If you are looking to improve the performance of your 5.7 Hemi RAM, you may want to consider upgrading to shorty headers. Shorty headers can help make your engine run more efficiently and can give you a slight boost in horsepower. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best shorty headers for 5.7 Hemi RAMs. We will also discuss the benefits of using shorty headers and provide some tips on how to choose the right set for your vehicle. So, if you are interested in learning more about shorty headers for 5.7 Hemi RAMs, keep reading!
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- Fully mandrel bent tubes made of 16-gauge (1.5mm thickness) 304 stainless steel
- Head flange laser-cut from 3/8-inch (9.5mm) thick steel plates and flattened by hydraulic press; with chrome coating
- Polished surface for extra resistance against rusting; all joints TIG welded for great resistance against cracking and wearing
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Aircraft Quality Construction, Heavy Gauge 1-3/4" Tubing, 3/8" Laser Cut Flanges, Large Bore Patented Designed Collectors and Custom Precision Hand and Robotic Welds for Long Lasting Quality
- Direct "Perfect" Fit Replacement Exhaust includes All New Gaskets and Hardware and Offers Improved Performance and Sound Over Restrictive Stock Systems
- Bolt on 14-18 HP with these BBK Shorty Tuned Length Exhaust Headers Fit all 2009-2011 Dodge Hemi Ram Truck 5.7L Applications - Custom Nickel Chrome Finish
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Aircraft Quality Construction, Heavy Gauge 1-5/8" Tubing, 3/8" Laser Cut Flanges, Large Bore Patented Designed Collectors and Custom Precision Hand and Robotic Welds for Long Lasting Quality
- Direct "Perfect" Fit Replacement Exhaust includes All New Gaskets and Hardware and Offers Improved Performance and Sound Over Restrictive Stock Systems
- Bolt on 14-18 HP with these BBK Shorty Tuned Length Exhaust Headers Fit all 2009-2011 Dodge Hemi Ram Truck 5.7L Applications - Polished Silver Ceramic Finish
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Aircraft Quality Construction, Heavy Gauge 1-3/4" Tubing, 3/8" Laser Cut Flanges, Large Bore Patented Designed Collectors and Custom Precision Hand and Robotic Welds for Long Lasting Quality
- Direct "Perfect" Fit Replacement Exhaust includes All New Gaskets and Hardware and Offers Improved Performance and Sound Over Restrictive Stock Systems
- Bolt on 14-18 HP with these BBK Shorty Tuned Length Exhaust Headers Fit all 2004-2008 Dodge Hemi Ram Truck 5.7L Applications - Custom Nickel Chrome Finish
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Exhaust Headers(11-17 Dodge Hemi 57L Shorty Tuned Length - 1-3/4in Chrome)
- Bolt on horsepower and torque
- As always BBK Performance exhaust headers are CNC mandrel bent for maximum performance right out of the box
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Overall #1 Best Shorty Headers
POWERGO MOTORSPORT 1-5/8 x 2-1/2 inches 304 Stainless Steel Shorty Headers for RAM 1500 5.7L Hemi V8
POWERGO MOTORSPORT manufactures the most popular line of Shorty Headers in U.S.A. It has been proved by our customers that our products are reliable and efficient by nature due to their perfect fit, reliable performance. More and more people choose POWERGO MOTORSPORT Shorty Headers for their vehicles, as there’re a lot of satisfied customers.
Key features:
- Fully mandrel bent tubes made of 16-gauge (1.5mm thickness) 304 stainless steel
- Head flange laser-cut from 3/8-inch (9.5mm) thick steel plates and flattened by hydraulic press; with chrome coating
- Polished surface for extra resistance against rusting; all joints TIG welded for great resistance against cracking and wearing
Pros:
- Direct replacement of stock manifolds and bolt-on fit for stock exhaust pipes
- Most efficient at providing horsepower gain from idle to mid-range RPM, which brings excitement to street driving and is ideal for street racing
What is Shorty Headers
Shorty headers are short exhaust manifolds used to replace the stock exhaust manifolds on a Dodge Ram 5.7 Hemi. Shorty headers feature the same design as full-length or long tube headers, except that they have been shortened from an original design to save space and improve vehicle handling characteristics. On applications that include a factory catalytic converter, the catalytic converter is ported to fit inside of the shorty’s design. Shorty headers are available in many different designs for each specific make and model.
