7 Best Headers for 5.7 Hemi RAM 2024 – Review and Buying Guide

Are you in need of a replacement for the headers of your 5.7 Hemi RAM and want to choose the one that will enhance the vehicle’s performance? Your selection has got narrower but for the better, of course.

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I have compiled a list of the 7 best headers for a 5.7 Hemi RAM that are guaranteed to improve the performance of your truck engine.

So, you can choose from the best available out there. Along with that, I have added some crucial factors to keep in mind before you purchase an exhaust header for the truck yourself. No need to go through a stressful and tiring selection process, or worse, to end up with the wrong product.

Top Headers for 5.7 Hemi RAM

1. BBK (4014) Exhaust Header

 

These BBK Exhaust Headers are best in terms of powerful performance and sound. They come with 1-⅝ inches CNC mandrel-bent tubing, which provides increased torque and easy and unhindered exhaust flow.

Meaning the engine runs smoother and makes more horsepower. The increase in the engine horsepower is estimated to be between 10 to 15, about 35%. More torque means enhanced performance of the vehicle in challenging conditions.

These BBK Exhaust Headers ensure efficient scavenging, smoothly and quickly getting rid of the exhaust gases and replenishing the cylinder with fresh air.

They come with a ⅜ inch laser cut flange which guarantees a strong fit and prevents any leak, thus ensuring an unobstructed flow of the exhaust gas. As for the build, these BBK Exhaust Headers are built to last; they are extremely long-lasting.

Welded robotically and precision hand, these headers are then made to go through pressure testing to guarantee reliability and durability. Also, they come in different coatings, bright chrome, polished silver ceramic, and stainless coated finish, so you can choose the one that suits the appearance of your truck.

Other than that, they come with exhaust header gaskets, header bolts, and all the other necessary hardware for the installation in the truck, along with an installation guide.

 

BBK Exhaust Headers are built as a perfect fit for a 5.7 Hemi RAM. The installation in the truck is easy but takes time, which is the only possible drawback I found; the process took me around six hours.

Otherwise, the power output is incredible, so is the performance, which remains indifferent to the extreme weather conditions.

2. BBK (40140) Exhaust Header

 

BBK offers another high quality and exceptionally performing exhaust headers, which makes one of the best headers for 5.7 Hemi RAM. Increasing the horsepower up to 15 and improving the torque, these headers enhance the engine performance and acceleration of the truck.

This elevated performance is provided by the improved exhaust flow. This is done by the wide diameter of the primary tube that allows an unobstructed flow of the exhaust gases. Along with that, 1-⅝ inches CNC mandrel tubing causes the smooth and easy passage of the gases, thus optimizing the engine power and performance.

The ⅜ inches thick laser-cut flanges provide additional strength and ensure there isn’t any leak in the tube. Coming to the appearance, these BBK Exhaust Headers have a ceramic coating that allows protection from UV rays, chemical stains, scratching, and water spots.

Made from high-quality steel, they are also pressure tested to ensure durability and leakage-free performance.

 

These BBK headers offer a great combination of power and sound; I really liked the throaty sound of the exhaust. They are a perfect fit for 5.7 Hemi RAM, and the installation is easy, but it takes a long time.

Moreover, they come packaged with all the necessary components of the hardware you need for the installation.

3. JBA 1961S-2 Exhaust Header

 

These Exhaust Headers by JBA are incredibly durable and tough, able to withstand the roughest of conditions on the road with the strong stainless steel material. The 1-½ inch diameter of the primary tube allows an increased exhaust flow, thus more power output. The power is increased to about 21 hp, and improved torque elevates the performance of the truck in extreme conditions.

The mandrel bending of the tube allows efficient and smooth flow of the exhaust gases and increases the power of the engine through the tubing. This is because of the consistent diameter of the tube and the lack of any wrinkles.

It also makes the sound more throaty. Thus these headers take the efficiency and power of the engine to a higher level.

Moreover, JBA is a company that offers enhanced horsepower but is emissions legal. These headers are CARB approved, meaning how the emissions (the exhaust gases) affect the environment is kept in check.

An installation manual also comes packaged with the product, providing the guideline and instruction on how to install.

