Best G Body Ls Swap Headers for a G-Body LS Conversion

#1 · Best Overall

1. Trans-Dapt Swap Kit

• Weight: 35 lb

Best for: 78–87 G-body kit buyers.

Why it ranks #1: Its application explicitly names LS swaps into GM G-body cars and includes mid-length, mild-steel headers for automatic or manual transmissions.

The Swap-In-A-Box kit targets 1978–87 GM A- and G-body LS conversions, naming models such as Monte Carlo, Cutlass, Grand National, Grand Prix, and Regal. Its headers are mid-length, mild steel, and uncoated, while the stated transmission coverage includes both automatic and manual setups.

The kit’s specific 78–87 GM A- and G-body scope helps buyers identify a focused chassis application, with named examples including Monte Carlo, Cutlass, Grand National, Grand Prix, and Regal. Mid-length headers distinguish its layout from shorty and long-tube choices, while mild steel and an uncoated finish are explicit material details. Automatic and manual transmission coverage broadens the listed configuration range. Because the headers are uncoated, their finish is a relevant consideration in the build plan.

Skip it if you need coated headers or an application outside the listed GM A- and G-body range; Ispeedytech lists long-tube headers for C10 applications.

This kit fits builders planning an LS conversion in a named 1978–87 GM A- or G-body with either automatic or manual transmission. Its mid-length headers are mild steel and uncoated, a boundary to weigh for the project.

Listed on Amazon as: TRANS-DAPT PERFORMANCE – ENGINE "SWAP IN A BOX" KIT; LS IN 78-87 GM A & G-BODY CARS- RAW HEADERS (48061)

#2 · Tight-Tuck Design

2. PowerGo 1100003630 Headers

• Weight: 19 lb

Best for: Tight-clearance classic swaps.

Why it ranks #2: The tight-tuck design targets clearance and flexibility, while 304 stainless, 1-5/8-inch primaries, and a 2-1/2-inch collector give useful swap details.

A tight tuck-in shape is the defining feature here, giving LS swap builders a clearance-focused option for older cars and trucks. PowerGo pairs it with 1-5/8-inch primaries and 2-1/2-inch collectors in 304 stainless steel, while its fit notes flag transmission, shift-linkage, and LS4 limitations that affect project planning.

The tight tuck-in design is intended to give more clearance and flexibility across swap applications, while the 16-gauge mandrel-bent 304 stainless tubes specify the construction. TIG-welded joints and a laser-cut, hydraulically flattened head flange add concrete fabrication details. Buyers of larger 4L80E or older THM 350/400 automatics must account for possible bellhousing-ear trimming; factory column-shift linkage will not work. The listing also excludes LS4 engines and recommends professional installation, so this is a fit-sensitive project part.

Skip it if you have an LS4 or factory column-shift linkage; dmanauto shorties list LS4 as excluded too, so compare another LS swap header option.

This suits experienced builders seeking a tuck-in LS swap header for an older car or truck who can assess transmission and linkage clearance. Skip it for LS4 or factory column-shift setups, and plan for professional installation.

Listed on Amazon as: POWERGO MOTORSPORT 1100003630 Exhaust Headers 1-5/8 x 2-1/2 in. 304 Stainless Steel for LS Swap (LS1/LS2/LS6/LS7) for C10 C1500 Suburban Blazer Camaro Firebird Chevelle El Camino Caprice Impala Nova

#3 · V-Band Collector

3. dmanauto Shorty Headers

• Weight: 16.32 lb
• Package Dimensions: 21.7 x 12.83 x 4.96 in

Best for: V-band shorty swap builds.

Why it ranks #3: These shorties specify a V-band collector, 1-5/8-inch primaries, and several LS engine sizes, though the listed applications do not establish G-body fitment.

A V-band collector and tight tuck-in shorty layout give this dmanauto header a specific fit-oriented combination for LS swap projects. Its listed engine range includes 4.8L through 6.2L LS applications, and the product notes identify spark-plug boot clearance and steering-shaft considerations that can shape installation planning.

