10 Best Exhaust Headers for Chevy 350 – Review & Buying Guide for 2023

There are many aftermarket exhaust headers, but not all of them are worth your purchase. They can come in the guise of being the best when they are not! 

Every Chevy 350 engine deserves the best for greater compression and cost-effective fuel consumption, and the finest exhaust headers for Chevy 350 are designed to enable more efficient gas expulsion from the engine’s cylinders. Moreover, the engines will have increased performance and produce better power.

In this article, we will show you the best exhaust headers for the Chevy 350 available for you in the market.

What is the best exhaust header for the Chevy 350?

Of All the exhaust header brands for Chevy 350 that we have come across, with careful observation of their features and also the things that customers have had to say about each of them, we have concluded that POWER GO is the best!

Why is POWERGO the best exhaust header for the Chevy 350?

POWERGO has attained this enviable position as the best exhaust header for Chevy because of its high-performance engineering and design to increase flow with its quality pipping. Its cylinder heads are cut with precision tools and flattened to give a perfect sealing against any leakage.

Every point on its joints is welded to prevent wearing and easy cracking. 

Customers who have bought the POWER GO brand also have nice things to say about it, and most of them are satisfied with the product after fitting it into their cars.

No other exhaust header brands combine all the above features and yet come at an affordable price for consumers!

Top 10 Best Exhaust Headers for Chevy 350 Reviews

01. ECCPP – Overall Best Exhaust Headers for Chevy 350

 

Features

• Weighs 14.42 pounds
• Dimensions 17.91 x 14.37 x 5.51inches
• Adjustable model
• Stainless steel material
• Fitting hardware

The ECCPP brand is number one on the top ten list of the best exhaust headers for Chevy 350. And it made the number one position because of its quality features.

This ECCPP brand is an exhaust manifold racing header and can fit in a small block of the 1966-1996 models of Chevy 326, 350, and 400 exhaust header manifold of the V8 engine block. The product weighs moderately to improve the engine weight and reduce the payload it significantly.

It is designed with a dimension that affords it a perfect fit for different vehicles of the Chevy 350 class. Unlike some headers, ECCPP does not get in the way of plug wires to get them burnt and is adjustable to lap the engines nicely when fitting them.

A common issue with most exhaust headers is that users may suffer gas leakages through the tiny spaces between the top cylinders and the header’s opening. But with ECCPP adjustability, any leakage can quickly be sealed off by simple adjustments and tightening.

Although the little drawback for this product is that it interferes with the engine’s stater stock, it can be solved by replacing the starter motor with a smaller one.

Pros

• Durable
• Perfect fit for blocks
• Built with quality material
• Can be adjusted to suit the best positions

Cons

• Do not fit in all engine blocks
• Header interfering with car stock starter motor

02. Flowtech – 91843FLT is the Best Headers for Chevy 350

 

Features

• Weighs ‎16 pounds
• Dimensions 22 x 16 x 7 inches
• Leakproof seals
• Machined exterior
• Paint coated ( black)

If you think of performance and value then you need not look further because Flowtech is a combination of it all. The mandrel-bent tubing technique was used in its formation through precise engineering. The tubes are made to form collectors with 1-5/8” inches flanges.

Sealing rings are present to aid in keeping out any gas leakages. Due to the high heat, the header may be subjected to during its use, it is coated with super heat-resistant paint.

The black color paint also gives it a stealthy look that blends with other engine components. Compared to the ECCPP brand, Flowtech has a larger dimension, which affords it compactness. The Flowtech brand of exhaust headers comes with all hardware for mounting it to engines.

Pros

• It has improved sealing rings
• Anyone can install
• Fits nicely with engines
• Improves engine fuel economy

Cons

• The product rusts too quickly
• There is no room for other accessories
• They hang down too low

03. TUPARTS – Best Value Chevy 350 Small Block Headers

Features

• Weighs 22pounds
• Dimensions 26.18 x 16.54 x 5.51 inches
• Stainless steel
• Mounting hardware
• Adjusters

The TUPARTS is a short exhaust header made of stainless steel. It weighs a bit much and has a dimension that makes it fit just well on the top of the engine cylinders. With its stainless steel material, the header does not suffer from rust like others made of metal and could serve the over for many years without the worries of replacement sooner.

They come with mounting hardware and give a perfect seal for a more efficient exhaust. Other exhaust headers are painted with heat-resistant paints and start to wear off over a longer period. However, this is not the case for TUPARTS because it comes in the natural color of stainless and does not need to be painted.

