From the classic Small Block Chevy to the modern HEMI and the rugged Toyota i-FORCE, the 5.7L V8 is one of the most iconic engine displacements in automotive history. It strikes the perfect balance between daily drivability and raw power.
But whether you are driving a Ram 1500, a Camaro, or a Tundra, your 5.7L engine is likely hiding significant horsepower. The culprit? Restrictive factory exhaust manifolds designed for cost and noise reduction, not performance.
If you are looking to maximize performance, Long Tube Headers are arguably the most effective bolt-on upgrade you can make. This guide breaks down the best long tube headers 5.7 upgrades and helps you choose the right setup for your specific engine platform.
🏁 Quick Takeaway: Are Long Tube Headers Worth It for a 5.7L?
The short answer is yes, provided you are looking for significant performance gains over simple sound modification.
Here is the breakdown for the 5.7L platform:
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Performance Gains: Expect 15–30+ Wheel Horsepower (WHP) and 20–35 ft-lbs of torque when paired with a proper ECU tune.
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Best For: Drivers seeking mid-to-high RPM power, louder exhaust volume, and improved towing torque (on trucks).
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Requirement: Unlike "Shorty" headers, Long Tubes usually require a custom ECU tune to prevent Check Engine Lights (CEL) and optimize fuel ratios.
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Trade-off: Installation is more difficult than stock replacement, and they are generally intended for off-road or race use depending on your state's emissions laws.
The Science of Speed: Why Long Tube Headers?
Bottom Line: Long tube headers optimize exhaust scavenging by preventing pulse interference, creating a vacuum effect that pulls exhaust out and sucks fresh air in—something stock manifolds cannot do.
Stock exhaust manifolds are often made of rough cast iron with short, unequal runners. This causes exhaust pulses to collide, creating backpressure that chokes your engine.
Long Tube Headers change the game through "Scavenging." By giving each cylinder a long, smooth, and equal-length path, long tube headers time the exhaust pulses so they don't fight each other. As a pulse of exhaust gas shoots down the tube, it creates a vacuum behind it. This vacuum literally pulls the remaining burnt gases out of the cylinder and helps suck fresh air and fuel into the combustion chamber for the next cycle.
The Result:
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Massive Gains: Significant horsepower increase compared to stock.
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Torque Everywhere: Unlike shorty headers, long tubes provide broad torque gains across the mid-to-high RPM range.
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The Sound: That deep, choppy, aggressive American V8 rumble that turns heads.
5.7L Engine Breakdown: Choosing the Right Headers
Bottom Line: "5.7L" refers to displacement, not engine architecture; you must select headers specific to your engine family (Mopar HEMI, GM LS/SBC, or Toyota i-FORCE) for proper port matching and chassis clearance.
Because "5.7L" covers several distinct engine families, fitment is everything. Below, we break down the best long tube options for the most popular 5.7L platforms.
1. Dodge & Ram: The 5.7L HEMI V8
Best for: Fixing the notorious "HEMI Tick" caused by warped manifolds while gaining massive torque for trucks.
The 5.7L HEMI (especially the Eagle generation) loves to breathe. However, factory HEMI manifolds are notorious for being restrictive and having manifold bolts that snap off, causing exhaust leaks. Upgrading to T304 Stainless Steel Long Tube Headers not only fixes the broken bolt issue permanently but unlocks the HEMI’s true potential.
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Application: Ram 1500, Charger R/T, Challenger R/T, Chrysler 300C.
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Performance Note: On a Ram 1500, long tubes paired with a high-flow Y-pipe can transform the truck’s towing capability and acceleration.
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Fitment Tip: Look for kits that include extension harnesses for O2 sensors, as the sensor location will move further downstream.
Looking for Mopar power?
2. GM & Chevy: The 5.7L LS1 / LS6
Best for: High-RPM street/strip builds where peak horsepower is the priority.
The LS engine architecture is legendary for a reason. Found in the C5 Corvette and the 4th Gen Camaro/Firebird, the 5.7L LS1 responds incredibly well to exhaust modifications.
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Application: Corvette C5 (1997-2004), Camaro SS / Z28 (1998-2002), Pontiac Firebird / Trans Am.
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The Challenge: Space is tight in these engine bays (especially the Corvette). You need mandrel-bent headers designed for maximum clearance around the steering shaft and frame rails.
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The Gain: The LS firing order creates a distinct scream with long tubes. Expect massive top-end gains, especially if you plan on upgrading the camshaft later.
Uncork your LS engine:
3. The Classic: Chevy 5.7L Small Block (350 SBC)
Best for: Restoring low-end grunt for towing and off-roading in OBS trucks.
Before the LS, there was the Small Block Chevy 350. Millions of OBS (Old Body Style) Chevy C/K 1500 trucks and SUVs rely on this workhorse.
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Application: 1988-1998 Chevy Silverado / GMC Sierra 1500/2500, Tahoe, Suburban.
