headers

RED-GMC-02' · October 29, 2002

Looking to buy headers for my 02' 5.3 GMC 2WD and was wondering which brand would be good?

PFarkas · October 30, 2002

I have "Mike Hamm" headers. I guess they're a collector's item, since they aren't available anymore.... At least they are made well and don't show any signs of impending failure after about 25,000 miles - Actually they look about the same as when I got them and I haven't developed any leaks yet.

The guy that designed them now works with Dean LaPole, and the headers they offer are supposed to perform similarly.

Having said that, these are "mid-length" headers. I noticed no loss of power in the low end and slightly better performance at higher RPMs.

If I had it to do over again, I would have spent the extra money for a set of full length headers from Arizona Speed and Marine.

If you want headers for looks, because they are cool, or to act as a bullet point on your truck's resume, then inexpensive shorty headers are fine.

The performance gains of a set of good headers are complimented by a good cat-back exhaust and muffler system as well as a less restrictive intake.

Whatever brand you decide on, you are almost certain to get what you pay for. A set of $250 headers do not perform or last the same as a set of $700 ones.

GREGGO · October 31, 2002

Arizona Speed and Marine, are the Only "long tubes" out there that I am aware of for the new body trucks. The rest are shorties or mids. I have them. You can see pics on my mods page in my sig link.

BDBWTE · October 31, 2002

I'm going to go with why? Is your motor already free breathing and have ported and polished heads with 2.02/1.64 Valves 3 angle job....with dual 3" true exhaust??? The factory manifolds are restrictive but their not worth changing unless your just really serious about it or you like to pop the hook and say look at those Stainless Steel Heddmen Super Comp Hedders......

I know that Gibson makes some for your truck...you can also find a few sets at

Truck Performance they will treat you pretty good. I've dealt with them a few times..lata