It deals with heat more dynamically; instead of resistant paints, stainless steel has a higher heat capacity and can withstand incredible heat without compromise.

The hotter it gets, the faster it cools to keep the temperature around the engine at optimum, thereby improving the compression and expansion ratios within each cylinder.

Pros

• Installation is straightforward
• Made with quality material
• Come with mounting hardware
• They fit excellently

Cons

• They are quite Expensive
• Low-quality packaging
• It obstructs due to wider dimensions

04. Speedway Motors: Tight-Fit with Block Hugger Headers

 

Features

• Weighs 16 pounds
• Dimensions 20.5 x 16 x 6 inches
• Mounting hardware
• Gaskets
• Cast iron (Nodular)

The speedway motors capitalized on other header’s weaknesses most of which is their inability to fit into a small block. This exhaust header is engineered to fit in small engine blocks and is made from cast iron to withstand high heat.

Cast irons retain heat almost like ceramics and do not give them off like stainless steel, which could damage some accessories like plug wires. And yet, it can cool fast. Its dimensions are perfect to leave all other engine accessories out of the way.

Its openings and manifolds allow an efficient clearance for plug heads. They are cast in a Rams Horn style and come with gaskets and mounting hardware. The exhaust header has a smooth ground with no external brackets and 2-2 x 2-inch outlets to optimize gas flows.

Pros

• Installation is easy
• Comes with installation hardware
• Seal proof
• Hear resistant
• Tough material

Cons

• There are not enough studs to finish installing
• Only fits on smaller blocks
• Not enough gaskets.

05. A-Team  Performance Exhaust Headers

 

 

Features

• Material type ( 304 stainless steel)
• Mandrel Bent Tubing; Collector 3″; Primaries Full 1 5/8″
• Coating ( ceramic)
• Gaskets (granite)
• Fitting hardware
• 18+ RWHP Gains over 

When it comes to fitting exhaust headers in tight spaces, the A-Team Performance E1009 is what you must look out for. It is made from stainless steel with about 1 5/8″ inches of tough tubes. Compatible with SBC Chevy/GMC Truck 1500, 2500, 3500 88-95 5.0l 5.7l 2WD and 4WD.

The tubes are given a higher heat retention ability by coating them with ceramic and protecting other engine components that may be compromised by excess heat. Because most exhaust headers are placed at the engine’s top part, its heat can affect the paints on a bonnet and cause them to peel away if not adequately insulated.

The A-Team Performance headers have factored in those possible heat issues in their designs and provided adequate insulation. They are given mounting hardware for firmer mouths and gaskets to prevent leakage.

The gaskets are not the ordinary kinds that aim to block gas leakages but are made of yet another highly heat-resistant material: granite. This product is purposely designed to deal brilliantly with excessive heat.

Pros

• Highly heat resistant
• Manufactured with high-quality material
• Fits within tight spaces
• Durable

Cons

• Difficult to install
• Extra cost to pay professionals for installation

06. South Speed Exhaust Headers

Features

• 15/8 inch tubes
• 3inch collectors
• Mounting hardware
• Smooth exterior
• Long tube

The South Speed is another exhaust header on our list specially designed to fit smaller blocks. They are compatible with the 1964-1988 and 262 Chevy cars. It can go on both a manual and automatic transmission car.

Unlike the previous headers discussed, the South Speed exhaust header is designed to go inside the frame rails of the Chevrolet Chassis of the 1965-1989 models. And that means the collectors are positioned closer to the engine compartment.

But is a bit risen from the vehicle’s undercarriage, which solves the issues if it comes in contact with the ground. These features make the South Speed and exhaust header of choice for most passenger cars of GM variants.

Mounting hardware comes with gaskets to keep out leakages and is painted to give it a longer lifespan against corrosion.

Pros

• Greater performance
• Improves fuel mileage
• Fits a wider variety of vehicle blocks
• Resistant to corrosion

Cons

• Made for smaller blocks
• The coated paints can wear off over time.

07. SCITOO Exhaust Headers

Features

• Weighs 21.9pounds
• Dimensions (25.98 x 14.57 x 5.91)
• material type ( Alloy)
• Adjustable
• Installation kits

SCITOO is a cost-effective exhaust header that is OE standard and weighs moderately. And does not add up to the engine’s payload. Its high quality gives it a high resistive advantage against corrosion and allows it to withstand tremendous heat from the engine’s cylinder.

