Best Square Body Ls Swap Headers for Shorty and Long-Tube Builds

#1 · Best Overall

1. CAE Ceramic Long Tubes

• Weight: 27.7 lb
• Package Dimensions: 38.2 x 15 x 10 in

Best for: Coated long-tube towing swaps.

Why it ranks #1: Specifies Square Body truck fitment, ceramic coating, 1-3/4-inch primaries, 3-inch merge collectors, and MLS gaskets for a well-detailed long-tube choice.

A high-temperature ceramic coating is the defining feature of these long-tube LS swap headers, helping manage exhaust heat around surrounding components during street, towing and performance use. The application listing names 1973–87 C10 and K10 Square Body trucks, with 2WD and 4WD configurations identified.

The full-length layout uses 1-3/4-inch mandrel-bent primaries and 3-inch merge collectors; the product connects those dimensions with exhaust scavenging, torque delivery and engine response. Ceramic coating is intended to help manage heat and protect nearby components under sustained load, which is relevant for towing or performance applications. MLS gaskets are included in the title, giving the buyer a specified gasket type. The listed vehicle range also includes 1988–91 Blazer, Jimmy and Suburban models.

Skip it if you need a shorty layout or an application outside the listed 1973–87 trucks and 1988–91 SUVs; these are full-length headers.

Choose these for a listed Square Body LS swap where a coated long-tube layout, heat management and the specified MLS gaskets suit the plan. Their full-length configuration is the key boundary for buyers seeking a compact shorty arrangement.

Listed on Amazon as: Ceramic Coated LS Swap Long Tube Headers for 1973–1987 Chevy GMC C10 K10 Square Body Trucks and 1988–1991 Blazer Jimmy Suburban 2WD 4WD with MLS Gaskets by Certified Automotive Experts

#2 · Best 2WD Fit

2. CAE 2WD Long Tubes

Best for: 2WD Square Body long tubes.

Why it ranks #2: Calls out 2WD Square Body pickups and lists 304 stainless steel, CNC-machined flanges, TIG-welded joints, and mandrel-bent tubes.

Explicit 2WD Square Body pickup fitment from 1973–87, with additional 1988–91 Square Body coverage, makes this Certified Automotive Experts long-tube header a focused truck option. Its 304 stainless construction, CNC-machined flanges and TIG-welded joints specify the materials and fabrication approach.

Mandrel-bent tubes are described as supporting airflow, while the full-length layout gives LS swap buyers a long-tube configuration for the named trucks. The 304 stainless steel is specified for durability and corrosion resistance; CNC-machined flanges and TIG-welded joints provide further construction details. Fitment is limited to 2WD Square Body pickups, and the title explicitly excludes OBS body style. The listed years and body-style boundary help separate these applications from visually similar later trucks.

Skip it if you have a 4WD truck or an OBS body style; this listing specifies 2WD Square Body pickups and excludes OBS trucks.

A 2WD Square Body owner seeking long tubes and specified stainless fabrication can match this listing to its stated truck years. Its body-style boundary is important: OBS trucks are excluded, as are 4WD applications.

Listed on Amazon as: Long Tube Headers for LS Swaps. Fit 60-87 Chevy & GMC Trucks C10 C20 C30 2wd. Also fits 88 and up 2wd Square Body (Does not fit OBS Body Style)

#3 · Best Shorty Style

3. CAE Stainless Shorties

• Weight: 14.6 lb

Best for: Broad Gen III/IV swap range.

Why it ranks #3: The shorty design explicitly lists Square Body truck applications and Gen 3 and Gen 4 LS engine compatibility, though it is for swaps only.

Polished stainless-steel shorty headers cover a broad set of Gen III and Gen IV LS engines, enabling a compact header option for many Square Body swaps. The listed applications include 1973–87 C10, C20, C30, K10, K20 and K30 trucks, along with several other older GM platforms.

The shorty configuration suits buyers seeking a less extensive header layout than a long-tube setup, while the listed 4.8L, 5.3L, 5.7L, 6.0L and 6.2L compatibility spans common LS swap choices. Its application list specifically names Square Body C and K trucks, plus K5 Blazer and Suburban models. The manufacturer identifies it as swap-only, so it is not intended for a vehicle that came from the factory with an LS-style engine; LT engines from 2014 onward are excluded.

Skip it if you need headers for a factory-LS vehicle or a 2014-and-newer LT engine; this listing is for swaps and excludes those LT engines.

A Square Body owner planning a Gen III or Gen IV LS swap can consider these polished shorties across several engine sizes. Keep the swap-only limitation in view, and look elsewhere if the project uses a newer LT engine.

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

#4

4. AutoForge Shorty Headers

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

Best for: Shorty option for varied swaps.

Why it ranks #4: Lists Square Body and K-series swap applications with compatibility across 4.8L to 6.2L Gen III and Gen IV LS engines.

A broad application list that includes Square Body C and K trucks, K5 Blazer, Suburban and S10 makes these AutoForge stainless-steel shorty headers relevant to varied LS swap plans. The listed engine range runs from 4.8L through 6.2L across Gen III and Gen IV LS motors.

The shorty format offers a compact header choice for buyers who do not want a full-length layout, while the fitment list spans 1973–87 Square Body trucks and other GM platforms. Engine compatibility names 4.8L, 5.3L, 5.7L, 6.0L and 6.2L engines, including LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6 and LS7. The manufacturer notes that fitment may vary by setup, particularly relevant when the swap uses a less typical platform such as an S10.

