So you’ve got a classic Chevy 350 small block powering your hot rod or muscle car. That iconic V8 is a legend for its power, torque, and performance. But are you getting the most out of that 350? If you’re still running the stock manifolds and exhaust, you’re missing out on some serious horsepower.Custom exhaust headers are one of the best ways to unleash the full potential of your 350. Headers increase power by improving airflow and exhaust scavenging. They reduce backpressure so your engine can breathe better and make more power. With long tube headers, high-flow catalytic converters, and a performance exhaust system, you can gain 25-50 horsepower or more. Not too shabby for some upgrades you can install in your own garage. If you want to maximize the power of your Chevy 350, custom headers and exhaust should be at the top of your mod list. Unleash that iconic small block and feel the difference.
Custom Exhaust Headers for Chevy 350: What Are the Benefits?
Custom exhaust headers are one of the best upgrades you can make to unleash your chevy 350 exhaust headers. Here are a few of the benefits:
More Horsepower
Headers increase the flow of exhaust gasses out of the engine, reducing backpressure. This allows your 350 to breathe better, resulting in more power. You can gain 10-15 horsepower, sometimes more, depending on your current exhaust system.
Improved Sound
Headers give your 350 a throaty, powerful growl that just sounds like performance. The reduced backpressure and freer-flowing design create a rumble music to any gearhead’s ears.
Better Fuel Economy
Efficiently scavenging exhaust gasses from the cylinders means your 350 doesn’t have to work as hard, which can slightly improve your miles per gallon. The gains may be modest, around 1-3 MPG, but over time will add up.
Longer Engine Life
Headers reduce engine heat and temperatures, which prolongs the life of components like pistons, valves, and seals. Lower heat means less warping and wear over the miles.
If you’re looking for an easy upgrade that boosts power, improves the sound, and enhances reliability, custom headers for your Chevy 350 should be at the top of your list. The performance and longevity benefits are well worth the investment for any hot rod or muscle car owner. Time to unleash that 350!
Top 5 Best Exhaust Headers for Chevy 350 Performance
When it comes to unleashing the power of your Chevy 350, nothing beats a set of high-performance exhaust headers. Here are the top 5 headers to consider:
Hooker Competition Headers
Hooker’s Competition headers are designed for maximum flow and horsepower. They’re made from mandrel-bent tubing for unrestricted flow and feature 5/8-inch thick flanges to prevent warping. The Competition headers can add up to 23 hp and 26 lbs-ft of torque.
Flowtech Afterburner Headers
For a budget-friendly boost, check out Flowtech’s Afterburner headers. They’re constructed from 16-gage mandrel bent tubing and 3/8-inch thick flanges. The Afterburner headers are designed as a direct bolt-on and can gain you up to 15 hp and 20 lbs-ft of torque.
Sanderson Shorty Headers
If you’re limited on space, Sanderson’s shorty headers are a great choice. They’re made from 16-gage tubing with CNC machined flanges and collectors for a precision fit. The shorty design adds up to 12 hp and 15 lbs-ft of torque without the need to modify or relocate components.
Pacesetter Long Tube Headers
For maximum performance, Pacesetter’s long tube headers stretch all the way to your exhaust manifold. They feature 1 3/4-inch primaries, 3/8-inch thick flanges and metallic ceramic coatings. Long tube headers can gain up to 25 hp and 28 lbs-ft of torque for your 350.
Dynatech SuperMAXX Headers
Dynatech’s SuperMAXX headers are constructed from premium stainless steel for maximum durability and feature stepped primaries for optimized flow. They produce up to 35 hp and 40 lbs-ft of torque when paired with Dynatech’s full exhaust system. The SuperMAXX headers are ideal if performance and longevity are top priorities.
How to Choose the Right Exhaust Headers for Your Chevy 350
Choosing the right exhaust headers for your your chevy 350 exhaust headers engine can unleash extra horsepower and torque. The exhaust headers direct the exhaust from each cylinder into the exhaust system. Stock manifolds are restrictive, limiting exhaust flow. Aftermarket headers provide less resistance, allowing the engine to breathe better.
There are a few things to consider when selecting headers for your 350:
- Material: Stainless steel headers last the longest but are more expensive. Mild steel headers can rust over time but are more affordable. Coated steel headers offer good value with rust prevention.
- Tube diameter: Larger tubes, like 1 5/8 to 1 3/4 inches, allow for maximum exhaust flow. Smaller tubes may be slightly more restrictive but can still improve performance over stock manifolds.
- Primary tube length: Longer primary tubes, around 30 to 36 inches, maximize low to mid-range torque. Shorter tubes, around 24 to 30 inches, tend to increase high-RPM horsepower. For a 350, tubes in the 28 to 32-inch range offer a good balance.
- Number of tubes: Headers with four tubes (dual plane) work well for most 350 builds. Headers with two tubes (single plane) can increase high-RPM power but may reduce low-end torque.
- Emissions compliance: If emissions compliance is a concern, choose headers marked as emissions legal or CARB compliant to avoid failing an emissions test.
The right set of headers for your 350 can unleash 10 to 20 percent more power. With some experimenting, you’ll find the perfect set to match your engine build and driving needs. Uncork your 350 and let it breathe deep with a quality set of exhaust headers. The rewards of improved performance will be music to your ears!
Conclusion
So there you have it, all the info you need to get started with custom exhaust headers for your Chevy 350. Now that you understand how they work and the benefits they provide, it’s time to pick out a set and get wrenching. Once installed, you’ll immediately notice the difference in sound and performance. Your 350 will breathe deeper, roar louder and run stronger than ever before. The money you spend will be well worth the extra horsepower and torque you gain. Headers open up a whole new world of possibilities to build the custom muscle machine of your dreams. What are you waiting for? Get out there and unleash the power of your Chevy 350 with a set of performance exhaust headers today! The open road is calling your name.