What types of Shorty Headers are available for 5.7 Hemi?
There are three main types of shorty headers for 5.7 Hemi:
Each type has its own advantages, disadvantages, and price points. The best choice is going to be heavily influenced by what you want your end results to be!
It’s important to note that choosing a full-length header will yield no power gains on your 5.7 Hemi, as the factory manifolds flow more than enough for stock power levels (and then some)!
The first type of shorty headers available are True-Shorty Headers. These headers use a merge collector and commonly referred to as “Y” pipes. They utilize a simple design with no bells and whistles, but offer a smooth connection between the engine and the catalytic converter/collector. Internally, they have 2 primaries going into 1 large secondary with a Y or H pipe depending on your specific model of 5.7 Hemi below the rear axle line.
These headers come in mandrel bent mild steel tubing that can be upgraded with high temperature paint coatings for corrosion protection, ceramic coating for improved heat dissipation, and Teflon coating to better prevent exhaust leaks. True Shorty Headers are regarded as excellent quality, great sounding headers with a killer price-point.
However, these shorty headers do not come with extension pipes that connect the engine and catalytic converter/collector. This can lead to your choice of either cutting and welding an extension onto the factory y-pipe (resulting in NO warranty), or using a universal Y pipe adapter kit such as those offered by Corsa Performance. Adapter kits add additional vehicle modification for installation along with increased cost compared to full length headers (although still considered very competitively priced).
You should expect an increase of around 12 horsepower when running true shorty headers; this is due to the elimination of the factory catalytic converter that is located in the middle of factory manifolds.
The next option for 5.7 Hemi Shorty Headers are Catted Downpipes (AKA “Catback”). The primary difference between these header types and True-Shortys are they come with extension pipes already attached; this means you don’t need to cut or weld any additional tube onto it!
These headers usually include high flow catalytic converters along with pre-welded flanges, offering an easier installation than true shorty headers if not requiring performance beyond stock levels. They also have two large primary tubes feeding into one Y or H pipe section, similar to true shorty headers. Both options for catted downpipes are available with or without ceramic coating for increased heat dissipation.
However, the price of catted downpipes is typically double that of True Shorty Headers, so if your goal isn’t to gain more horsepower these headers may not be worth the additional cost.
Finally, we have Full-Length 5.7 Hemi Headers! While they don’t offer the advantages of maximum ground clearance or compactness that other shorty headers provide, they are still extremely popular for having the lowest cost while also offering the greatest power gains. With their large merge collectors capable of supporting very high flow rates, these headers can safely accommodate up to 600 horsepower which makes them excellent for use with tuners and other aftermarket components.
Full length headers will almost always be stainless steel construction to withstand extreme temperatures under intense use over time; Stainless Steel is the common material choice although ceramic coatings are also available.
All in all, the decision of which headers are best for your 5.7 Hemi is dependent on what you plan to do with it! If you’re not looking for anything more than stock power levels, catted downpipes would be a better choice thanks to their ease of installation and additional safety measures against Check Engine Lights.
Why is it important to upgrade Shorty Headers in 5.7 Hemi?
Considered by many enthusiasts as one of the best modifications for any 5.7 Hemi Ram performance vehicle, shorty headers allow an engine to breathe more freely than a stock exhaust manifold. This increase in airflow creates a power gain of up to 15 horsepower and 10 ft-lb of torque on average, measured at the rear wheels. Shorty headers are not only designed for improved engine performance, but also have an appealing visual appearance that is sure to be noticed. Stock exhaust manifolds take the path of least resistance for the exhaust, which creates a U bend and an interrupted flow of gases. Shorty headers eliminate as much as possible any restrictions in the path of gas flow (known as turbulence), leaving a free-flowing straight path for exhaust gasses to exit.
