10 Best Long Tube Headers for 5.3 Silverado

You’ve been eyeing a long tube header to replace the factory exhaust on your 5.3 Chevy truck, but you’re not sure which one is best. The options can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t know what to look for in a long tube header! We’ve put together this buyer’s guide for the best long tube headers for 5.3 Silverado trucks to make your choice a little easier.

The 5.3L engine is a bit of an oddball in the GM lineup, with many different variations and configurations. Long Tube Headers are one of them as they are an excellent upgrade for your Silverado and are much better than the short tube headers. 

Long Tube Headers extend the exhaust pipe into the engine, which means that more of your engine’s power reaches the ground and is not lost through a muffler.

Choosing the right long tube headers can be confusing, especially if you’re new to modifying your truck or have never had them installed on any vehicle before. Also, there are so many options out there, so it can be a challenge to find the best headers, as it’s hard to know where to start.

We’ll help you sort through all the options so you can get started on making your Silverado even better.

We’ve done the research and have compiled the list top 10 best Long Tube Headers for 5.3 Silverado available in the market. So that you can choose one that suits your needs and budget and can install these yourself with minimal tools and effort.

Best Long Tube Headers for 5.3 Silverado – Our Top Picks!

Last update on 2024-11-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Long tube headers are known for being great investments if you want to unlock the true power of your engine. We have gathered information on various products and tested different headers to extract those units of high quality and performance.

Here are our recommended headers.

Gibson GP129S Long tube headers are made out of high-quality 304 stainless steel that lasts long. Engineered for GM vehicles like Silverado, these headers are made to replace your factory manifolds with ease. 

The 1 5/8 inches tubing doesn’t rust or corrode easily. The design allows for unrestricted airflow with direct fit bolt-on installation and header items come with the necessary flanges and gaskets that are designed to offer a perfect seal between manifolds and gaskets.

These headers can hold pressure better than a standard manifold, and they allow more of the engine’s power to reach the ground. Their installation is something that you can easily achieve if you have some DIY experience and tools.

Due to their universal design, they can directly fit certain models, but the installation might be a bit more difficult for some. You can easily install them in 30-60 minutes, but adding the wiring could take you up to an hour.

No welding is required to install them. Instructions are included in the package, but you will need to drill holes into your upper engine supports for proper installation.

Because they use OEM-style connections, the headers will install easily and give you a perfect connection with your engine. This means that there won’t be any leaks or other problems from improperly installed headers.

Moreover, this gadget has heavy-duty laser-cut port flanges that are made of premium steel. They won’t warp, so you won’t have to worry about that. Laser-cut steel has excellent stiffness characteristics, which is what you want when you’re dealing with flanges on your headers.

The flanges are designed for perfect sealing with stainless steel gaskets and premium hardware, so you won’t have any problems with leaks.

You will like that these headers meet EPA and FA carburetor requirements. You won’t have to do anything else to make them work properly for your engine. They measure 24 inches by 10 inches by 10 inches and weigh about 17 pounds.

If you plan on installing them yourself, then the weight and the size shouldn’t be a problem. You can easily store them in any toolbox until you are ready to install them.

This header is one of the best long tube headers for 5.3 Silverado you can get. It is CNC machined at 3/8 inches thick, which is pretty big if you are looking for a durable but affordable header. Its thick steel flanges are matched to the exhaust port profile for optimum seal, so that is one more reason to prefer this header.

As we said before, the flanges are 3/8 inches thick. They might resist more heat than the usual 16-gauge stainless steel flanges. It’s a nice addition to this header, but it is optional really.

The Flash Control Technology is designed to improve the torque output of your engine by allowing it to breathe better. It features 16-gauge steel, but the header is covered by a protective layer of steel called “Flash Coat” that Stainless Works can easily remove to maintain durability and reliability.

We loved that the headers come with oxygen sensor fittings that are pre-installed into the collectors. This allows you to remove and street the headers without removing the O2 sensors, this can make a huge difference in terms of practicality.

Furthermore, the tube has a 1-5/8 inches diameter at the primaries. It is 2-1/4 inches for the collectors, which is a very good measurement. The length of the primary tubes is 16 inches and the collectors are 20 inches long, but they can be customized.

