Wondering what the best long tube headers for 5.3 Silverado are? Look no further. You’re in the right place.
Many car owners have little to no knowledge about how important a long tube header is, especially when driving a 5.3 Silverado.
A long tube header is ideal for heavy vehicles because it contains longer exhaust pipes that merge further. Thanks to their length and design, the exhaust backpressure in the pipes is reduced, oxygen intake is improved, and horsepower increases.
Installing a suitable long tube header in a 5.3 Silverado can do wonders for your car. It will not only boost engine power but improve the RPM as well.
The problem is that there are plenty of long tube headers on the market, and they all claim to be the best. That makes it daunting to choose one.
To help you out in this regard, we have selected some of the best long tube headers for 5.3 Silverado. Let’s have a look:
Top 4 Best Long Tube Headers For 5.3 Silverado:
| Image | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Patriot Exhaust H8059-1 Header (Top Pick) | Check Price |
 | Kooks Custom Headers 28602401 Headers | Check Price |
 | Speed Engineering Long Tube Headers | Check Price |
1. Patriot Exhaust Header H8059-1 (Editor’s Choice)
Patriot Exhaust Header can be an excellent choice if you are looking for a tube header that offers a perfect fit, great seal, and reliability. It is incredibly durable and will take your vehicle’s performance up a notch.
Features
- Durable Tubing: This long tube header incorporates a durable 16 gauge tubing. It’s among the most durable options out there, so expect it to run for years.
- Available In 3 Finishes:
- Metallic Ceramic Finish: This finish makes the unit 60% more corrosion resistant. This makes maintenance easier. Moreover, the coating on the tube creates a heat barrier around. As a result, it can bear up to 1600 degrees F. It also reduces the underhood temperature and prevents thermal fatigue. This finish offers both heat and corrosion protection and is more reliable than standard and cheaper coatings.
- Uncoated: This is the best option for users who want customization.
- Raw Steel: Lastly, raw steel finish is ideal for individual customizing.
Pros
- It is made up of 18 gauge mild steel.
- Comes with gasket, bolts, studs, etc.
- 1-year warranty.
- Doesn’t discolor.
Cons
A bit expensive.
This tube comes in 3 finishes giving users multiple options to choose from. They’re all reliable and known to improve performance.
2. Kooks Custom Headers 28602401 Stainless Steel Headers
Kooks is one of the best long tube headers on the market as it is handmade with T304 stainless steel, and its durability is unmatched. It makes engine sound and boosts horsepower as well.
Features
- Crack Resistant: The job of long tube headers is to withstand pressure; this is why it is essential to get a solid and durable product. A low-quality header would crack easily. Fortunately, Kooks 28602401 is quite reliable in this regard. Its large stainless steel diameter with mandrel-bent tubing ensures solid construction. In addition, it’s crack resistant and made to last for a long time.
- Smooth Flow: The job of the mandrel bent tubing is to ensure a smooth flow. It also plays an essential role in decreasing the heat transfer ratio from the engine to the exhaust. This helps improve performance.
- Engine Flanges: It accompanies by ⅜” flanges that are precision machined and offer unique sealing properties with the engine block.
- Improved Efficiency: Expect to see improved efficiency as the collectors come along with scavenger spikes. Moreover, since all the ports are also hand-ground, they ensure a fast-flowing path.
Pros
- The primary tube is strong thanks to the 18-gauge steel it is made up of.
- An easy 2-bolt flange collector attachment.
- Uses standard flange style.
- Reliable and boosts engine performance.
Cons
- You can use it with Kooks y-pipes only.
This is a reliable and durable long tube header that will easily fit in a 5.3 Silverado. It is meant to improve engine performance by boosting horsepower and providing a smooth flow.
3. PaceSetter 70-2260 Performance Long Tube Exhaust Header
PaceSetter’s long tube exhaust header is a premium-level product made up of flash-controlled precision and think tubings.
Features
- Maximizes Exhaust Flow: It incorporates a smooth mandrel system that boosts the exhaust flow rates. Moreover, the flanges are machined with precision, improving performance and making the engine more powerful.
- Leak-Free: Since the O-rings on this tube are welded over milled ports, it boosts this header’s sealing properties and prevents leaks.
- Precise Fit: This tube comes with a 3/8” flange head, 16 gauge carbon steel tubing, and a 3-inch diameter collector to offer an exact fitting.
- 2-Finish: This long tube header is available in two quality finishes. You can opt for the standard black paint finish or choose the ARMOR Coat metallic ceramic coating. While the black paint finish offers a luxurious look, the ARMOR coat can bear up to 2000 degrees F heat.
Pros
- All tubings are mandrel-bent.
- Supports slip-fit collector attachment.
- Comes with bolts, studs, and gaskets.
- The ceramic-metallic coating makes it very durable.
Cons
The black finish may not last long.
This long tube header is perfect for a 5.3 Silverado because it offers a smooth fit, good flow. Plus, it can also prevent leaks. These characteristics will allow the engine to work smoothly and deliver good horsepower.
4. Speed Engineering Silverado And Sierra 1 ⅞ And Longtube Headers
Speed Engineering tubes speak of quality and are meant to last for years. It is made up of top-quality steel that offers fantastic durability.
Features
- Mandrel Bent Tubing: Since it consists of mandrel-bent tubing, expect smooth flow and heat reduction.
- 304 Stainless Steel: Overall, the header is coated with 304 stainless steel. It makes the tube durable and corrosion-resistant to a great degree.
- Flanges: The flanges that come along are CNC machined and contribute to the durability of the header.
Pros
- Gains over 25+ RWHP.
- Comes with a 3-inch collector.
- Incorporates merge spikes.
- Works with 6-speed transmission as well.
Cons
- The gaskets are of low quality.
This long tube header is super durable and offers good fitting. Moreover, it is known to improve engine performance thanks to the excellent flow.
How to Pick the Best Long Tube Headers for 5.3 Silverado
Here are a few things to keep in mind when buying a long tube header:
Exhaust Flow: A long tube exhaust header should offer good exhaust flow to keep the engine in good condition. Mandrel bend tubing is the best option here.
Finish: The finish on the tube determines its durability. Metallic ceramic coating is the best option as it is both heat and corrosion-resistant.
Leak-Free: The O-rings on the header should be welded over milled ports to ensure no leaks. A leak-free design is vital as leaks can ruin the engine and cause other damages as well.
Easy Fitting: The header should have standard components, including flanges, gaskets, bolts, and studs. Otherwise, you’ll have to hit the market to buy installation parts.
So, What Are the Best Long Tube Headers For 5.3 Silverado?
All the long tube headers for 5.3 Silverado reviewed in this article are commendable, but if we had to pick one, we’d go for Patriot Exhaust Header H8059-1. It’s exceptionally durable and made to last. Plus, it has been proven to improve performance. Therefore, it’s the best long tube header for 5.3 Silverado.