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

Block_CCLS1C

Coated or Natural Steel 

The basic header is offered in natural steel, which the customer can optionally have finished in a variety of hi-temp enamels or other finishes that will offer rust protection and good appearance.

The best thermal and corrosion protection for your headers is our Aluminized Ceramic Coating. This finish offers the added benefit of lower under-hood temperatures and the highest level of protection to the header.

Applications & Compatibility

 

CCLS1, CCLS1C, and CCLS158 headers have been discontinued. Click here to see our new stainless steel headers.

About the Headers 

The header starts with a generous, 3/8" thick manifold flange. A patented port-seal surface is face ground at the mounting face of the engine head such that they can be used without a gasket (see installation notes below for more information). Headers feature 1-1/2" primary tubes with a 2-1/2" three-bolt style collector. The headers are short, measuring 7-3/4" from the center of the head flange to the bottom of the collector.

For larger displacement engines, a larger 1-5/8” primary tube diameter design is available. We recommend these only for the high output 6.0L and larger engines. Clearances will be tighter with these headers due to the increased sizes.

In the box

Included are Left and Right headers, header-to-head bolts along with instructions. Gaskets and collector bolts are not included.

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. Larger engines using heads such as the L92 will be partially obscured by the smaller 1-1/2” primary tubes as their port diameter is larger than the primary tubes. For the smaller earlier engines, the smaller primary is usually the best fit and keeps exhaust velocity higher.

Jeeps

This is the best fit for most Jeeps, but will not fit the XJ chassis (see here).

Related Products

EGR Block-Off Plug

For early cable throttle engines that were originally equipped with EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation). The following kit is recommended to block that opening in the intake manifold. Legality of removing the EGR is determined by your local emissions requirements and requires electrical modifications to the control circuits for proper operations without it. Consult the article linked below for more emissions information.

Block_12558346

Stack_7176C

Installation Requirements

Recommended installation to the engine is high temperature RTV such as Ultra Black® without a gasket. We have found this works exceptionally well. Some have used the original equipment type MLS (multi-layer steel) gaskets with good success. Collector gaskets and bolts are not included with the headers. We recommend using solid copper gaskets to avoid blowouts at that joint. Instructions are provided with the headers.

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.

Also See