A common issue with bad exhaust headers is that their failure can cause loud noise and pollute the environment. And that is why this product is engineered to avoid those possible failures and give the engine higher performance.

The header’s dimensions allow it to fit on moderate and bigger blocks. The SCITOO exhaust header is adjustable and the only header with these special features we have discussed. And its adjustability gives the perfect fit.

Pros

• It comes with Quality parts
• Highly resistant to corrosion
• Sells at a good price
• Fits perfectly on blocks

Cons

• No proper insulation guide
• Generates excessive heat

08. ECCPP Exhaust Headers

Features

• Weighs (15.83pounds)
• Dimensions (22.44 x 12.2 x 5.3″)
• Adjustable features
• Material type (stainless steel)
• Mounting kits

This is the second ECCPP on our list of the top 10 best exhaust headers for Chevy 350. The first was our number one, and here is the second as a number 8 on the list. Like the first ECCPP we mentioned, this also possesses some incredible qualities. But this model is adjustable while the previous one is not.

Its perfect fit to the engine and the blocks they are installed is due to the adjustable parts that align it to surfaces. They are made from high-quality stainless steel, making them tough to withstand high heat.

When hot metal surfaces react with the atmosphere, rust develops on their surfaces, but with stainless steel, users have nothing to worry about. Stainless steel is a highly improved metal not susceptible to such a reaction with the atmosphere.

If you’re concerned about their vehicle fuel mileage, then you must be conscious about cutting payloads, and this ECCPP model is just ideal for an economical fuel consumption situation.

Pros

• It is made from high-quality steel
• Give a perfect fit to blocks
• Installation is stress-free
• Improves engine’s horsepower

Cons

• adjustable parts obstruct the spark plugs
• It interferes with the plug wires

09. Hedman Exhaust Headers

Features

• Weighs 16.75pounds
• Dimensions 20 x 13.5 x 8.25 inches
• Painted black
• Steel material
• Collector 2 ½ in diameter

Hedman is a brand of exhaust header specially designed to fit on small block Chevy. If corrosion is of great concern for you, then with Hedman, your worries are settled because they are not just made from steel but given an extra coating of paint to give it long-lasting protection against corrosion.

Their primary tubes and collector give it the right diameter to collect every exhaust gas from the cylinders to their exits and improve the vehicle’s performance. They are compatible with GM’s SUVs and trucks of the 1982-2000 models. Its weight is just right to give the engine a better consumption rate without adding to its payload.

This brand of exhaust header improves the sound quality of vehicles and conceals the vibration from the cylinders through its tube design. It is not only affordable but comes with amazing quality features.

The collector is detachable and can connect the tubes using the ball and socket. With this, one can detach a bad part to replace them without pulling out the whole piece.

Pros

• It is not expensive to buy
• Fits the small block nicely
• Improves horsepower

Cons

• Its compactness can damage plug ends
• It obstructs other components

 10. Speedway Motors Exhaust Headers

Features

• Weight (18pounds)
• Dimension ( 20.5 x 16 x 6 inches)
• Mounting hardware
• painted
• Cast iron material

This is our final on the top 10 list of the best exhaust headers. It is the second of the same brand that we discussed earlier. Speedway Motors is best known for fitting on small block Chevys and has not deviated from that path.

Its primary tubes and collectors allow fitting application in tight clearance. They come painted black to give them better protection against corrosion. There is mounting hardware that comes in its package to aid firmer fitting.

It is designed to improve engine performance and boost power. The gaskets that come along can seal the spaces between the cylinder’s top and the exhaust ports to prevent gases from leaking out.

Pros

• Tough construction outlook
• Installation is hassle-free
• Made with grade-quality material
• It sells at a good price.

Cons

• The pain started peeling off soon
• It obstructs other engine components
• Only fits on a small block

Buying Considerations for the Best Exhaust Headers for Chevy 350

There are varieties of brands of exhaust headers, and all of them claim to be the best for your needs. However, some are not worthy of being called the best. Any brand aims to make sales and accrue revenue. And they will convince you with the most enticing words to make a purchase. But some of them are genuine.

So, how does one filter the genuine products from the not-so-good ones? To answer that question, you must consider certain things before buying. You should consider the following things if you desire to have the best and nothing short of the best.

