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 4.8L 5.3L

SKU: XKV11122
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Fitment & Specs
For compatible LS-Series V8 engine swaps in selected classic Chevrolet/Cadillac projects. Not for original SBC/BBC engines. Verify engine mounts, steering clearance, chassis fitment and collector connection.
2-1/2" Collector Outlet
T304 Stainless Steel · Custom LS Engine Swap Installation; Professional Installation Recommended
Before You Buy: Off-road/racing use only · Professional install recommended
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Description

LS-SERIES V8 ENGINE SWAP

Shorty Block Hugger Exhaust Headers for LS Swaps

Designed for compatible Chevrolet/GM LS-Series V8 engine swap projects, these compact shorty block-hugger headers provide an exhaust manifold solution for custom installations where engine placement, steering clearance and available space matter.

Important Fitment Notice
LS ENGINE SWAPS ONLY

These headers are designed for vehicles converted to a compatible LS-Series V8 engine.

NOT for vehicles retaining their original Small Block Chevy (SBC) or Big Block Chevy (BBC) engines.

A listed vehicle year or model does not guarantee fitment. Engine mounts, steering clearance, chassis layout and exhaust connections must be verified before purchase.

This header set is intended for LS swap conversions using listed LS1, LS2, LS3 and LS6 applications, as well as compatible LS-family V8 engine configurations. Final fitment depends on the specific engine, chassis, engine mounts, steering components and exhaust connections.

Shorty / Hugger Compact Header Style
T304 Stainless Steel
1-5/8" Primary Tubes
2-1/2" Collectors

Key Features

Built around the needs of LS engine conversions, these shorty block-hugger headers feature compact tubing routing intended for custom swap layouts. They are not universal direct-fit replacements for every LS-powered vehicle.

  • LS Swap Application: Intended for compatible LS-Series V8 engine conversion projects.
  • Compact Shorty / Block Hugger Design: Engine-hugging exhaust routing for builds where installation space is limited.
  • T304 Stainless Steel: Polished stainless steel construction with TIG-welded joints.
  • Mandrel-Bent Tubing: Smooth bends used in the header exhaust routing.
  • Defined Exhaust Connections: 1-5/8-inch primary tubes and 2-1/2-inch collectors.
  • CNC-Machined Flanges: Precision-machined mounting flanges as specified for this header set.

Engine Compatibility

Designed for listed GM LS-Series V8 engine swap applications. Engine compatibility does not guarantee complete vehicle or chassis fitment.

LISTED LS ENGINE MODELS

LS1 / LS2 / LS3 / LS6

LISTED LS-FAMILY V8 DISPLACEMENTS

4.8L / 5.3L / 5.7L / 6.0L / 6.2L

Engine Fitment Note

Displacement alone does not establish fitment. Verify that your specific engine belongs to a compatible LS-family V8 configuration.

Confirm cylinder-head mounting, engine position, collector alignment and surrounding clearance. Compatibility with every engine sharing a listed displacement is not guaranteed.

Classic Vehicle LS Swap Applications

The classic Chevrolet and Cadillac vehicle groups below are historical chassis references for potential LS engine conversion projects.

These are conditional LS swap applications, not factory-engine direct-fit applications.

CLASSIC CARS & TRUCKS

Chevrolet Cars & Trucks

1923–1954

LS-Series V8 swap projects only. Chassis-specific clearance must be verified.

CLASSIC CARS

Cadillac Cars

1923–1954

Conditional LS conversion applications. Not a replacement for original Cadillac engines.

CLASSIC CHEVROLET

Impala / Biscayne

1958–1964

LS swap applications only. Verify steering and engine mount clearance.

CLASSIC CHEVROLET

Bel Air

1950–1964

LS conversion builds only. Verify chassis and collector fitment.

CLASSIC CHEVROLET

Corvette

1953–1967

Custom LS swap applications only. Factory exhaust fitment is not guaranteed.

CLASSIC CHEVROLET

Nomad

1955–1961

Conditional LS engine conversion fitment. Installation layout must be verified.

Important: LS Engine Swap Required

These headers are intended for compatible LS-Series V8 engine swaps only.

They do not fit standard original Small Block Chevy (SBC) or Big Block Chevy (BBC) engine applications.

A listed vehicle year or model does not guarantee bolt-on installation.

Engine mounts, steering components, chassis clearance, transmission layout and downstream exhaust connections must be checked for the actual build.