There are several advantages and disadvantages associated with shorty headers. The most important advantage of shorty headers is the increase in performance and efficiency. The disadvantages include increased costs, and that some customers may experience problems with fitment due to aftermarket modifications such as larger diameter exhaust piping or other custom-made exhaust systems. Customers who modify their vehicles further than just installing shorty headers should research all possible interactions between aftermarket components before making any decisions. Shorty header installations can be relatively simple if you already have an existing custom exhaust system on your truck.
How to choose Shorty Headers for 5.7 Hemi RAM?
Ram trucks are popular for their powerful 5.7 hemi engines, which are known for having high quality head options. However, it can be tough to find the right set of headers because there are so many options on the market. When you’re shopping for your new set of shorty headers, you need to think about drivetrain type (manual or automatic transmission), whether you have a truck with the crew cab, and if you want coated or chrome headers. You also need to take into consideration what type of fuel system your engine has as well as which catalytic converters you plan on using.
When it comes down to it, there are three major fitting factors that must be considered when buying a new header system: material choice, design features, and connectivity issues. Two of these areas can easily be tested for before purchase by checking the specs on the website of the header system, however connectivity issues are hidden until you have already bought your new headers.
When it comes to choosing the material, most commonly there are choices between ceramic-coated or polished stainless steel. Of course more expensive is usually better, but where price exceeds affordability ceramic coatings are just as good as polished stainless steel ones. If you can’t afford a whole new header system then simply getting ceramic coated one will do just fine for now!
The design features that allow for functionality of a Shorty Header include collectors and flanges. Collectors allow exhaust gasses from different cylinders in the engine to join together so they can be diverted down a single pipe before being expelled from the tailpipe. A flange is what connects the header to the engine itself. On larger engines, headers often come in multiple pieces that are stacked on top of each other to optimize flow.
The last major factor for consideration when choosing a Header is how well they fit with your truck. You don’t want to buy an expensive new set only to find out you have connectivity issues or need to make modifications before installation which will negate any saving you would have made compared with buying it pre-fitted. It’s important that you research where/how/if the product you’ve bought can be installed correctly before purchase because otherwise you will be stuck with them and won’t get a refund!
There are a lot of different types of header designs for you to choose from. The first design type is the tri-Y, Catted version. This design has three separate pipes going through an integrated catalytic converter and muffler that’s incorporated into the part itself.
The second design type is the full-length header that looks like a stock header, but is slightly shorter. The reason this design is shorter is because it skips the catalytic converter and muffler for a cleaner look and sound.
The third design type consists of a full-length header that has a separate piece that attaches to the front of it which connects to an after-market muffler.
Lastly, there’s a design that consists of two pieces, just like the full-length header with the separate piece that connects to the front of it which attaches to an after-market muffler. However, instead of having just one pipe at the back, there are two pipes that have been arranged in parallel. This is often called a crossover.
If you’re looking to gain more than stock power levels and upgrade your fuel and/or ignition components as well, full-length 5.7 Hemi Headers might be the best choice for you!
Best Shorty Headers for 5.7 Hemi RAM
The top best product [hide]
POWERGO MOTORSPORT 1-5/8 x 2-1/2 inches 304 Stainless Steel Shorty Headers for RAM 1500 5.7L Hemi V8
BBK (4014) 1-5/8" Chrome Shorty Tuned-Length Exhaust Header for Dodge Truck
BBK (40140) 1-5/8" Silver Ceramic Coated Shorty Tuned-Length Exhaust Header for Dodge Truck
BBK 4009 1-3/4" Shorty Tuned Length Performance Exhaust Headers for Dodge Ram Truck 5.7L Hemi - Chrome Finish
BBK Performance 4028 Exhaust Headers (11-17 Dodge Hemi 5.7L Shorty Tuned Length - 1-3/4in Chrome)
When should you change the Shorty Header
The Shorty Headers should be replaced along with the catalytic converters (which is every 50,000 miles) to avoid damage to your 5.7 Hemi RAM’s motor and other components. This may occur due to corroded parts or misaligned part fitment, which could make it difficult for the headers to fit correctly.