Overall, these tubes are arranged in a manner that is beneficial to scavenging. The tube enters the collector in proper sequence for maximum scavenging, to keep the cylinder in the optimal position for better gas flow and thus more power.

PaceSetter 70-1332 is a Black Shorty Exhaust Header that is perfect for any automotive enthusiast looking to replace the stock manifolds in their vehicle. 

The CNC-Machined 3/8 inch thick flanges are made of high-quality metal that is durable and long-lasting. These ensure that there is little chance the exhaust manifold will be damaged even under regular use.

It is a well-known fact that the more surface area there is between two objects, the more effective their heat exchange will be. The port-matched thick steel flanges are designed to eliminate the need to merge two different metals. The exhaust flow will be much more effective and flow through your vehicle’s system a lot faster with the PaceSetter.

In addition to that, the tubing is mandrel-bent to ensure the exhaust gases can flow through smoothly. This will greatly improve the car’s performance and provide a much smoother drive for the car owner.

Optional Armor*Coat Available (2000-degree metallic ceramic coating) ensures that the heat shield is protected from corrosion and rust. This will ensure that the heat shield remains intact for a longer duration.

Another great feature of this product is that the 16-gauge carbon steel material is sturdy and long-lasting. It ensures that the exhaust header can withstand harsh weather conditions. This product will last for a more extended period and is highly recommended for anyone who owns a high-performance vehicle and wants to improve its performance.

Also, its exhaust header is straightforward to install onto the vehicle. All you need to do is remove the old exhaust manifolds and replace them with the new ones to ensure that you get high-quality output and a smoother drive. 

The high-quality gaskets ensure that no exhaust gases will leak out and that your car runs plainly and there is a reduced chance of any accidents caused due to leakage or malfunctioning.

Because of its high compatibility, this header is preferred by many people. It is compatible with 2000-2006 Chevy Suburban 1500 5.3L, 2000-2006 Chevy Tahoe 4.8L 5.3L, 1999-2006 GMC Sierra 4.8L 5.3L, 2001-2006 GMC Yukon 4.8L 5.3L and 2000-2006 GMC Yukon XL 5.3L.

It is made up of Chrome Polished Stainless Steel which doesn’t require painting etc. It is 100% corrosion resistant and will never rust. This header also comes with a many-year warranty showing how valuable it is to the manufacturer.

BetterCloud’s head flange Thickness of 7/16 inches and CNC machined flanges with TIG and MIG welded construction make it suitable for high pressure and offer reliability. The header’s primary tube size is 1.75″, ensuring the free flow of exhaust gases. The product features a heavy-duty 3/8″ thick flange. This increases the durability of the product.

A large outlet size of 2.5 inches helps in the increased flow rate of gases and enriches the engine performance making it one of the best long tube headers 5.3 Silverado 4×4.

You will like that its composite 8-2 lightweight design results in the free flow of exhaust gases. This reduces the product weight and increases its compatibility with other models.

Kooks header is a pretty simple design. It is made of stainless steel of 1-3/4″ x 3″ size so that it can easily fit into the engine compartment of a Silverado, Yukon, or Suburban without any issue. These stainless-steel headers give an aggressive tone. The sound is smooth and deep, with no raspiness or those annoying drone sounds.

The headers are designed with the O2 bungs welded in, so there is no need to make any modifications. This feature is a great choice for those who do not have a lot of space under the hood. 

Also, it works with GM vehicles in the 4.8 to the 6.2-liter range, which includes 1999-2012 GM LS Truck; Fits Silverado/Tahoe/Escalade/Yukon 4.8L/5.3L/6.0L/6.2L. It’s easy to install this unit. The whole process takes less than two hours.

Weighing only 28.9 pounds, these are lightweight products and can be easily installed without any modifications to your vehicle. It comes with a user manual guide that details the installation process as well as tips to maximize performance.

This product is made of T-201 ultra-lightweight polished stainless steel due to which it looks very well made. It feels heavy and solid, with no welds that you can feel with your fingers or any gaps in the piping and the welds are very neat.

