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 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 cylinders of the engine. Moreover, the engines will have increased performance and produce better power.

In this article, we would be showing you the best exhaust headers for Chevy 350 that are available for you in the market.

What is the best exhaust header for 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 come to conclude that POWER GO is the best!

Why is POWERGO the best exhaust header for 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 in a way to prevent wearing and easy cracking. 

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

In fact, there are no other brands of exhaust header that combines all the above features and yet comes 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 payload on 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, however, 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 cars stock starter motor

02. Flowtech – People’s Choice Best Headers for Chevy 350

Features

• Weighs 10pounds
• Dimensions 34 x 10 x 14
• 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 5/16inches flanges.

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

And the black color paint also gives it a stealthy look that blends with other components of the engine. In comparison to the ECCPP brand, Flowtech comes with 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 shorty 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 along with some hardware to mount them and give a perfect seal for a more efficient exhaust. Other exhaust headers are painted with heat-resistant paints and over a longer period, they start to wear off. But, 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, the stainless steel material has a higher heat capacity and can withstand an incredible amount of heat without being compromised.

And 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 Exhaust Headers

Features

• Weighs 25pounds
• Dimensions 19 x 9 x 8 inches
• Mounting hardware
• Gaskets
• Cast iron (Nodular)

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

Cast irons retain heat almost like ceramics and do not give them off like stainless steel which could do damage to some accessories like plug wires. And yet can cool fast. Its dimensions are just 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 inches 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 ( stainless steel)
• Coating ( ceramic)
• Gaskets (granite)
• Fitting hardware
• Straight plug style

When it comes to fitting exhaust headers in tight spaces, the A-, Team Performance E1001 is what you must look out for. It is made from stainless steel with about 15 x 8 inches tough tubes. And it can go on GNC of models 283, 327, 350, 383, and 400.

The tubes are given a higher heat retention ability by coating them with ceramic and also protecting other engine components that may be compromised by excess heat. The fact that most exhaust headers are placed at the top part of the engine the heat from it can affect the paints on a bonnet and cause them to start peeling away if not adequately insulated.

The A-Team Performance headers have factored those possible heat issues in their designs and gave them adequate insulation. They are provided with mounting hardware to give them firmer mouths and gaskets to lock off any leakage.

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

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 that is specially designed to fit smaller blocks. They are compatible with the 1964-1988 and 262 Chevy cars. And can go on both a manual or 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 are a bit risen from the vehicle’s undercarriage and this solves the issues if it comes in contact with the ground. These features are what make South Speed and exhaust header of choice for most passengers car of GM variants.

Mounting hardware comes with it 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. It is made of high quality allow to gives it a high resistive advantage against corrosion and also allows it to withstand tremendous heat that results from the engine’s cylinder.

A common issue with bad exhaust headers is that their failure can cause deafening noise and bring serious pollution to 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 some bigger-sized blocks. The SCITOO exhaust header is adjustable and it is the only header with these special features so far that we have discussed. And its adjustability gives the perfect fits.

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 is not.

Its perfect fit to the engine the blocks they are installed is due to the adjustable parts that give it alignment to surfaces. They are made from high-quality stainless steel which gives them the toughness 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 such phenomenon. Stainless steel is a highly improved metal that is 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 economic 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 SUV 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 the design of its tube. It is not only affordable but comes with amazing quality features.

The collector is detachable and can be connected using the ball and socket to the tubes, with this, one can simply 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. And it is the second of the same brand that we have discussed earlier. The speedway Motors is best known for its fitting on small l block Chevy and it has not deviated from that path so far.

Its primary tubes and collectors allow fitting application in tight clearance. They come painted in black color to give them better protection against corrosion. There is mounting hardware too 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 be used to 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 pains start peeling off soon
• It obstructs other engine components
• Only fits on a small block

Also Read: How to Jump Fuel Pump Relay on Chevy Truck

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 need. 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 do one filter the genuine product from the not-so-good ones? To answer that question, you will have to put certain things into consideration before buying. The following are some of the things you ought to put into consideration if you desire to have the best and nothing short of the best.

Although 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 and when such is experienced they are probably not compatible with the block. The first thing that should be on a buyer’s mind should be the 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 them to the brand they may choose to purchase. This way they would be avoiding the stress and wastage that comes with 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, a stainless steel material has a higher heat tolerance than an Iron material and 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 too like the cast iron and some others allow it. Before buying, it is best to first find out the advantages of the material type material that your exhaust header is made, 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 on the engine and cause pollution.

Buyers would have to look out for headers that have a high corrosive resistance to avoid issues that may result from corrosion. While some are coated with resistance paints others are uses the improved qualities of the material to effectively contain corrosion.

Stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosive activities and others have various improvements on their surfaces to slow down corrosion. If you put your money into the purchase of an exhaust header then you have to be sure it would stay longer without rusting away while using it.

04. Dimensions

Some headers are wide and others have smaller widths. Before attempting to buy one for your engine, be sure to know the dimension that would be suitable for it.

That would mean checking out the specifications of the engine 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 bring the dimensions into consideration, 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 the product they buy.

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 you extra bucks to get the hardware if they are 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. It can be a whole lot of stress passing through that and damages may result. To avoid all of those, buyers should simply 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 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 amount of power to carry them, and that means an increase in 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 then go for it.

Also Read: How Much Does a Chevy Silverado Weigh

07. Ease of installation

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

Therefore, buyers should consider the ease to install 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 with installing the headers.

08. Price

Different brands of exhaust header may have different price tags on them. And buyers must understand that the higher the quality of a product the more expensive it is likely to 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 will advise that such a person should be a bit patient and build a sizeable budget to get something they wouldn’t regret soon. many cheap products are of inferior quality and could be a waste of money buying them. 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 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 make sure you pay key attention to the features of the brand and ask relevant questions about the product before making a purchase.