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Why Upgrade: The factory "log style" manifolds on these trucks are incredibly restrictive. Long tube headers are essential for waking up these older trucks.
Restore the roar of your OBS Truck:
4. Toyota: The 5.7L i-FORCE V8 (3UR-FE)
Best for: Tundra owners who want to remove the restrictive factory catalytic converters for off-road performance.
The Toyota Tundra’s 5.7L V8 is a beast, but it is heavily silenced from the factory. The 3UR-FE is a dual-overhead-cam engine that flows a lot of air but is choked by four catalytic converters.
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Application: Toyota Tundra (2007-2021), Sequoia, Land Cruiser.
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Performance Note: Tundra owners often report sluggishness in the mid-range. Long tube headers typically delete the primary catalytic converters (for off-road use), significantly reducing backpressure.
Technical Buyers Guide: Sizes & Materials
Bottom Line: For most naturally aspirated 5.7L engines, stick to 1-3/4" primary tubes and Ceramic Coated Stainless Steel for the best balance of torque, longevity, and heat management.
When browsing our catalog, you will see different specs. Here is how to choose:
Primary Tube Diameter
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1-5/8" or 1-3/4": The "Goldilocks" size for most naturally aspirated 5.7L engines. This size maintains high exhaust gas velocity, which preserves low-end torque—crucial for street cars and trucks like the Ram 1500 or Tundra.
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1-7/8" or 2": Recommended only for heavily modified engines (forced induction, high-lift cams, or stroker kits). If your engine is stock, going too big can actually hurt your low-end torque, making the car feel sluggish off the line.
Material Selection
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Stainless Steel (T304): The best choice for longevity. It resists rust and discoloration. If you live in the Rust Belt or near the coast, this is mandatory.
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Ceramic Coating: Highly recommended. Ceramic coating keeps the heat inside the headers. This increases exhaust velocity (hot gas moves faster) and drastically lowers under-hood temperatures, protecting your wiring and hoses.
Installation & Tuning: What to Expect
Bottom Line: Plan for a full day of installation and budget for a custom ECU tune immediately after, as the engine's volumetric efficiency will change drastically.
Installing Long Tube Headers is a significant modification. Here is what you need to know:
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Check Engine Light (CEL): Because long tubes typically move or remove catalytic converters, they will trigger a CEL on modern vehicles due to O2 sensor readings.
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Tuning is Essential: To get the advertised horsepower gains and clear the dashboard lights, a custom ECU tune is required. A tune optimizes the fuel trim and timing to match the increased airflow.
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Clearance: On older models (like the Chevy SBC), check for clearance around spark plug wires. You may need angled spark plug boots or heat socks to prevent burning wires.
Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade?
Deciding to install Long Tube Headers on your 5.7L engine comes down to your goals.
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YES, BUY THEM IF: You want maximum horsepower (15-30+ HP), you plan on further engine mods (cam, supercharger), or you want that aggressive, track-ready sound. It is the best bang-for-your-buck performance part for the 5.7L platform.
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THINK TWICE IF: You are looking for a simple, quiet daily driver or live in a region with extremely strict visual emissions inspections where catalytic converter relocation is prohibited.
FAQ: Common Questions About 5.7L Long Tube Headers
Q1: How much horsepower will long tube headers add to a 5.7L Hemi or LS?
A1: On a standard 5.7L engine (like the Ram 1500 Hemi or LS1), you can generally expect 15 to 30 wheel horsepower and 20 to 35 ft-lbs of torque after a proper dyno or street tune. The gains are most noticeable in the mid-to-high RPM range compared to stock manifolds.
Q2: Do I need a tune after installing long tube headers?
A2: Yes. Long tube headers significantly alter the airflow and volumetric efficiency of your engine. They also move the oxygen sensors further away from the engine. Without a tune, your engine may run lean/rich, and you will almost certainly get a Check Engine Light (CEL) for catalyst efficiency (Codes P0420/P0430).
Q3: Long Tube Headers vs. Shorty Headers: Which is better for the 5.7L?
A3: It depends on your goal. Long Tube Headers offer superior peak horsepower and torque gains but are harder to install and may affect emissions compliance. Shorty Headers are easier to install (often direct replacements) and are usually emissions-friendly, but they offer significantly less performance gain (usually only 5-10 HP).
Q4: Will long tube headers fit my 4WD/4x4 truck?
A4: Most headers are designed to fit specific chassis configurations. For 5.7L trucks like the Ram 1500 or Toyota Tundra, make sure to select the specific 2WD or 4WD version on the product page. Front driveshafts on 4x4 models can sometimes interfere with header routing if the wrong kit is chosen.
Q5: Does upgrading headers void my warranty?
A5: Generally, an aftermarket part alone does not void a warranty unless the dealer can prove the part caused a specific failure (Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act). However, because long tube headers require an ECU tune, the tune itself can often void the powertrain warranty. We recommend consulting with your service advisor or installing on vehicles out of warranty.