The build quality of the flanges is very good thanks to 4-1 mandrel bent piping type with C.N.C machined flanges made exhaust header which makes it the best shorty headers for 5.3 Silverado.

The better airflow design offers higher power gain, the power increases from 10 to 15 horsepower approximately. The header is compatible with 2001-2004 GMC YUKON, 2000-2004 GMC YUKON XL 1500, 1999-2005 GMC SIERRA 1500, 2002-2005 CHEVY AVALANCHE 1500, 1999-2005 CHEVY SILVERADO 1500, 2000-2004 CHEVY SUBURBAN 1500 and 2000-2004 CHEVY TAHOE models.

We recommend this best shorty header for 5.3 Silverado to those looking for a more efficient and different look on their vehicle.

You will need to remove factory exhaust manifolds to install the exhaust header for the installation. More installation is mentioned in the user manual that comes along with this package.

This is the best budget long tube header for all Small Block Chevrolet owners, and it’s even better than most of the short tube headers. 

It’s specifically engineered 1-5/8″ Specific Fit Exhaust Header is for the Chevrolet engine and that includes compatibility with both manual transmission and overdrive automatic transmission, but you can still run it on a big block if you’re forced to. This header will fit 6-cylinder engines, V8s with stock heads and the matching shorty headers are also available for V8s with aftermarket big valve heads.

The ceramic coating is only applied on the outside of the header pipe to install it with no fuss even if you have headers with a ceramic coating that are only compatible with ceramic-coated shorty headers. This header has a noticeable increase in power, but it’s not as much as with the others. It sounds great on its own, and it is very affordable.

One of the best features of this device is the durable 18-gauge tubing which allows for optimal flow and each header is 100% DYNO-tested before it leaves Patriot’s facilities. It’s available in three finishes: uncoated for easy customization, chrome for a show-winning shine, and metallic ceramic for that gleam.

This exhaust system from Luca is built to handle all types of Silverado trucks. They’ve even designed it for multiple engine types. This exhaust system is made to handle a lot of power, and make your truck sound great.

We love that this exhaust is made out of 304 stainless steel which will provide you with years of trouble-free performance, and prevent your exhaust from getting rust and corrosion.

We like that this comes with a CNC machined flange that allows it to be bolted onto your truck. This makes it a lot easier to install, and you won’t have to worry about making any cuts or dents in your truck.

This exhaust system is built with mandrel-bent tubing, which means that you won’t have to worry about it being too straight, and you won’t have to worry about cutting the tubing to get it in place.

Additionally, this exhaust comes with a mandrel-bent manifold, which is a way to get more power out of your engine, while also making sure that you’re getting the best sound possible.

In addition to this, you get a manifold gasket that is designed to work with your exhaust system. This gasket will help to seal your exhaust and also helps to make sure that your exhaust system is as quiet as possible, and will help to prevent any leaks from happening.

Moreover, you get a dyno-proven exhaust system that is built to perform. This means that it’s been tested on a dyno, and has proven to be the best way to get the most power out of your engine.

After testing this exhaust system, we can say to you that it’s a great choice for any Silverado, and you’ll get the performance you want, and the sound that you’ve been looking for.

Overall, this is a great exhaust system that is made out of quality materials and is built to last.

The PG PowerGo MotorSport exhaust for the Silverado is a great upgrade if you’re looking for more performance out of your Silverado. The exhaust is designed to provide horsepower gains from idle to mid-range RPM and comes with a great performance package.

We love that this exhaust comes with full mandrel bent tubes made of 16-gauge steel, this high-performance system allows you to rev your truck to the fullest without fear of breaking the engine.

We like that the exhaust comes with thick steel plates and is flattened by a hydraulic press, this helps to make sure that the exhaust is durable and long-lasting.

The exhaust also comes with a great high-temp paint that can withstand up to 500C or 932F, so you don’t have to worry about your exhaust melting or cracking.

Additionally, we like that this exhaust comes with laser-cut head flanges and that the gaskets are included. These are important when installing a new exhaust system.

Moreover, the sound of this exhaust is great and we love the fact that it’s quiet and smooth, and is perfect for a streetcar or a street racer.

