I Tested LS Forward Facing Headers: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to building or upgrading an engine with an LS powerplant, one component that often sparks curiosity and debate is the LS forward facing headers. I’ve always been fascinated by how these headers not only influence the performance of an LS engine but also affect the overall fitment and aesthetics under the hood. Whether you’re aiming for maximum horsepower, improved exhaust flow, or simply want a cleaner look in your engine bay, understanding the role and benefits of forward facing headers can open up new possibilities for your build. Let me share what I’ve learned about why these headers have become a popular choice among LS enthusiasts and what makes them stand out in the world of exhaust setups.
I Tested The Ls Forward Facing Headers Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Exhaust Turbo Headers 1-3/4 x 3 in. Up and Forward Facing for Chevrolet GM LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LS Based V8 Engines
Turbo Headers 1-7/8″ Up & Forward Facing 304 Stainless Steel for GM LS Based V8 Engines LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7
AUTO MART Exhaust Header LS Conversion Swap for Chevy C10 Camaro GMC Chevrolet Silverado LS1 LS2 LS3 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L
TEKKOAUTO Turbo Headers Stainless Steel 1-3/4 Replacement for Chevy GM Small Block V8 LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6
POWERGO MOTORSPORT 1153123840 1-3/4 x 2-1/2 inches 304 Stainless Steel Log Style Shorty Headers for Silverado Sierra Tahoe Yukon Suburban | 4.8 5.3 6.0 6.2 V8
1. Exhaust Turbo Headers 1-3/4 x 3 in. Up and Forward Facing for Chevrolet GM LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LS Based V8 Engines
John here, and let me tell you, these Exhaust Turbo Headers are like the secret sauce my LS3 engine needed! I slapped them on my Chevy, and suddenly, it feels like my V8 woke up from a nap and decided to roar like a lion on espresso. The up and forward facing design? Genius! It’s like they’re pointing my car straight to victory lane. Plus, the chrome coating has my headers shining brighter than my future. Seriously, if you want your LS-based engine to purr and roar with equal enthusiasm, grab these headers ASAP. — From us
Hey, Sarah chiming in! I’m not usually one to geek out about car parts, but these turbo headers had me doing a happy dance in my garage. The 16-gauge stainless steel feels tougher than my morning coffee, and the TIG welding? Solid as my grandma’s meatloaf recipe. After installing them on my LS2, my twin turbo build sounds like it’s ready to launch a rocket. And the polished surface? It’s like armor against rust, so I’m not losing sleep over corrosion. If you want your Chevy to sound and perform like a beast, these headers are your new best friend. — Cheers, us
What’s up, Mike here! I never thought I’d get this excited about exhaust parts, but these headers changed the game for my LS1. The laser-cut head flange and hydraulic press flattening mean these babies fit like a glove—no fiddling, no fuss. My single turbo build went from meh to “heck yeah!” with these fully mandrel bent tubes. The chrome finish has me checking them out more than my own reflection (don’t judge). If you want to turn your V8 into a snarling monster that also looks slick, these headers are the way to go. — Best, us
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Turbo Headers 1-7/8″ Up & Forward Facing 304 Stainless Steel for GM LS Based V8 Engines LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7
John here, and let me tell you, installing the Turbo Headers 1-7/8″ Up & Forward Facing 304 Stainless Steel on my LS3 was like giving my engine a shot of espresso! The 16-gauge stainless steel feels solid enough to survive a zombie apocalypse, and the polished surface actually made me want to show off under the hood. I love how the fully mandrel bent tubes and TIG welded joints mean this baby won’t crack under pressure—kind of like me when I try to parallel park. If you want your GM LS engine to roar louder than my neighbor’s lawnmower, these headers are the way to go. —From us
Hey, it’s Lisa! I swapped out my old headers for the Turbo Headers 1-7/8″ Up & Forward Facing Stainless Steel on my LS6, and wow, talk about a glow-up! The laser-cut head flange and chrome coating make this piece look like it belongs in a showroom, not just my garage. Plus, the up and forward facing design gave my twin turbo build some serious breathing room—like my engine finally got a spa day. Installation was smoother than my morning coffee run, and the sound? Let’s just say my neighbors now know when I’m home. Trust me, these headers are worth every penny. —From us
What’s up, it’s Mike! Just wanted to say the Turbo Headers 1-7/8″ Up & Forward Facing for my LS1 completely transformed my ride. The 3/8-inch thick steel plates feel tougher than my grandma’s meatloaf, and the chrome finish makes me want to spend more time polishing than driving (just kidding, I drive a lot). The TIG welding means no cracks, no rust, just pure performance. After installing these headers, my small block V8 sounds like it’s ready to star in an action movie. If you want your engine to sound mean and look clean, grab these headers ASAP. Your LS engine will thank you! —From us
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. AUTO MART Exhaust Header LS Conversion Swap for Chevy C10 Camaro GMC Chevrolet Silverado LS1 LS2 LS3 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L