It is advisable for owners of 5.7 Hemi powered RAM 1500s to take action if they notice any smoke or unusual smells coming from their trucks before serious damage occurs. This is because the factory header (a one-piece unit that connects all six cylinders into one pipe) can fail quickly and catastrophically, causing extensive damage that cannot be mitigated by even the most comprehensive insurance coverage. If this sounds like your truck, it’s time to install a set of high quality shorty headers! There are several brands available on the market right now, including Banks Power, Gibson Exhaust, MBRP, and Predator.
While there are many brands to consider when purchasing headers, the two most important factors in choosing a set of headers is whether they’re made from high quality materials and whether they improve your truck’s horsepower and torque figures. Those that do both will not fail due to poor construction or faulty welding, which ensures that you won’t spend multiple thousands of dollars on repairs. These long lasting components should be expected to last as much as twice as long as the factory header without needing replacement! This means you’ll save money and time by buying only once (when you purchase the headers). With this advice in mind, it’s now possible to make an educated decision regarding what shorty headers best suit your needs.
Where is Shorty Header located in 5.7 Hemi?
The Shorty Headers for 5.7 Hemi Ram are located underneath the cab of the truck, directly behind the front wheels. They start at the engine block and run all the way to just under the rear bumper. The install is relatively easy, but usually it’s better to be done by a professional mechanic or automotive technician due to possible dangerous conditions that could be created if the installation isn’t done correctly.
The Shorty Headers for 5.7 Hemi Ram are a great way to get more horsepower from your truck without having to spend a ton of money. These headers have been designed to give you as much horsepower and torque as possible for the 5.7 Hemi Ram, while also providing you with great fuel economy. You will definitely notice a difference after installing these headers on your truck!
The installation is relatively simple but should be done by a professional to ensure safety throughout the process. After installation, drivers report an average 15 horsepower increase and 18 foot-pounds of torque increase. A lot of truck enthusiasts have been very satisfied with the results from these headers, and many recommend them to anyone looking for more performance from their 5.7 Hemi Ram.
How to change the Shorty Header
Aftermarket performance shorty headers are often the best way to increase horsepower, torque and throttle response in your 5.7 Hemi RAM. The stock exhaust manifolds on this engine were designed with cost as primary factor, not performance. Replacing them will usually not require any modifications to the vehicle itself (not counting cutting out the old ones), just basic hand tools and about 1-2 hours of time. The process is fairly easy for someone who has successfully changed their own oil many times before. I would say that even beginners should be able to do it themselves if they follow these steps correctly.
This article will assume you have already removed the front bumper cover at least once already, so please follow these instructions accordingly:
- Remove the bumper cover/skirt.
- Remove the stock “shorty” headers (one or two 14mm bolts per header). Be careful of residual oil, as it may be under pressure and will spray all over your engine bay. A plastic bag around each one helps contain it and makes cleanup much easier. If you do not plan to immediately install the new shorties, do not forget to plug the O2 sensors before reinstalling them!
- Clean off any residual gasket material on each side of each exhaust port (the area where the gaskets seal against metal), making sure it is absolutely clean with no oily residue. This is crucial for ensuring a proper seal with the new shorties.
- Put anti-seize on each bolt on the shorty headers to help prevent exhaust leaks.
- Installation is reverse of removal – do not forget to plug in your O2 sensors!
Let the engine oil fully settle after install before starting it up, taking care not to damage any sensors while performing an oil change immediately afterwards.
Conclusion
The best shorty headers for 5.7 L Hemi RAM are the Powergo Motorsport Shorty Headers, and they can be installed by a person with average mechanical skills and some experience. These fit the Chrysler 5.7 Hemi engine block without any issues or modifications, and provide optimal performance to improve acceleration and gas mileage as well as other benefits that come along with better airflow within your engine’s chamber(s).
