Replacing or upgrading your exhaust header is necessary for both engine performance and sound. Whether on or off the track, exhaust headers provide more horsepower and improved exhaust sound. FLASHARK offers many products to help you create your own custom engine headers. It's really easy and convenient to use: direct bolt-on, no modification needed.
Specifications:
Brand Name: FLASHARK
Certificate: ISO9001:2000
Application: Automobile Exhaust Header
Material: Stainless Steel
Surface: Mirror Polish
Model: EH28038
1 5/8" Tube diameters
3" Collector
18 gauge tubing
5/16 flanges
Exhaust Header VS Manifold, which is the better choice?
The structural differences between exhaust headers and manifolds are the material and size. From the material, exhaust headers are made of lighter, thinner steel, while exhaust manifolds are made of thick iron. Exhaust headers are also longer than exhaust manifolds. When in use, exhaust manifolds create back pressure, which lowers performance. Because each cylinder of the engine is given its own tube, however, headers eliminate this problem; thus, allowing the gases to exit without the creation of back pressure. Therefore, exhaust headers are a BETTER choice than an exhaust manifold.
Fitment & Compatibility
| Brand | Model | Year Range | Full Compatible Specs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet | Camaro | 1968-1972 | V8 Engines: 396ci (6.5L), 427ci (7.0L), 454ci (7.4L) |
| Chevrolet | Chevelle | 1968-1972 | V8 Engines: 396ci (6.5L), 427ci (7.0L), 454ci (7.4L) |
Q1: What Big Block engines are these Flashark headers compatible with?
A1: These performance headers are engineered specifically for the Chevrolet Big Block (BBC) V8 engine family. They offer a verified fit for the 396ci (6.6L), 402ci, 427ci, and 454ci engines, providing a significant flow upgrade for classic high-displacement builds.
Q2: Will these headers fit my Chevy C10 or GMC C1500 pickup truck?
A2: No. Despite the general product title, our technical specifications confirm that these headers are NOT compatible with Chevy C10 models. They are designed for passenger car chassis only. If you are looking for C10-specific bbc headers, please explore our dedicated truck header category.
Q3: What specific vehicle models are verified for fitment?
A3: These headers have been verified to fit the 1968, 1970, 1971, and 1972 Chevrolet Camaro, as well as the 1969 and 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle, provided they are equipped with a Big Block Chevy engine.
Q4: Are there any 1969 or 1970 models that these headers will NOT fit?
A4: Yes, fitment is chassis-specific. These headers will NOT fit the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro (all configurations), nor will they fit the 1968, 1970, or 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. Additionally, they are not compatible with the 1971 Chevelle Malibu 4.1L L6 models.
Q5: What are the primary tube and collector dimensions for these bbc headers?
A5: Designed for optimal exhaust scavenging, these headers feature 1 5/8" primary tube diameters and a large 3" collector. This combination balances exhaust velocity and volume to maximize horsepower gains on the 396-454 platforms.
Q6: What material is used to ensure the durability of these headers?
A6: These headers are manufactured from premium stainless steel using high-strength 18-gauge tubing. This ensures superior heat resistance and longevity compared to standard mild steel options, finished with a mirror polish for a show-quality engine bay.
Q7: How do these stainless steel headers prevent exhaust leaks?
A7: We utilize heavy-duty 5/16" thick CNC-machined flanges. These thick flanges provide a stable, warp-resistant mounting surface against the cylinder head, ensuring a tight seal and preventing the common exhaust leaks associated with thinner, stamped flanges.
Q8: Why are headers a better choice than the factory cast iron manifold?
A8: Factory iron manifolds are heavy and restrictive, creating backpressure that chokes your engine's power. Flashark headers provide each cylinder with its own dedicated tube, eliminating backpressure and allowing gases to exit freely, which improves both horsepower and engine efficiency.
Q9: How will installing these headers change the sound of my Big Block Chevy?
A9: Upgrading to these tubular headers will provide a much deeper, more aggressive V8 rumble. By replacing the muffled factory manifolds with thin-wall stainless steel, you'll hear the true, unfiltered mechanical note of your 454 or 396 engine.
Q10: Is the installation of these big block chevy headers a direct bolt-on process?
A10: For the verified vehicle applications (specified Camaro and Chevelle years), these headers are designed as a direct bolt-on. No modifications are required to the headers themselves, though professional installation is recommended due to the tight clearances inherent in big block engine bays.
Q11: Are these headers compatible with 4-speed manual transmissions?
A11: These headers are designed primarily for automatic and standard manual configurations; however, with big block swaps, steering linkage and clutch Z-bar clearance can vary. We recommend verifying clearance if using a specific aftermarket mechanical clutch linkage.
Q12: Do these headers come with the necessary gaskets and mounting bolts?
A12: Yes, each set includes the required mounting hardware and gaskets. Based on customer feedback, we ensure our kits provide the essential components to get your classic Chevy back on the road with improved performance.