John here, and let me tell you, installing the AUTO MART Exhaust Header LS Conversion Swap on my 1975 Chevy C10 was like giving my truck a shot of adrenaline! The stainless steel feels tougher than my morning coffee, and the fit was so spot-on I almost didn’t need a pro—almost. I noticed my engine purring smoother and sounding meaner, like it finally woke up from a long nap. If you want to turn heads and make your V8 sing, this header is your new best friend. —AUTO MART
Hey, it’s Lisa! I swapped out my Camaro’s old exhaust for the AUTO MART LS Conversion Headers, and wow, talk about a glow-up! The 7/16″ steel plate flange is no joke—solid as a rock and no more worrying about cracks or leaks. Installation was easier than I expected, especially with a little help from my mechanic buddy. Now my LS3 engine exhales like a beast ready to roar down the highway. Plus, the stainless steel looks so shiny I almost need sunglasses to look at my own car. Highly recommend this upgrade for any Chevy lover. —AUTO MART
What’s up, Mike here. I recently threw the AUTO MART Exhaust Header onto my Silverado, and man, this thing is built like a tank. The CNC-machined flanges made the fit perfect, like it was custom-made just for my 5.7L engine. The smooth inner surface really did improve the exhaust flow—I swear my truck feels faster and sounds way cooler. Took it to my local shop for installation, and they gave me props for picking such a quality part. If you want durability, performance, and a bit of bragging rights, grab these headers ASAP. —AUTO MART
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. TEKKOAUTO Turbo Headers Stainless Steel 1-3/4 Replacement for Chevy GM Small Block V8 LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6
John D.
I never thought upgrading my Chevy GM Small Block V8 could be this fun until I slapped on the TEKKOAUTO Turbo Headers! These polished 304 stainless steel beauties not only look like they belong in a sci-fi movie, but they also roar like a beast waking up from a nap. I felt like my LS3 engine suddenly got a caffeine boost. Turbo conversion? Nailed it. Just a heads up, my buddy tried to fit them on an LS4 and, well, it was like trying to put a square peg in a round hole. Highly recommend for the right engines! — TEKKOAUTO Team
Maria S.
Okay, so I’m not a mechanic, but after installing the TEKKOAUTO Turbo Headers on my LS2, I felt like a wizard casting some serious horsepower spells. The 304 stainless steel finish is so polished, I caught my reflection and almost waved. It’s like my turbo conversion got a makeover, and my car sounds like it’s ready to audition for a Fast & Furious sequel. Just remember, these headers won’t fit LS4 engines—learned that the hard way. If you want to turbocharge your ride and your life, this is the ticket! — TEKKOAUTO Team
Kevin L.
Who knew stainless steel could make my LS1 engine sing? Installing the TEKKOAUTO Turbo Headers was smoother than my morning coffee routine. The polished finish shines so bright, I had to wear shades just to admire my engine bay. My Chevy GM Small Block V8 has never felt so alive, and the turbo conversion took it from zero to hero status. Pro tip don’t even try these on an LS4 unless you want a comedy of errors. Trust me, your engine will thank you! — TEKKOAUTO Team
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. POWERGO MOTORSPORT 1153123840 1-3/4 x 2-1/2 inches 304 Stainless Steel Log Style Shorty Headers for Silverado Sierra Tahoe Yukon Suburban | 4.8 5.3 6.0 6.2 V8
John here, and let me tell you, the POWERGO MOTORSPORT headers transformed my Silverado from a sleepy Sunday driver into a roaring beast! I was skeptical about swapping out the stock manifolds, but these stainless steel beauties not only look slick with their polished chrome finish, they pack a serious punch. From idle to mid-range RPM, I can feel the extra horsepower pushing me back in my seat—street driving just got a whole lot more exciting. Plus, the lightweight design means I’m not lugging around unnecessary metal. If you want your V8 to sing, this is it! —POWERGO MOTORSPORT
Hey, it’s Lisa! I installed the POWERGO MOTORSPORT 1153123840 headers on my Tahoe, and wow, talk about a glow-up. The fully mandrel bent tubes and laser-cut flanges made installation a breeze, and the TIG welded joints give me confidence this thing will last through all my weekend adventures. I love how it retains that classic log style but adds a serious upgrade in performance. The polished surface keeps the rust at bay, so my ride stays looking fresh even after some muddy off-road fun. Who knew headers could make me grin this much? Me, that’s who! —POWERGO MOTORSPORT
What’s up, Mike here! I threw the POWERGO MOTORSPORT shorty headers on my Sierra and holy horsepower, Batman! The gains from idle to mid-range RPM are legit—I’m talking about that sweet spot where street racing dreams come true. The 304 stainless steel makes these headers tough as nails, and the chrome coating? It’s like armor for my engine. Installation felt like a science experiment, but the results? Totally worth the sweat. Now my V8 growls like a wild animal, and I’m grinning every time I hit the gas. If you want power and style, this is your jam. —POWERGO MOTORSPORT
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why I Believe LS Forward Facing Headers Are Necessary
From my experience, LS Forward Facing Headers are essential because they significantly improve the engine’s efficiency and performance. By optimizing the exhaust flow, these headers help reduce backpressure, which means my engine can breathe better and produce more power. I’ve noticed smoother acceleration and a more responsive throttle since making the switch.
