What Is An Exhaust Header?
An exhaust header is a set of tubes that collect exhaust gases from each cylinder of an engine and direct them into a single pipe. These tubes are typically larger in diameter and smoother than the stock exhaust manifold allowing for more efficient exhaust flow. The engine can breathe more effectively through to this improved flow which increases horsepower and torque. Moreover, the exhaust header comes in two types;
Short Tube Header
These are similar in size to stock manifolds and integrate well with existing exhaust systems. They strike a good balance between performance gains and ease of installation making them a popular choice among everyday drivers. Shorty headers typically produce power gains in the mid RPM range.
Long Tube Header
Long tube exhaust headers are significantly longer than shorty headers and require an aftermarket mid-pipe to function. They are perfect for performance enthusiasts because they provide the biggest power gains, especially in the mid low to mid high RPM range. However, long tube headers may not be compatible with turbocharged engines and often require a tune to optimize performance.
The Size Difference Between Long and Short Tube Headers
When it comes to increasing power, short and long tube headers provide different advantages. Short headers are a popular choice for everyday driving because they are simple to install and compatible with existing exhaust systems. They provide a noticeable increase in horsepower and torque particularly at the mid-range engine speeds that are most commonly used during daily driving. While on the other side, Long tube headers use a different approach since their longer design allows exhaust to flow more freely resulting in greater horsepower and torque gains compared to shorties. These advantages are most noticeable in the mid-low to mid-high RPM range which is ideal for those who enjoy pushing their engines a little harder. However, long tube headers require a new mid pipe and may require tuning to function properly.
What Is the Perfect Size for a 5.7l Hemi Header?
When deciding on the best size for your 5.7L HEMI exhaust headers, you must consider your driving style and performance objectives. If you are looking to race on the track then you should prefer a different setup than if you want to focus on street performance.
Research and Considerations
We conducted extensive research before selecting headers for my Challenger 5.7L HEMI. This required understanding the advantages and disadvantages of both short and long tube headers. Our initial research led us to reputable sources such as Summit Racing where we learned about different header options for the 5.7L Challenger.
Ideal Size of Long Tube Headers
Long tube headers are known for significantly increasing horsepower and torque especially in the mid to high RPM range. They are perfect if you want to enjoy fast driving on the street or want to maximize the performance of your car on the racetrack. However, an aftermath mid pipe is required if you want to maintain a consistent exhaust length and achieve peak performance with long tube headers. So generally, the recommended header size for the 5.7L HEMI is normally between 1-3/4" and 1-7/8". These sizes strike a good balance between performance and drivability allowing your engine to breathe efficiently while preventing backpressure issues.
5.7l Hemi Header Test - Stock vs. 1 5/8 Hooker Headers
The stock Ram manifolds may fit well and be durable but they were clearly not designed with power in mind. A test comparing stock manifolds to 1 5/8 inch Hooker headers on a 5.7L HEMI engine revealed a significant difference. The Hooker headers outperformed the stock manifolds by a significant margin adding 27 horsepower and 25 pound feet of torque. This dispels the common misconception that stock manifolds provide more torque. In fact, the long-tube Hooker headers significantly increase torque production throughout the RPM range. This test clearly demonstrates that for those looking to maximize the performance of their 5.7L HEMI, upgrading to long tube headers like the 1 5/8 inch Hookers is a highly effective solution resulting in noticeable horsepower and torque increases.
Bottom Line
If you want to maximize the performance of your 5.7L HEMI, then upgrading to 1 5/8 inch hooker long tube headers is an absolute must. You will notice better performance throughout the whole RPM range with gains of 27 horsepower and 25 lb ft of torque instead of settling for stock manifold limitations that make the switch and experience the difference. So, upgrade your vehicle today and transform your driving experience with outstanding power and torque.
