Best Long Tube Headers for Camaro SS: Install Guide & Dyno Results
Why Long Tube Headers on the Camaro SS?
The Camaro SS ships with restrictive factory exhaust manifolds that choke the LT1 breathing at high RPM. Long tube headers open up that airflow dramatically — most owners see 20–35 whp gains on a naturally aspirated car, and even more when paired with a tune.
Top Header Picks for LT1 / LT4 Camaro SS
1. American Racing Headers (ARH) 1-7/8" LT Headers
The gold standard for Camaro SS headers. Full 304 stainless construction, available in catted and catless versions. Most Camaro SS owners running ARH on a tune see 25–30 whp gains. Fitment is tight but manageable with factory subframe connectors in place.
2. Kooks 1-7/8" SS Long Tubes
Another top-tier option with excellent collector design. Kooks headers are known for a strong mid-range torque bump in addition to top-end gains. Available with high-flow cats for emissions-compliant builds.
3. SLP Long Tube Headers
Budget-friendly without sacrificing much performance. Great for stage 1 builds before supercharging. SLP offers excellent customer support and install documentation.
Real Dyno Numbers
- Stock manifolds, 93 octane tune: ~435 whp
- ARH 1-7/8" catless + tune: ~462 whp (+27 whp)
- ARH + cam + tune: ~510 whp
Final Verdict
Long tube headers are the best bang-for-buck power mod on the Camaro SS short of forced induction. ARH and Kooks are the two most recommended choices in the community.
About FatTire Staff
FatTire Staff is a passionate automotive enthusiast and expert contributor at Fat Tire Garage, specializing in muscle car performance, fitment, and modifications. With years of hands-on experience in the automotive industry, FatTire Staff brings practical insights and technical expertise to help enthusiasts build their dream rides.
You Might Also Like
All GuidesBest Cold Air Intake for Camaro SS: Top Picks & Real Power Gains
A cold air intake is the easiest first mod for your Camaro SS — bolt-on in an hour, real power gains on the dyno, and a better intake sound. Here are the top picks for Gen 5 and Gen 6 LT1 engines.
Best Exhaust for Camaro SS: Cat-Back Systems Ranked & Reviewed
The Camaro SS sounds great stock but with the right exhaust it sounds absolutely savage. Here is our ranked guide to the best cat-back exhaust systems for Gen 5 and Gen 6 Camaro SS.
Long Tube Headers for Muscle Cars: Street vs Track — What You Actually Need
Long tube headers are one of the best power-per-dollar mods on any V8 muscle car. But street headers and track headers are different animals. Here is how to choose the right set for your build goals.
Explore More Articles
Discover more expert guides, build features, and performance tips from Fat Tire Garage.
View All Articles