Technical Specifications

Product Type
LS Swap Exhaust Headers
Header Style
Shorty / Block Hugger
Engine Configuration
Compatible LS-Series V8
Material
T304 Stainless Steel
Primary Tube Diameter
1-5/8"
Collector Diameter
2-1/2"
Tubing
Mandrel-Bent
Welding
TIG-Welded
Finish
Polished Stainless Steel
Mounting Flanges
CNC-Machined
Application
LS V8 Engine Conversion
Installation
Professional Recommended

The listed primary tube and collector diameters refer to different sections of the header. They should not be treated as one uniform pipe diameter.

Package Information

  • LS swap shorty exhaust header set, as shown in the product photos.
  • Check the product photos and package contents for supplied gaskets, clamps and hardware.
  • Additional adapters, exhaust fabrication components or vehicle-specific mounting parts are not guaranteed to be included.

Inspect all received components and compare them with the intended installation before removing existing exhaust parts.

Installation & Compatibility Checks

Professional installation is highly recommended. Installation instructions are not included.

  1. Confirm the LS engine: Verify the actual engine configuration, cylinder-head exhaust mounting pattern and intended LS conversion.
  2. Check engine mounts: Verify engine placement and mount position. Swap mounts may change header clearance.
  3. Inspect steering clearance: Check steering shaft, steering box, rack, linkage and adjacent components where applicable.
  4. Check chassis and engine bay: Confirm clearance around the subframe, frame rails, spark plugs, plug wires, starter and nearby components.
  5. Verify collector connections: Match the 2-1/2-inch collector configuration with the intended downstream exhaust. Additional compatible components or fabrication may be necessary.
  6. Verify sensor and emissions layout: Check applicable O2 sensor placement, catalytic converter requirements and exhaust system configuration.
  7. Test fit before final assembly: Confirm flange alignment, gasket seating, component clearance and fastener access.
  8. Inspect after installation: Check exhaust connections for leaks and recheck fasteners after initial heat cycles where appropriate.
Custom LS Swap Installation

Engine conversions vary widely by chassis, engine mounts, transmission and exhaust design. Additional adjustment or fabrication may be required.

Direct bolt-on fitment is not guaranteed for every listed classic vehicle.

Before You Buy

Fitment & Emissions Notice

  • LS engine swaps only: Intended for compatible LS-Series V8 engine swap applications, not standard original SBC or BBC engine installations.
  • Conditional vehicle fitment: Listed classic vehicle applications are LS swap references, not guaranteed original-equipment direct-fit applications.
  • Confirm installation details: Check engine configuration, exhaust-port compatibility, engine mounts, steering clearance, collector connection and surrounding components before purchase.
  • Product scope: This is a shorty/block-hugger exhaust header set, not a long-tube header system, turbo manifold, cat-back exhaust or complete LS swap installation kit.
  • Emissions compliance: Exhaust and emissions requirements vary by vehicle and jurisdiction. Confirm whether the intended installation is legal for your application. No CARB approval or street-use emissions certification is claimed in this listing.
  • Tuning and supporting components: Some engine conversions may require additional exhaust-system work or calibration depending on their setup. No universal tuning requirement is claimed.

Actual fitment, sound, exhaust flow, horsepower, torque and drivability depend on the completed engine conversion, installation quality and supporting components. No specific performance improvement is guaranteed.

Shipping & Return

SHIPPING & DELIVERY
Fast Processing & Reliable Transit

  • Processing: Orders are processed and shipped from the nearest available warehouse within 1 business day after payment.
  • Delivery: Estimated delivery time is approximately 3–4 business days after shipment.
  • Shipping - Free shipping on all orders within the contiguous 48 U.S. states.

RETURNS & EXCHANGES
30-Day Hassle-Free Policy

  • Return Window: We offer a 30-day return policy from the date of delivery.
  • Item Condition: Returned items should be unused, uninstalled, and in their original packaging when possible.
  • Return Process: To initiate a return or exchange, please contact our customer service team first to receive authorization and instructions.

WARRANTY
2-Year Limited Replacement Warranty

  • Duration: All products are backed by a 2-year limited warranty.
  • Coverage: This warranty covers manufacturing defects and product failures under normal use, and provides a replacement for qualified cases (repairs are not performed).

CUSTOMER SUPPORT
We’re Here to Help – Contact Us First

  • Priority Contact: For any order-related issues—including returns, warranty claims, or general inquiries—please contact us first before taking further action. We are committed to resolving your concern promptly.
  • Feedback Notice: If you are unsatisfied, we kindly ask that you allow us an opportunity to address the issue before leaving neutral or negative feedback.
  • Email Support: You can reach us at support@XKVracing.com.