Skip it if you want a long-tube layout or a guaranteed application independent of swap setup; the listed fitment can vary by configuration.

Consider these shorties for an LS swap spanning the listed Square Body trucks and broader GM applications, including S10 pickups. The setup-dependent fitment caveat matters most when your truck differs from the named examples.

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

#5 · Best Stainless Long Tubes

5. PowerGo 1-3/4-Inch Headers

• Weight: 25 lb

Best for: 304 stainless mid-high RPM swaps.

Why it ranks #5: Offers full-length 1-3/4-by-3-inch headers in 304 stainless, but excludes 4WD and may need special mounts or angled plug boots.

Full-length 1-3/4-inch tubes made from 304 stainless steel define this PG POWERGO MOTORSPORT header, with the listing targeting mid- to high-RPM power gains. Its stated range includes 1960–98 C10 and C1500 trucks and several LS engine families, making it a focused older-truck swap option.

Mandrel-bent 16-gauge tubing and a 3-inch layout support the full-length design, while TIG-welded joints are specified for resistance to cracking and wear. The 3/8-inch laser-cut head flange is flattened by hydraulic press, and the polished 304 stainless surface is described as extra rust resistance. Fitment limits are substantial: the headers are not for 4WD models or LS4 engines, and factory column-shift linkage will not work with the installation.

Skip it if you have a 4WD truck, an LS4 engine or factory column-shift linkage; the listed exclusions rule out those configurations.

For a 2WD older-truck LS swap aimed at mid- to high-RPM operation, this full-length stainless option has detailed tube and flange construction. Avoid it for 4WD, LS4 or factory column-shift setups.

Listed on Amazon as: LS Swap Exhaust Header 1-3/4 x 3 in. 304 Stainless Steel for 1960-1998 C10 C1500 Silverado Sierra Suburban 2WD Truck LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7

#6

6. Ispeedytech C10 Long Tubes

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

Best for: Wide-year C10 long-tube option.

Why it ranks #6: Names C10 and related truck applications across a broad model range, but supplies little construction or fitment detail beyond its title.

The stated 1960–98 Chevy and GMC C10 fitment is this long-tube header listing’s clearest differentiator, spanning early trucks through later C10 and C1500 applications. Its title also names LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6 and LS7 engines, giving LS-swap shoppers a defined engine family to consider.

The long-tube configuration gives buyers a full-length header option for the listed C10 and related truck applications, while the stated 1960–98 range covers multiple generations rather than a single Square Body year group. The title names five LS engine families, which helps narrow the intended swap use. Ispeedytech lists the item at 25.3 pounds, a useful handling consideration when planning header placement and installation; no tube dimensions or material are specified in the supplied details.

Skip it if you need stated tube dimensions, material details or a narrow year-specific application; this listing specifies broad C10 fitment and LS engine families.

This is for buyers considering a long-tube LS swap on a C10 within the stated 1960–98 range and using one of the named LS engines. Its broad year span calls for project-specific attention to the truck generation.

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

#7

7. Ispeedytech Conversion Headers

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

Best for: Center-crossmember swap projects.

Why it ranks #7: Designed for LS swaps and notes angled spark plug boots and center-crossmember clearance, but does not state specific Square Body fitment.

Compatibility with cars that have a center crossmember under the engine is a specific use case named for these Ispeedytech conversion swap headers. The listing covers several LS engine families and stresses that they are for LS-series swaps only, making engine type and spark-plug clearance central to the decision.

The stated crossmember application can help identify relevance for a project where that structure sits beneath the engine. Professionally TIG-welded construction is another listed detail, while the title names LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6, LS7 and 4.8L through 5.7L engines. Angled spark-plug boots are required for clearance, so buyers should account for that component when planning installation. These headers do not work with standard SBC or BBC engines, which limits their use to the stated LS swap role.

Skip it if you are keeping a standard SBC or BBC engine, or cannot use angled spark-plug boots for the stated clearance requirement.

These suit an LS-series swap where a center crossmember sits under the engine and angled spark-plug boots are workable. They are not an option for standard SBC or BBC installations, so engine choice is decisive.

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

#8

8. PowerGo Tight-Tuck Headers

• Weight: 19 lb

Best for: Tight-clearance LS swap layouts.

Why it ranks #8: Its tight-tuck 1-5/8-by-2-1/2-inch design may aid clearance, but the listing gives broad swap applications rather than explicit Square Body fitment.

A tight tuck-in design is the central feature of these PG POWERGO MOTORSPORT headers, offering added clearance and flexibility across listed LS swap applications. The 1-5/8 x 2-1/2-inch layout uses 304 stainless steel and is named for C10, C1500, Suburban, Blazer and several other vehicles.

The tuck-in configuration is relevant where clearance is a concern, while mandrel-bent 16-gauge tubing and TIG-welded joints provide the specified construction details. A polished surface is described as adding rust resistance, and the laser-cut flange is hydraulically flattened. The product is not a direct fit and excludes LS4 engines; factory column-shift linkage is also incompatible. Larger 4L80E or older THM 350/400 transmissions may require bellhousing-ear trimming for clearance.

Skip it if you need a direct-fit installation or use factory column shift; the listing also excludes LS4 engines and flags some transmission-clearance work.

This suits an LS swap where a tucked header layout and the listed vehicle applications help address clearance. Plan around its non-direct-fit status, column-shift exclusion and possible transmission-related trimming.

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