Best Headers for 5.3 Silverado Reviews 2022 [New Update] – Buying Guide & FAQ

If you want to help your engine run smooth, header is a great way for that. It allows the exhaust gas get out in a uniformed way so that the engine can breathe properly. As a result, the engine can use its horsepower as much as possible. Thus, exhaust headers improve the HP too. Also, headers bring a difference in the exhaust sound.

All these benefits can be achieved if you choose the best long tube header for 5.3 Silverado. But that is a tough task I know.

Worry not. I’m here with a list of few of the best headers for 5.3 Silverado that you’ll find in the market. These are my personal favorites and kept in the list depending on various factors. If you are interested to know about those, without further ado, let’s start.

Well, you’ll find a buying guide too at the end. Don’t miss that. That’ll help you to choose the best one for your 5.3 Silverado.

Expert Recommendation!

Top 5 Best Headers for 5.3 Silverado Reviews 2021 [New Update]

1. DNA Motoring HDS-GY99 Stainless Steel Exhaust Header Manifold

This is an exhaust header that has been designed after thorough research and development. As a result, you’ll find the satisfactory performance that you want from an exhaust header. Seems great, right?

To ensure the strength and durability, it is made using high-quality T304 stainless steel. After production, strength, durability and longevity is tested through special testing operation. So, you know that you are getting one that’ll support you for a long time.

Tubing of this exhaust header is designed to support 4.8L and 5.3L engines so that it can collect the exhaust gas from each cylinder. It comes with a more performance-oriented exhaust sound which is an extra benefit.

It doesn’t require any modification while installing. Simple bolt-on installation will allow you to do the task real quick. But make sure that someone professional or experienced is doing the task. Otherwise, it may affect the performance.

Related Post: Top Rated 10 HEI Distributor for 350 Chevy Reviews

Compatible with

1. 02-13 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4.8 5.3 6.0 6.2
2. 07-16 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 3500HD 6.0
3. 2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic 4.8 5.3 6.0
4. 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Classic 6.0

Pros

• Made from high-quality material
• No modification while installing
• Strong and durable
• Designed after thorough research

Cons

• Doesn’t come with manual

---

2. Pace Setter 70-2265 Performance Long Tube Exhaust Header

If you are looking for the best long tube headers for 5.3 Silverado in a budget, keep your focus on it. This is an exhaust header that’ll boost your vehicle performance without any need for costly upgrade.

This durable exhaust header is made of 16 gauge carbon steel tubes. Mandrel-bent steel tubes ensure proper airflow and perfection in performance without any loss of power. One-piece design also ensures better airflow. Also, because of this one-piece design, installing is easy. Someone with regular experience of handling automotive tasks can easily install it.

It comes with 3/8 inch thick CNC-machined flanges. These flanges ensure perfect seal. As a result, the airflow inside the primary tubes remains uninterrupted.

It comes with black paint coating finish for long life. But if you want better protection, there is another option for you. It also comes with Armor Coat which keeps rust and corrosion away and saves the color. The Armor Coat also makes it easy to clean.

Compatible with

1. 1999-2005 Silverado 1500 Base 5.3L V8
2. 2004-2006 Silverado 1500 Hybrid 5.3L V8
3. 1999-2006 Silverado 1500 LS 5.3L V8
4. 1999-2006 Silverado 1500 LT 5.3L V8
5. 2002-2006 Silverado 1500 WT 5.3L V8
6. 2004 Silverado Z71 5.3L V8

Pros

• Thick and perfect CNC-machined flanges
• Available with Armor coat
• Mandrel-bent tubes ensure perfection
• Easy to install

Cons

• Gaskets may seem a bit problematic

---

3. Stainless Headers Fit For Chevy GMC Avalanche Silverado

This is a quality header from MaxonAuto Corp. which works actually great on the compatible vehicles. It sits perfect on the factory exhaust flange if your vehicle is compatible.

The best thing about this exhaust header is its build quality. For the price, build quality and material seems good, though I don’t know the exact name and grade of the material. I’ve searched for more information about it, but couldn’t find. But even after using a year, everything was in good condition.

The head flange is 7/16 inch think and outlet flanges are 3/8 inches thick. All the flanges are CNC machined. The MIG and TIG welded flanges ensure strong connections that last for a long time. Light weight design has made it easy to handle while installing.

Compatible with

• Chevy Silverado 1500 1999-2006 4.8L, 5.3L(Except 2002 Chevy Silverado 1500 5.3L)

Pros

• Durable and strong
• CNC machined thick flanges
• Great build quality

Cons

• Customized clearance may be needed for some vehicle models

---

4. Gibson GP129S Stainless Steel Performance Header

For uninterrupted performance, this exhaust header from Gibson Performance is one of my prime choices. You can use this header in both lowered and raised vehicles on both streets and off-road tracks. It is legal on the streets of 50 states. What’s more do you need? Well, there is another thing, it won’t affect your vehicle’s factory warranty.

16-gauge stainless steel tubes are engineered to ensure maximum airflow without any interruption. The Dyno-tuned header is a great part of it as it is designed to ensure more usable torque and horsepower, especially for mid and low-range RPM. It allows the engine to breathe properly and as a result the engine remains cool and performs better without any problem.