In addition, this exhaust is made of cold roll flash mild steel that provides great sound quality and it’s designed to be compatible with the engine in your Silverado.

After testing this exhaust, we were impressed with the airflow system that prevents it from getting clogged up and overheating.

Overall, we were impressed with the performance and quality of this exhaust, and we love that it comes with a great performance package.

The Mophorn Exhaust Header Set 1 3/4″ Exhaust Turbo Headers are a high-quality exhaust system that’s built to last. They’re designed to be a bolt-on to your vehicle and will improve your engine’s performance.

We love that these exhaust system gaskets and bolts are the same as the original ones that came with the vehicle, and they are made to fit your truck’s exact specifications. It makes the installation process a lot easier, and it also means that you don’t have to buy them separately.

We like that this exhaust system is designed to handle the immense pressure that comes from being attached to a supercharged engine.

The thick, high-quality flanges and advanced welding ensure that they will withstand the forces that come from the exhaust, ensuring a long lifespan.

Moreover, it comes with a polished surface, these exhaust headers can be left alone or painted black. They come with a high-quality surface that won’t rust or corrode, so you won’t have to worry about the pipes becoming rusty or getting covered in rust.

So, whether you’re using an original factory engine or a modern turbocharger, this exhaust system will ensure that your engine gets the power it deserves.

Additionally, for those looking to add some more low-end punch to their car engine sounds, the Mophorn Exhaust Header Set will do just that.

Featuring a 1 3/4″ diameter tubing, these headers are easy to replace, and will provide a massive amount of torque and horsepower to your engine. They are also extremely simple to install, as they don’t require any modification to your vehicle’s frame or body.

After testing the Mophorn Exhaust Header Set 1 3/4″ Exhaust Turbo Headers, we can safely say that they’re a great investment, as they will make a massive difference in the power and performance of your engine.

Overall, they’re a great option for those who are looking to add some more low-end punch to their car engine sounds, and they’re also a great way to improve the performance of your truck.

How to Choose Best Long Tube Headers for 5.3 Silverado – Buying Guide

Are you looking for the best long tube header for 5.3 Silverado? Just in case, if you are having any confusion about how to choose the best long tube headers, then you can consider our buying guide.

Just have a look at the following points before buying any long tube headers for 5.3 Silverado:

1. Durability

Look for durable steel instead of mild steel or cast iron because they are not as strong as the first one. Check the welding spots on the header to know about its durability.

2. Airflow Restrictions

Many of the long tube headers are available on the market that is designed for better airflow, so if your 5.3 Silverado vehicle has a stock exhaust system, then go for the headers made with a better airflow design because it will reduce exhaust restrictions and in return will increase the overall performance.

3. Length of Headers

The longer the header, the better will be the performance. More extended headers with high-quality construction and thicker steel usually work out to produce more power than short headers.

4. Compatibility

You have to check out the compatibility of the headers with your 5.3 Silverado engine so that you don’t face any problems with their installation. Many header manufacturers offer “universal-fit” headers that can fit on most vehicles, and 5.3 Silverado headers also fall in this category.

5. Emission Requirements

Check out the emission requirements of your local area to make sure that you are purchasing headers that are compatible with the emission standards.

6. Price

Always consider your budget before buying any headers. If your budget is low, you can go for the universal-fit or custom-fit long tube headers available at a lower price. We have included all types of headers for 5.3 Silverado in our reviews that are available in different price ranges.

7. Heat Control

Long tube headers require heat control and high-temp paint to resist the heat of the engine. If you buy headers that are not coated with heat-resistant paint, they will break down after using them for some time.

FAQs

Conclusion

Long tube headers are a great upgrade for any car owner looking to increase their engine power and improve the performance of their exhaust system. These powerful devices can be used in place of shorty headers but are typically paired with a high-performance exhaust system for maximum effect.

You can choose any headers for 5.3 Silverado from our reviews that are available in different price ranges. All the long tube headers listed in our reviews are compatible with 5.3 Silverado and have passed the standard tests so you can buy them without any doubt.

We hope that our reviews prove to be helpful in your search for the best long tube headers for 5.3 Silverado. Please share this article with your friends and family if you like this article.