Conversion Headers
for the
GM Generation III & IV Small Block V8
The Gen III & IV GM LS and Vortec V8 engines are being installed into Jeeps with tremendous success. Good headers can make a big difference in how well the engines fit and perform in the bay of your Jeep.
Product & Features
About the Headers
These Novak designed headers start with a generous 3/8" thick manifold flange. Featuring 1-5/8" primary tubes with a 2-1/2" V-band flange collector. Included are two sets of matting flanges in both mild steel and stainless. All joints are beautifully TIG welded. A scavenging cone is included in the collector for maximum exhaust flow efficiency. The header is made entirely of stainless steel and finished off with an aluminized ceramic coating for lower under-hood temperatures and the highest level of protection to the header. Designed in house to clear our motor mounts, spark plug wires, and various Jeep frame, steering and suspension components.
In the box
Included are left and right headers, header-to-head serrated flange bolts, flange gaskets, V-band clamps and matting flanges in both stainless and mild steel versions.
Recommended starter
A stock starter commonly interferes with block huggers. We recommend a stubby starter to give your headers maximum clearance.
Starter PN: 6494
Applications & Compatibility
Engines
This header is compatible with Gen III & IV GM V8 engines, this includes both the LS and Vortec engines starting with the LS1 in ’97. Truck Vortec series started in 1999. If your exhaust ports are paired in the center these will NOT fit and you likely have a Gen I or II engine needing these headers.
Jeeps
This is the best fit for most Jeeps, but will not fit the XJ chassis (see here).
Installation Requirements
First, bolt these headers to the engine using the supplied graphite composite gasket and serrated flange bolts. Next, determine what material your exhaust downpipes will be and choose your V-band flanges accordingly. Supplied are both carbon steel and stainless-steel versions for ease of welding and consistency.
The short, block-hugging design allows the installer to have the exhaust routed in one of the following three popular ways:
- One circuit under the oil pan, just in front of the sump merging into the opposite circuit which is typically run rearward on the side of the Jeep opposite that of the drop of its transfer case.
- As above, but under the bellhousing slope.
- As above, but behind the transfer case. Then, the exhaust tailpipe can exit the Jeep on either the driver's or passenger's side.