The shorty design uses full 1-5/8-inch primaries and a 2-1/2-inch collector, while the V-band construction identifies the collector connection style. Its tight tuck-in layout suits the listed classic GM car and truck swap applications, but the notes say angled spark plug boots may be required for clearance. Early-1960s applications may need an aftermarket steering shaft. The engine list spans several LS families and excludes LS4, standard SBC, and BBC engines, keeping the selection specific to LS conversions.

Skip it if you have an LS4, standard SBC, or BBC rather than a listed LS swap engine; VEVOR lists LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6, and LS7 compatibility.

Choose these for a listed classic GM LS swap where a compact shorty layout and V-band collector fit the build plan. Account for possible angled boots and early-1960s steering-shaft needs, and do not use them for LS4.

Listed on Amazon as: LS swap Exhaust Headers shorty for LS1 LS2 LS6 LS7 C10 K10 C1500 K1500 Suburban Camaro Firebird Chevelle El Camino Impala Nova 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.2L

#4

4. Ispeedytech Conversion Headers

• Weight: 16.46 lb
• Package Dimensions: 21.8 x 13.3 x 5.5 in

Best for: Center-crossmember swap builds.

Why it ranks #4: The listing identifies LS swap use and says the headers work with cars having a center crossmember, but provides limited chassis-specific fitment detail.

Ispeedytech specifically notes that these swap headers work well with cars using a center crossmember under the engine, a useful chassis detail for planning. The listing also calls for angled spark-plug boots for clearance and limits use to LS-series swaps, excluding standard SBC and BBC engines.

The stated center-crossmember compatibility makes this set relevant to builders whose chassis layout includes that feature. Its required angled spark-plug boots address the listed clearance constraint, so boot choice belongs in installation planning. The product is identified for LS-series conversions and names LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6, LS7, 4.8L, 5.3L, and 5.7L applications in the title. The listing gives no material or tube dimensions, so buyers have fewer construction specifics to evaluate than engine and clearance notes.

Skip it if you are using a standard SBC or BBC engine rather than an LS-series swap; dmanauto also lists detailed V-band shorty construction for LS swaps.

Consider these for an LS conversion in a car with a center crossmember under the engine, provided angled boots suit the clearance plan. They are not for standard SBC or BBC engines, and construction dimensions are not supplied.

Listed on Amazon as: Conversion Swap Headers C10 LS LSX FOR Chevy GMC Chevrolet Camaro Caprice Silverado Pickup Truck LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L

#5

5. Certified Automotive Shorties

• Weight: 14.6 lb

Best for: Gen III/IV swap builders.

Why it ranks #5: Its shorty headers list several square-body and OBS trucks and Gen 3 and Gen 4 LS engines, but do not identify G-body applications.

Polished stainless shorty construction pairs with compatibility across 4.8L to 6.2L Gen 3 and Gen 4 LS engines, giving swap builders a broad engine range to consider. The listing names classic C/K trucks, Blazers, Suburbans, and OBS pickups among its applications, while explicitly limiting use to swaps rather than factory-LS vehicles.

The shorty layout gives this set a compact header format, while polished stainless steel supplies the listed material choice for a swap project. Its stated 4.8L, 5.3L, 5.7L, 6.0L, and 6.2L coverage spans Gen 3 and Gen 4 LS engines from 1998–2020, helping buyers screen engine options. Named applications include 73–87 Square Body trucks, 67–72 C10/C20, K5 Blazer, Suburban, and 88–99 OBS pickups. The factory-LS and newer LT exclusions narrow the fit decision.

Skip it if you need headers for a vehicle that came from the factory with an LS engine or use a 2014-or-newer LT; these are swap-only.

Choose these for a Gen 3 or Gen 4 LS swap in a listed classic truck, Blazer, Suburban, or OBS application where polished stainless shorties suit the project. They are not for factory-LS vehicles or newer LT engines.

Listed on Amazon as: Stainless Steel Headers, Shorty Style for LS Swaps, Universal for Swaps Only, Not Designed to Fit Any Vehicle that came from Factory with an LS Style Engine

#6

6. AutoForge Shorty Headers

• Weight: 27 lb
• Package Dimensions: 35.5 x 18.5 x 6 in

Best for: Broad LS swap coverage.

Why it ranks #6: The shorty design covers multiple LS engine sizes and truck swaps, but its listed applications do not specify G-body cars.

