Does your 5.7 Hemi Charger feel like it’s holding back? You know that powerful engine has more to give, but sometimes it just doesn’t roar like you want it to. That’s where the magic of long tube headers comes in, but choosing the right ones can feel like navigating a maze. So many brands, so many styles – it’s enough to make anyone scratch their head!
Many Charger owners dream of that extra horsepower and a throatier exhaust note, but the sheer volume of information and conflicting advice out there can be overwhelming. You want to upgrade your ride, but you don’t want to waste money on something that won’t deliver or, worse, cause problems. It’s a common frustration for enthusiasts looking to unlock their Hemi’s true potential.
In this post, we’re going to break it all down. We’ll explore what makes long tube headers so special for your 5.7 Hemi, what to look for, and how to avoid common pitfalls. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing the perfect set to give your Charger the sound and performance it deserves. Let’s dive in!
Our Top 5 Long Tube Headers For 5.7 Hemi Charger Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Long Tube Headers For 5.7 Hemi Charger Detailed Reviews
1. BBK 1405 Premium Exhaust Header Gaskets Set for Dodge Hemi 5.7L
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrade your Dodge Hemi with the BBK 1405 Premium Exhaust Header Gaskets Set. These gaskets are designed specifically for the 5.7L and 6.1L Hemi engines. They promise a better seal for your exhaust headers. BBK is a top performance brand in America. They design and build their parts right here.
What We Like:
- These gaskets are made from premium graphite. This material makes sure there are no leaks.
- They are port matched. This means they fit your headers perfectly for the best exhaust flow.
- The gaskets are built for high temperatures. This makes them great for demanding performance uses.
- You get a pair of gaskets. This is everything you need for your exhaust headers.
- BBK is a trusted name in aftermarket performance.
What Could Be Improved:
- These are specialized parts. They might not be as easy to find as generic gaskets.
- While they are premium, the cost might be a bit higher than basic gasket sets.
If you want a reliable and high-performing seal for your Hemi’s exhaust headers, this BBK set is a strong contender. They offer quality materials and a design focused on performance.
2. Hooker Headers BHS566: E-Body G3 Hemi Swap Brackets
Rating: 9.2/10
Are you looking to put a modern G3 Hemi engine into your classic E-Body Mopar? The Hooker Headers BHS566 brackets are designed to make that swap much easier. These brackets help you correctly position the engine in your car. This means less fussing around and more time for driving. They are made with HIGH QUALITY materials, so you know they will last.
What We Like:
- Makes installing a G3 Hemi in an E-Body simpler.
- Ensures correct engine placement for better fit.
- Built with HIGH QUALITY materials for durability.
- Reduces fabrication work needed for the swap.
What Could Be Improved:
- Can be a bit pricey for some budgets.
- Installation instructions could be clearer for beginners.
If you’re serious about a G3 Hemi swap into your E-Body, these Hooker Headers brackets are a solid investment. They help ensure a proper and strong installation.
3. Doug’s Headers D3373 1-5/8″ 4-Tube Manifold Replacement Metallic Ceramic Coated Exhaust Header for Chevrolet Truck 5.3L 02-07
Rating: 8.9/10
Upgrade your Chevrolet truck’s exhaust system with Doug’s Headers D3373. This header set is designed specifically for the 5.3L engine from 2002 to 2007. It replaces your stock manifolds with a high-performance setup. The metallic ceramic coating helps keep temperatures down and looks great. You’ll get better engine performance and a more aggressive exhaust sound.
What We Like:
- The thick flanges, ranging from 3/8 inch to 5/8 inch, prevent warping.
- CNC mandrel bent tubes ensure a precise fit and improved exhaust flow.
- Long transition collectors are precisely formed to lower backpressure.
- Heavy gauge tubing (16 and 14G) makes these headers last longer.
- Pre-polished header tubes give them a much better look.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation can be challenging for beginners.
- The price point is higher than basic exhaust upgrades.
Overall, the Doug’s Headers D3373 offers a significant performance and aesthetic boost for your Chevrolet truck. It’s a solid investment for anyone looking to enhance their vehicle’s capabilities.
4. Doug’s Headers (D358-B) 1-5/8″ 4-Tube Black Coating Hi-Temperature Full Length Exhaust Header for Chevrolet Pass Small Block Engine
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrade your Chevrolet Pass Small Block engine with Doug’s Headers (D358-B). These full-length headers are built tough and designed for better performance. They feature a sleek black coating that can handle high temperatures, making them a great addition for any car enthusiast looking to boost their ride.
What We Like:
- The 3/8″ thick machined flanges mean they won’t bend or warp.
- CNC mandrel bent tubes give you a perfect fit and smoother exhaust flow.
- The long transition collectors and long tube design help your engine breathe easier, giving you more power at higher speeds.
- Heavy 16 gauge tubing makes these headers last a long time.
- The tubes are polished before coating, so they look great right out of the box.
- The hi-temperature black coating protects them and looks sharp.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation can be a bit tricky for beginners.
- While the black coating is durable, it can eventually chip or scratch with heavy use.