However, the best may not be the same for everyone because individuals have their preferences. Generally, the things that should be considered are;

01. Compatibility

Certain brands may not fit as they should; when such is experienced, they are probably incompatible with the block. The first thing that should be on a buyer’s mind is compatibility with his block.

And that means they will have to know the details about their block size and the requirements. When buying the exhaust header, the buyer should relate the information collected about his block and match it to the brand they may purchase. This way, they would avoid the stress and wastage of replacing one incompatible brand.

02. Type of Material

Another very important thing to consider when buying an exhaust header is the type of material used in its construction. Different material has their respective tolerance to heat. And heat is dealt with differently according to the material.

For instance, stainless steel has a higher heat tolerance than iron. While the header made with iron suffers distortion due to expansion, the stainless steel would remain intact even after being subjected to very high heat.

Some other materials types can withstand tremendous heat, like cast iron, and others allow it. Before buying, it is best first to find out the advantages of the material type your exhaust header is made of so that you can use them according to their specifications.

03. Protection against corrosion

Corrosion can comprise the integrity of the material used for the exhaust header. If the tubes of the header become compromised, it will cause gas to leak through its surface. If not controlled quickly, the leakage would result in power loss to the engine and cause pollution.

Buyers would have to look for headers with high corrosive resistance to avoid issues resulting from corrosion. While some are coated with resistance paints, others use the material’s improved qualities to contain corrosion effectively.

Stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosive activities, and others have various surface improvements to slow down corrosion. If you put your money into purchasing an exhaust header, you have to be sure it will stay longer without rusting away while using it.

04. Dimensions

Some headers are wide, and others have smaller widths. Before buying one for your engine, be sure to know the dimensions that would suit it.

That would mean checking out the engine’s specifications to know her requirements and getting a bit technical by doing practical measurements from the one you’re replacing and matching it to the new one.

If one fails to consider the dimensions, they risk getting an exhaust header that may be too wide for what is required or even too small to fit properly.

The consequences that could result from this mismatch are either the header obstructing other engine components and getting burnt or could result in gas leakage. For those reasons, buyers should always consider the dimensions of their product.

05. Mounting hardware

You don’t want to buy an exhaust header and yet go in search of the hardware components to fit them to the blocks. It would cost extra bucks to get the hardware if it is not provided in the package. And you may encounter some difficulty finding the components that would fit it appropriately.

Sometimes, you would have to adjust the header or the block by expanding bolt holes or filling them up to drip smaller ones to achieve firmer fitting. A lot of stress can pass through that and damages may result. To avoid all of those, buyers should look out for exhaust headers that come along with their mounting hardware.

06. Weight

The weight of the exhaust header is another important thing to consider when buying one. The cost of gas keeps inflation, and you want to be economical about your vehicle’s fuel consumption rate. A vehicle’s consumption rate is a summation of its payloads and mileage when other external conditions are left out.

The more the payload, the greater the power to carry them, which means increased fuel consumption. For that reason, buyers would have to be cautious about the weight of the header. Two exhaust headers can weigh differently but serve a similar purpose. If the less weighty one has the required qualities, go for it.

07. Ease of installation

When headers are easy to install, we can do a DIY and have fitted them to prepare them for use. When they are too complex to install, one has no option but to hire an expert to get them fitted. And that would mean paying extra money.

Therefore, buyers should consider the ease of installing a brand before closing a deal. They should look for the instruction guide and see if they are comprehensible, and if customer service contact is available, then use them to ask for help installing the headers.

08. Price

Different brands of exhaust headers may have different price tags on them. Buyers must understand that the higher the product quality, the more expensive it will be.

However, this is not a general principle, as some expensive brands may not exactly meet the required OE standard. But you still have to consider your budget before going to buy one.

Perhaps one may want a quick replacement with a limited budget. In that case, I would advise such a person to be a bit patient and build a sizeable budget to get something they won’t regret soon. Many cheap products are of inferior quality, and buying them could be a waste of money. However, there are affordable ones.

FAQs Related to Best Exhaust for Chevy 350

Conclusion

We have come to the end of this exhaust header review. Once more, let’s remember briefly what we must consider any time we want to buy a header:

• Lookout for compatibility
• The quality of the material used
• Dimensions
• Weight
• Protective substance against corrosion
• Ease of installation
• Budget.

Almost all of the men mentioned the basic features of the headers. Therefore, pay key attention to the brand’s features and ask relevant questions about the product before purchasing.