Is your Ram 1500 feeling a little sluggish? Do you wish it had more pep when you hit the gas? You’re not alone! Many Ram owners want to boost their truck’s power and performance. One popular way to do this is by upgrading your exhaust system.
Choosing the right parts can be tricky. Shorty headers are a great upgrade. But, there are a lot of them out there! It’s tough to know which ones fit your truck and offer the best results. Picking the wrong headers can be a waste of money and time.
This blog post is here to help! We’ll break down everything you need to know about Shorty Headers for your Ram 1500. You’ll learn what they are, how they work, and which ones might be the best fit for you. Get ready to discover how to unlock some extra power and sound from your truck. Let’s get started and make your Ram 1500 perform better than ever!
Our Top 5 Shorty Headers For Ram 1500 Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Shorty Headers For Ram 1500 Detailed Reviews
1. Exhaust Shorty Headers Manifold 304 Stainless Steel Polished Finish for Ram 1500 2500 3500 Pickup Truck 5.7L V8 Hemi 2003-2008
Rating: 8.6/10
Looking to boost your Ram pickup’s power? These Exhaust Shorty Headers are a great upgrade! They are made for 2003-2008 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks with the 5.7L V8 Hemi engine. This product replaces your old manifolds. They bolt right on to your existing exhaust pipes. The headers are built to give you more power, especially at lower speeds.
What We Like:
- Easy installation. They replace the old manifolds.
- They give you more power from the engine.
- Made from strong 304 stainless steel.
- The headers are polished and shiny to help prevent rust.
- All the joints are welded strong to stop cracking.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may want to make sure this product is right for their specific vehicle.
These Exhaust Shorty Headers are a solid choice for Ram truck owners. If you want more power and a better look, this is a good option!
2. Shorty Stainless Performance Headers For Dodge Ram 1500 2009-2015 5.7L HEMI
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your Dodge Ram 1500 (2009-2015) with these Shorty Stainless Performance Headers! These headers are made to boost your truck’s power. They are built strong. The headers are made with CNC machine flanges. They have TIG and MIG welded construction. These headers bolt right on. They are made with high-quality polished stainless steel. The piping is mandrel bent.
What We Like:
- The headers bolt on easily. You don’t need to make changes.
- They are made of shiny, polished stainless steel. This looks great!
- The construction is strong. The welds are good.
- The mandrel bent piping helps with better airflow.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some people might want more power gains.
- The price could be higher than other options.
These performance headers are a good upgrade for your Ram. They are easy to install and look fantastic. You can make your truck run better with these headers.
3. Exhaust Shorty Headers 1-1/2 x 2-1/2 inch. Black Paint for 1996-2002 Dakota Durango Ram 1500 2500 3500 5.2L 5.9L Magnum V8
Rating: 8.7/10
Looking to boost your truck’s power? These Exhaust Shorty Headers are made for your 1996-2002 Dodge Dakota, Durango, and Ram 1500/2500/3500 with a 5.2L or 5.9L Magnum V8 engine. They replace your old exhaust manifolds. These headers are designed to give you more power from the start. They are easy to install and use your stock exhaust pipes. The headers are made of strong steel and are built to last.
What We Like:
- These headers are a direct fit. You can bolt them on.
- You will get more horsepower. The power boost is best at low and mid speeds.
- They are made from strong, cold-rolled steel.
- The head flange is cut with a laser. It is made from thick steel.
- They are welded with TIG welding. This makes them tough and helps prevent cracks.
- The paint can handle high heat. It can take up to 500C (932F).
What Could Be Improved:
- The black paint may scratch over time.
Overall, these headers are a good choice if you want to improve your truck’s performance. They are a simple upgrade that gives you more power.
4. Exhaust Headers 1-5/8 x 2-1/2 in. 304 Stainless Steel Polished Finish for 2009-2017 RAM 1500 Pickup Truck 5.7L Hemi V8
Rating: 8.5/10
Upgrade your 2009-2017 RAM 1500 Pickup Truck with these high-performance exhaust headers. Designed specifically for the 5.7L Hemi V8 engine, these headers are a direct replacement for your stock manifolds. They bolt right on to your existing exhaust pipes. Made from strong 304 stainless steel, these headers are built to last and give your truck a boost in power. The polished finish looks great and helps protect against rust. Get ready for improved performance with these easy-to-install headers.
What We Like:
- Direct replacement and easy bolt-on fit.
- Boosts horsepower from low to mid RPM.
- Made from strong, 16-gauge 304 stainless steel.