Doug’s Headers (D358-B) offer a solid performance upgrade with impressive durability. They are a smart investment for anyone wanting to get more out of their Chevrolet engine.
Upgrade Your Ride: Long Tube Headers for Your 5.7 Hemi Charger
Ready to give your Dodge Charger with the mighty 5.7 Hemi engine a serious boost? Long tube headers are a popular upgrade that can unleash more power and give your car a throaty, aggressive sound. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right ones? This guide will help you make a smart choice.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for long tube headers, keep these important features in mind:
- Pipe Diameter: This is how wide each exhaust pipe is. Bigger pipes generally let exhaust gases escape faster, which can mean more power. For a 5.7 Hemi, you’ll often see diameters ranging from 1 ¾ inches to 2 inches.
- Primary Tube Length: Long tube headers have longer pipes that lead to the collector. Longer primaries can help improve low-end torque, meaning your car will feel stronger when you accelerate from a stop.
- Collector Size: The collector is where all the individual pipes come together. A larger collector can help scavenge (pull) exhaust gases away more effectively.
- O2 Sensor Bungs: These are special holes where your car’s oxygen sensors plug in. Make sure the headers have the correct number and placement of bungs for your Charger.
- Fitment and Clearance: Headers need to fit your specific Charger model and year without hitting anything like the steering components or the frame.
Important Materials
The material your headers are made from makes a big difference in their performance, durability, and price.
- 304 Stainless Steel: This is the gold standard. It’s super strong, resists rust and corrosion really well, and can handle high temperatures. It’s a bit more expensive, but it lasts a long time.
- 316 Stainless Steel: This is also a great option. It offers excellent corrosion resistance, even better than 304 in some environments.
- Mild Steel with Coating: Some headers are made from regular steel and then coated to protect them from rust. This is usually a cheaper option, but the coating can wear off over time, and they might not last as long as stainless steel.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can affect how good your headers are.
- Construction Quality: Look for neat welds and smooth bends. Poorly made headers might have leaks or not fit correctly. Good construction means the exhaust gases flow smoothly.
- Design and Engineering: Headers designed by experienced engineers will have the right pipe lengths and diameters to work best with your 5.7 Hemi engine. This can lead to better performance gains.
- Brand Reputation: Stick with well-known brands that have a good track record for making quality performance parts. They often have better customer support too.
- Fitment Issues: If headers don’t fit perfectly, they can be a nightmare to install. This can reduce the overall quality of your upgrade because you might have exhaust leaks or clearance problems.
User Experience and Use Cases
Why do people install long tube headers?
- Performance Boost: Most users report a noticeable increase in horsepower and torque. This means quicker acceleration and a more responsive engine.
- Aggressive Exhaust Note: Long tube headers give your Charger a deeper, louder, and more aggressive sound. It’s a sound that many Hemi owners love.
- Improved Engine Breathing: The smoother, less restrictive flow of exhaust gases helps your engine “breathe” better. This can also lead to slightly better fuel economy on the highway, though the primary goal is performance.
- Track Days and Performance Driving: For those who take their Chargers to the track or enjoy spirited driving, headers are a common modification to maximize performance.
- Show Cars: The sleek look of polished stainless steel headers can also be a nice visual upgrade for car shows.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will long tube headers void my Charger’s warranty?
A: Modifying your exhaust system, including installing long tube headers, can potentially void your powertrain warranty. It’s always best to check with your dealership before making any modifications.
Q: Do I need a tune after installing long tube headers?
A: While not always strictly necessary, a custom tune is highly recommended. A tune optimizes your engine’s air-fuel ratio and ignition timing to take full advantage of the new headers, maximizing performance and preventing potential issues.
Q: Are long tube headers difficult to install?
A: Installation can be challenging and often requires lifting the car. Some DIYers can do it, but many prefer to have a professional mechanic install them to ensure proper fitment and avoid leaks.
Q: Will long tube headers make my Charger illegal to drive on the street?
A: This depends on your local emissions laws. Many long tube headers are not emissions-legal and may require custom catalytic converters or off-road use only. Always check your local regulations.
Q: What kind of horsepower gain can I expect?
A: With a good set of headers and a proper tune, you can typically expect gains of 15-30 horsepower and similar torque increases on a 5.7 Hemi Charger.
Q: Do I need new exhaust pipes or mufflers?
A: Long tube headers typically connect to your factory mid-pipes and mufflers. However, to get the most out of them, many owners also upgrade their cat-back exhaust system.
Q: How much do long tube headers typically cost?
A: Prices can vary widely, but expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1500 or more for a quality set of long tube headers, depending on the material and brand.
Q: Will long tube headers make my car louder?
A: Yes, long tube headers will significantly increase the volume and change the tone of your exhaust, making it louder and more aggressive.
Q: Are there any downsides to installing long tube headers?
A: Besides the potential warranty issues and emissions concerns, installation can be tricky, and the increased exhaust volume might not be desirable for everyone.
Q: What is the difference between shorty headers and long tube headers?
A: Shorty headers are shorter and designed to bolt directly to your factory exhaust system. Long tube headers have much longer primary tubes and offer greater performance gains, especially at higher RPMs, but often require modifications to the rest of the exhaust system.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.