Shorty headers with stated 4.8L–6.2L Gen III and Gen IV LS coverage give swap builders several engine choices in one application range. AutoForge names classic Square Body trucks, K5 Blazer, Suburban, OBS pickups, and S10s, while identifying these as swap headers rather than parts for factory-LS vehicles.

The listed shorty format and broad LS engine range make this option relevant to projects spanning 4.8L, 5.3L, 5.7L, 6.0L, and 6.2L Gen III/IV engines. Its application examples cover Square Body C/K trucks, 67–72 C10/C20, K5 Blazer, 73–91 Suburban, 88–99 OBS pickups, and S10s. That breadth helps owners compare their chassis and engine against the stated scope, but the listing warns that S10 fit varies with setup. Factory-LS vehicles are excluded.

Skip it if you need a confirmed S10 fit without setup-dependent variation; Certified Automotive Experts headers list classic applications but do not name S10s.

Consider these for an LS swap using one of the listed engine sizes in a named classic truck, SUV, or S10 project. The application list is broad, but S10 fitment depends on setup and factory-LS vehicles are excluded.

Listed on Amazon as: Stainless Steel LS Swap Headers, Shorty Style, Universal for Engine Swaps Only, Not Designed to Fit Vehicles with Factory LS Engines

#7

7. Ispeedytech Long Tubes

• Weight: 25.3 lb
• Package Dimensions: 38 x 20 x 5.2 in

Best for: C10 long-tube projects.

Why it ranks #7: These long-tube headers are described for C10 and related truck applications, with no supplied G-body fitment or detailed construction information.

Long-tube construction distinguishes this Ispeedytech header set, offering a format for LS swap projects in the listed 1960–98 Chevy and GMC C10 applications. The title names LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6, and LS7 engines, making the stated scope useful for builders comparing a long-tube option with shorty-style alternatives.

The title identifies these as long-tube headers for C10 applications, rather than a shorty configuration, helping buyers orient the part to a particular exhaust layout. Its stated vehicle span runs from 1960 through 1998 and names Chevy/GMC Silverado and Sierra alongside C10 and C1500. The engine list includes LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6, and LS7. Because the supplied listing provides no further construction or installation details, use those named applications and engines as the available scope when assessing the project.

Skip it if you need a stated material or detailed installation guidance before choosing; Trans-Dapt identifies its G-body kit as mild steel and mid length.

This is a candidate for builders planning a long-tube LS swap in a listed 1960–98 Chevy or GMC C10-family application. The supplied details name engines and vehicles, but do not describe material or installation features.

Listed on Amazon as: LS Swap Long Tube Headers C10 for 60-98 Chevy GMC Silverado Sierra C10 C1500 LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7

#8

8. VEVOR Replacement Headers

• Weight: 17.59 lb

Best for: Listed LS engine replacements.

Why it ranks #8: The listing is framed as a manifold replacement and excludes many factory-equipped vehicles; it does not establish G-body swap fitment.

VEVOR specifies 201 stainless-steel headers with Q235B electroplated low-carbon steel flanges, giving buyers concrete material details for an LS exhaust project. Its engine list covers LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6, and LS7, but the vehicle exclusions are significant: factory-equipped GM trucks and SUVs from 1999 onward are not compatible.

The listing describes a two-piece header set in 201 stainless steel, with Q235B electroplated low-carbon steel flanges; those material details help identify the construction offered. Stated engine compatibility covers Chevy LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6, and LS7. The fit restrictions sharply narrow use: it excludes 1999-and-newer factory-equipped GM trucks and SUVs, vehicles from 1968 onward, and engines originally manufactured with emissions equipment. Those exclusions make careful vehicle and engine screening essential before selecting this replacement-style set.

Skip it if you are fitting a vehicle from 1968 onward or an engine originally equipped with emissions equipment; AutoForge lists swap applications instead.

This may suit a buyer whose Chevy LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6, or LS7 project falls within VEVOR’s stated restrictions and values specified materials. The exclusions rule out many vehicles, so screen year and emissions history carefully.

Listed on Amazon as: VEVOR Exhaust Headers Manifold Replacement for Chevy LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7