What Does an Exhaust Header Actually Do?

The exhaust header is the first section of the exhaust system and mounts directly to the engine. Its role is to collect exhaust gases from each cylinder and route them into the rest of the exhaust system.

Compared to many factory manifolds, header designs often focus on smoother internal flow and more uniform exhaust routing before gases move downstream.

What You May Notice After Installation

Smoother exhaust flow as engine speed increases

More consistent engine behavior across the RPM range

Improved exhaust routing when paired with other intake or exhaust components

Changes in exhaust tone, depending on system configuration

When This Type of Upgrade Is Typically Considered

Addressing airflow limitations in the factory exhaust manifold

Planning coordinated intake or exhaust system updates

Replacing aging or restrictive original components

Build a balanced, performance-focused setup

Factory Manifold vs. Performance Header

Factory Exhaust Manifold

Designed to meet packaging, cost, and emissions requirements
Prioritizes durability and compliance across broad use cases

Performance Exhaust Header

Designed with exhaust flow characteristics in mind
Built for higher exhaust temperatures and specific vehicle platforms
Commonly used as part of an exhaust system configuration

FAST SHIPPING

Ships within 1 business day after payment
3–4 business day delivery

Secure and Reliable Checkout

Secure checkout with major payment options

LOCAL WAREHOUSE

Orders ship from U.S. warehouses when available

Easy Returns and Exchanges

30-day returns for eligible unused items

Parts Warranty

Warranty support for qualified manufacturing defects

Important Notice

Products on this site are intended for off-road, racing, or closed-course use where emissions laws apply. They are not represented as street legal, emissions-compliant, or legal for use on public roads unless explicitly stated.

Some products may remove, replace, relocate, disable, or alter emissions-related components, including but not limited to catalytic converters, EGR, DPF, SCR, DOC, O2 sensors, or related factory systems. Compatible tuning, calibration, or supporting modifications may be required to avoid engine codes or drivability issues.

Professional installation is recommended. Buyers are responsible for verifying product compatibility, local regulations, emissions requirements, and any required tuning or supporting modifications before purchase and installation.

Performance gains, sound changes, airflow improvements, temperature changes, fuel economy changes, fitment, and drivability results may vary. No specific performance gains are guaranteed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do exhaust headers do? +

Exhaust headers help route exhaust gases away from the engine through individual tubes and collector-style routing. Actual results depend on the vehicle, engine condition, exhaust system, installation quality, and supporting components.

What's the difference between headers and factory manifolds? +

Factory manifolds are typically designed around packaging, durability, emissions requirements, and production cost. Headers or manifold-related exhaust upgrades may use different tube routing, flange designs, or connection layouts depending on the application.

Will headers increase horsepower? +

Headers may support improved exhaust flow where the product is compatible, but horsepower and torque changes are not guaranteed. Results vary by engine setup, tuning, exhaust configuration, vehicle condition, installation, and supporting modifications.

Do headers make the vehicle louder? +

Headers and related exhaust parts can change exhaust tone and may increase sound depending on the rest of the exhaust system. Final sound level depends on the engine, mufflers, catalytic converters, pipe routing, and complete exhaust setup.

Do I need tuning after installing headers? +

Tuning requirements depend on the vehicle, engine management system, O2 sensor setup, emissions equipment, and supporting modifications. Some installations may not require tuning, while modified builds may require professional inspection, calibration, or tuning to support proper drivability.

Are header products street legal? +

Header and exhaust products may be intended for off-road or racing use where emissions laws apply. They are not represented as street legal, emissions-compliant, or CARB-compliant for public road use unless a valid exemption is explicitly stated. Always check local regulations before purchase and installation.

Can I use headers with a stock exhaust system? +

Compatibility with a stock exhaust system depends on the vehicle and existing exhaust configuration. Some vehicles may require additional hardware, gaskets, connectors, adjustment, or fabrication to complete installation.

Are headers hard to install? +

Installation difficulty varies by vehicle. Tight engine bays, old hardware, rust, engine swaps, modified exhaust systems, sensor placement, and clearance around surrounding components can increase installation complexity. Professional installation is recommended.

Will headers affect reliability? +

Reliability depends on fitment accuracy, installation quality, vehicle condition, heat management, gasket sealing, fastener condition, sensor placement, and supporting components. Proper inspection and installation are important.