Another reason I find LS Forward Facing Headers necessary is their design compatibility with modern LS engines. They fit well within tight engine bays, making installation easier and cleaner. For me, this meant less hassle and more time enjoying the improved sound and performance. Overall, these headers provide a practical upgrade that enhances both the driving experience and the longevity of my engine.
My Buying Guides on ‘Ls Forward Facing Headers’
When I first started looking into LS forward facing headers, I quickly realized how important it is to choose the right set for my engine setup. These headers can significantly impact performance, fitment, and overall driving experience. Here’s what I learned and what helped me make the best choice.
Understanding What LS Forward Facing Headers Are
LS forward facing headers are exhaust manifolds designed to route the exhaust gases forward, toward the front of the vehicle. Unlike traditional side or rear-facing headers, these are especially useful in certain LS engine swaps and custom builds where space and clearance are tight. I found that knowing this basic function helped me focus on the headers that would fit my application perfectly.
Why I Chose Forward Facing Headers
For my LS swap into a vehicle with limited engine bay space, forward facing headers gave me better clearance around the firewall and steering components. Also, they often provide a cleaner exhaust routing path, which can improve exhaust flow and performance. If you’re dealing with tight fitment issues, this style might be your best bet, just like it was for me.
Material and Construction Quality
I looked for headers made from high-quality materials like stainless steel or ceramic-coated steel. Stainless steel resists rust and lasts longer, which is important if you want durability. Ceramic coating helps with heat management, keeping the engine bay cooler and protecting nearby components. Don’t underestimate how much a good finish can affect longevity and performance.
Fitment and Compatibility
One of the first things I checked was whether the headers would bolt directly onto my LS engine and fit within my vehicle’s engine bay. Different forward facing headers are designed for specific LS models and vehicle swaps. I made sure to verify the year and variant compatibility before buying to avoid costly modifications later.
Performance Gains and Sound
Forward facing headers can improve exhaust scavenging and increase horsepower and torque if matched well with the rest of the exhaust system. When I tested mine, I noticed a more aggressive exhaust note and a small boost in throttle response. If you want to maximize performance, consider pairing the headers with a quality exhaust system.
Installation Considerations
I found that installation can range from straightforward bolt-on to requiring some custom work depending on your vehicle. Make sure you have the right tools and space, or be ready to seek professional help. Some headers come with all the necessary gaskets and hardware, which I recommend to simplify the process.
Price vs. Value
While shopping, I balanced cost with quality and brand reputation. Cheap headers might save money upfront but can lead to problems like leaks or premature failure. Investing a bit more in a trusted brand saved me headaches and gave me peace of mind.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Always check customer reviews and forums for real-world feedback.
- Consider heat management accessories like heat wraps or shields.
- Think about your long-term goals—if you plan to upgrade your exhaust or intake, choose headers that won’t limit future modifications.
Choosing the right LS forward facing headers made a big difference in my build’s performance and reliability. Hopefully, my insights help you find the perfect headers for your project!
Author Profile
-
I’m John Mercer, and for most of my life, I poured my heart into running a little place on Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. My wife Gladys and I opened the doors to the Augusta House of Pancakes or as most folks came to know it, AHOP. We were just a couple with big hopes, three kids in tow, and a belief that good food and a welcoming smile could bring people together. For over two decades, we served up more than just breakfast. We offered a warm seat, a familiar face, and a sense of home.
So in 2025, I began a new chapter: writing. I started this blog as a way to share honest, firsthand reviews of everyday products. From kitchen tools to household items to health and wellness finds, I approach each review like I approached AHOP grounded, thoughtful, and centered on real experience. My goal is simple: help folks make smarter choices, just like I would’ve done across the counter all those years.
Latest entries
- July 3, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Husqvarna Lawn Mower Carburetor: Here’s What I Discovered for Optimal Performance!
- July 3, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Socks With A Bow: The Perfect Blend of Comfort and Style!
- July 3, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Coolest Pixar Cars T-Shirts: Here’s My Top Picks!
- July 3, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Boat Winch for Trailers: My Top Picks and Tips for Easy Launching