- Laser-cut head flanges are thick and strong.
- TIG welds make the headers tough and prevent cracks.
- Polished surface resists rust and looks awesome.
What Could Be Improved:
- No cons.
These exhaust headers are a great upgrade for your RAM 1500. They offer a simple way to get more power and a better look for your truck.
5. JBA 1961S-1 1-5/8″ Shorty Stainless Steel Exhaust Header for Ram 5.7L Hemi 2500 4WD 1500
Rating: 9.1/10
The JBA 1961S-1 exhaust header is made for Ram trucks with a 5.7L Hemi engine. It fits 2500 4WD and 1500 models. This header is built to help your engine breathe better and make more power. It uses strong stainless steel. It is designed for a good fit and easy installation. This exhaust header helps your truck perform better.
What We Like:
- Mandrel bent stainless steel tubes help exhaust flow freely.
- The patented JBA Firecone collector helps gather exhaust gases efficiently.
- Factory style emission connections make it easy to install.
- Extra thick collector domes add strength and durability.
- 3/8 inch thick CNC laser-cut flanges with oversized exhaust ports provide a great seal.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation can be challenging for some people.
- The cost might be higher than other options.
In conclusion, the JBA 1961S-1 exhaust header is a good upgrade for your Ram truck. It gives your engine a boost in power and performance.
Shorty Headers for Your Ram 1500: A Buying Guide
Are you ready to make your Ram 1500 truck even better? Shorty headers can give your truck more power. They can also help with how your engine sounds. This guide will help you find the best shorty headers for your needs.
What are Shorty Headers?
Shorty headers are exhaust pipes that connect to your engine. They replace the factory exhaust manifolds. They are shorter than long tube headers. Shorty headers are easier to install.
Key Features to Look For
When picking shorty headers, you need to know what is important.
- Fitment: Make sure the headers fit your Ram 1500. Check the year and model.
- Material: Look at the material. Stainless steel is strong. It can handle heat and lasts a long time.
- Tube Size: Bigger tubes let exhaust flow better. This can give you more power.
- Flange Thickness: Thick flanges help prevent leaks.
- Finish: Some headers have a coating. This can protect them from rust.
Important Materials
The material of the headers is very important.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice. It is strong and resists rust.
- Mild Steel: This is cheaper. But, it can rust.
- Ceramic Coating: This coating helps protect the headers. It also helps keep the engine cool.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make headers good. Other things make them bad.
- Welds: Good welds mean the headers will last. Look for smooth, strong welds.
- Design: The design of the headers affects how well they work. A good design helps exhaust flow.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands make better headers than others. Research the brand before you buy.
- Installation Hardware: Make sure the headers come with all the parts you need. This includes bolts, gaskets, and sometimes O2 sensor extensions.
- Price: Cheap headers might not be good. Expensive headers are not always the best. Consider the value.
User Experience and Use Cases
People use shorty headers for different reasons.
- More Power: Headers can give your truck more horsepower and torque.
- Better Sound: Headers can change the sound of your exhaust. It can sound more aggressive.
- Easy Installation: Shorty headers are easier to install than long tube headers.
- Daily Driving: Shorty headers are good for daily driving. They don’t hang low like long tube headers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about shorty headers for Ram 1500 trucks.
Q: Will shorty headers give me a big power increase?
A: You will see some power gains. Don’t expect a huge change. You may notice more power in the mid-range.
Q: Are shorty headers hard to install?
A: No, they are usually easier to install than long tube headers. You might still need some mechanical skills.
Q: Do I need to modify anything else to install shorty headers?
A: You might need to replace your exhaust system. You could also need a new tune for your engine.
Q: Will shorty headers make my truck sound louder?
A: Yes, they often do. The sound will depend on your exhaust system too.
Q: What material is best for shorty headers?
A: Stainless steel is a great choice. It is durable and resists rust.
Q: Do I need to retune my engine after installing shorty headers?
A: It is a good idea. A tune will help you get the most power from your headers.
Q: Can I install shorty headers myself?
A: If you are good with tools, you can. If not, a mechanic can install them.
Q: What is the difference between shorty and long tube headers?
A: Shorty headers are shorter and easier to install. Long tube headers are longer and might give you more power.
Q: Will shorty headers pass emissions testing?
A: It depends on where you live. Check your local laws. Make sure the headers have the correct fittings for your sensors.
Q: How much do shorty headers cost?
A: The price varies. Expect to pay from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand. The price depends on the brand and the material.
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.