Installing it doesn’t need any modification or something like that. The header is designed to directly replace the factory header of the compatible vehicles. Just put it in the place and install with the help of the bolts. It comes with all the hardware, so you won’t have to buy any.

Compatible with

1. 2003-2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, LT 5.3L
2. 2007-2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, LTZ 5.3L
3. 2002-2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, BASE 5.3L
4. 2002-2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, LS 5.3L
5. 2002-2007, 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, WT 5.3L
6. 2004-2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Z71 5.3L

There are a few more models. So, check once if you don’t find your Silverado in the list.

Pros

• No leaking guaranteed
• Ensures usable torque and horsepower
• Can be used on both streets and off-roads
• Compatible with both lowered and raised vehicle

Cons

• There are a few complains about the gasket

---

5. Pace Setter 72C2265 Performance Armor Coat Long Tube Exhaust Header

From Pace Setter, this is an amazing exhaust header that can improve your vehicle performance. Besides it is made to be durable so that it supports you for a long time.

It is made with 16 gauge carbon steel that ensures the durability it offers. Mandrel-bent tubes ensure proper flow of exhaust gas so that the engine can breathe freely. The tube lengths are optimized for ensuring the best performance. Also, the tubes are connected to the collector in proper firing way so that it works as per its maximum performance limit.

Flanges are CNC-machined and 3/8 inch thick. Those are designed to fit properly so that you don’t face any performance drop. Everything else is the same like the one from Pace Setter that I’ve talked before. One-piece design has made it easy to handle and install.

You’ll find two versions of it. One is black paint coated and another one comes with Armor Coat. Armor coated one will keep rust away for a long time and save the header for serving you longer.

Compatible with

1. 2007-2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2/4WD 5.3L
2. 1999-2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2/4WD, AWD 5.3L

Pros

• Quality material
• Designed to ensure performance
• Enough space for engine to breathe

Cons

• Clamps they provide may not be as expected

---

The Best Header for 5.3 Silverado Buying Guide 2021

Choosing a header for your Silverado is a critical decision because it is such an upgrade that uplifts the performance of your vehicle. Besides, it is a bit costly too. So, getting a header that doesn’t support your reason behind purchasing it is not a good thing.

To buy one of the best headers for 5.3 Silverado, there are a few things that you must check. Here I’m going to talk about the things that I’ve checked while choosing a long tube header. Hope it’ll help you to choose yours.

• Compatibility

You may buy the best exhaust header in the market, but if that is not compatible with your vehicle, you are on the losing side. Before buying a header, at first make sure that it is compatible with your vehicle model. Websites give you chance to check the compatibility. If you purchase offline, ask the salesperson about it. You’ll get the answer.

• Airflow Restriction

While buying a header, make sure that it allows the exhaust gas to flow freely. Headers with minimum airflow restriction ensure that the exhaust gas goes out quickly so that the engine can breathe properly. As a result, the performance of the vehicle increases. Airflow restriction mostly depends on the design and build of the header.

• Permission

I’ve seen some headers that don’t have permission on streets in some states. So, before choosing a header, please make sure that it has permission in the state you live. Otherwise, you may face problems. Maximum headers have permission in maximum states. But for being sure, you should check it.

• Length of the header

Size matters everywhere. It is true for choosing a header too. If you want a great exhaust haul, go for short headers for 5.3 silverodo because those are compact. On the other hand, choosing a long exhaust header will ensure more power for fast driving. Know your requirement and then choose one according to that.

• Material and Finishing

Material is important while buying a header because headers are long term investment. Good material ensures strength and durability. Durability is also ensured by the finishing. Inappropriate finishing may not restrict rust build-up. As a result, your exhaust header won’t last long. So, keep eyes on these too.

• Installation

This is another criterion you should focus on. Go for easy to install headers. Headers come with bolt-on installation are very easy to install and allows you to do the task. Here you should see another thing. Make sure that your vehicle has enough room to place the header. If there is not, you should not choose the header. Also, sometimes installing a header may require a bit modification. In that case, let a professional or experienced person do the task.

These are the things I focus on while buying headers for me or my near ones. You can also look for a few more things like warranty, price, and so on.

---

How to Install an Exhaust Header (DIY Video)

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do long tube headers really give more horsepower?

Answer: Horsepower depends on different things. But long tube headers have impact on your vehicle’s horsepower. Long pipes create less back pressure in your vehicle’s exhaust system. As a result, the engine gets enough chance to use the HP properly. In medium and high RPM vehicles, you’ll get better results. In low RPM vehicles, the result is a bit less but you’ll feel it.

Do headers make vehicles sound louder?

Answer: Yes, headers make the vehicles sound louder than regular. Short headers do the task better than long headers. But, a header is only one part of the exhaust system, there are so many. So, the header only won’t increase the sound that much. You’ll notice an increase though.

Is a header expensive?

Answer: There are different headers in different price ranges. The better the header is, the more the price. But overall, adding a header is comparatively a costly upgrade in maximum cases. So, it is better to keep your eyes open and invest some time to pick one.

---

Final Verdict

So, we are at the end of the discussion. Now you know some of the best headers for 5.3 Silverado. It’s your time to pick one from those. No matter what you pick, make sure that it fulfils your criteria. Otherwise, you won’t get the best output that you are expecting.

If you have any experience with any of the above-mentioned headers, let us know. We’ll be happy to know your opinion.