 

The only drawback that I found in these JBK headers is that they require a tad bit of modification for the installation, but the modification is easy. I had to hammer the header pipe for it to fit properly in the vehicle.

Other than that, they are built to last and are designed to elevate the performance of the vehicles in tougher conditions.

4. JBA (6961SJS) Long Tube Exhaust Header

 

These top-notch exhaust headers by JBA have to be included in this list of the best headers for 5.7 Hemi RAM. Let’s start with its material which is high-quality stainless steel, rendering the product incredibly durable.

With the ceramic coating, they are protected from UV rays and chemical stains. Coming to the performance, these JBA headers deliver incredible power outcomes, which is why they make it to this compilation.

They are designed to ensure a power enhancement of up to 30 hp, improving the efficiency of the engine and the engine life; it improves the engine sound as well. All the hardware tools that are required for a successful installation come packaged with the product, which is amazing. The installation is easy as well.

Though, one setback is that for them to fix the vehicle, the exhaust system needs to be modified. As for the price, for those who might consider it a drawback, they are slightly expensive but worth every penny nonetheless.

These JBA headers are recently introduced in the market, so you will not find many reviews on them, but they are a promising fit for your 5.7 Hemi RAM due to their quality of performance.

 

It hasn’t been long since these JBA headers have made their debut, but they are a worthy purchase. The elevation of the performance is outstanding; both the power and sound of the engine are upgraded. Plus, they come with high-quality hardware tools for easy installation.

5. Gibson GP311S-C Header

 

The most worth mentioning the quality of these Gibson Headers that sets them apart from the other models is the perfect fit without any need for modification or upgrade at all. These headers will fit directly using the pre-installed factory manifolds and connections and will give you an easy and strainless fit.

The performance is top-notch with the mandrel-bent tubing that is made of stainless steel. The mandrel tubing guarantees an unrestricted flow of the exhaust gases hence an improved engine performance.

The high-temp coating of the tube ensures that the engine performance remains unaffected by the high temperatures, up to 1300 degrees Celsius, to be precise.

You will find the glossy appearance of the ceramic coating instantly attractive. The efficient passage of exhaust gases ensures improvement in the performance and life of the engine, along with increased horsepower and torque.

The installation process involves no drilling, no welding, but it does require some mechanical skills.

 

The Gibson Headers are a perfect header replacement for your 5.7 Hemi RAM. The installation is so much easier with all the necessary hardware components in the package and the direct factory fit they offer.

Easily one of the best headers for 5.7 Hemi RAM, the quality performance pays off every penny.

6. Hooker Super Competition Long Tube Header Chev Comp

 

After installing this Hooker Long Tube Header, I noticed a clear change in the performance of my truck engine. Let’s get into it with the fit first; the header offers an easy installation, comes packaged with the required hardware, and offers a perfect fit. Though, that fit is designed for some particular vehicles.

So the header is vehicle specific, which is important to consider before buying it. Getting to the performance, this long tube header provides a decreased back pressure, thus optimizing the performance.

The decreased back pressure ensures more efficient exhaust flow and oxygen intake, thus boosting the horsepower and torque.

The unobstructed exhaust passage provides an incredible power output of the engine. The durability is ensured by the high-quality stainless steel material.

The 5/16 inches thick machined flanges offer a strong seal and prevention against any leakage in the tube. All these impressive features come at an affordable price.

 

The Hooker Long Tube Header makes an amazing and definitely one of the best headers for 5.7 Hemi RAM at such an affordable price. The long transition collector ensures low back pressure optimizing the performance, power, and torque. Though, make sure the product is compatible with your vehicle before you purchase it.

7. TUNERBITS Exhaust Headers

 

These long tube headers by TUNERBITS are a promising replacement for the headers in your 5.7 Hemi RAM. This is with the high-quality stainless steel construction, which makes the product durable and strong. The construction is done through TIG and MIG welding, which involves detailed precision and high strength.

The direct bolt-on installation is easy and doesn’t require much modification and welding. The 1.75 inches primary tube size ensures adequate passage of the exhaust emissions, the flange head is 7/16 inches thick, and the outlet is 3/8 inches thick. The unhindered flow increases the power output of the engine.

The mandrel bent piping prevents any restrictions inside the tube and ensures a smooth flow despite the pressure on the tube. The package includes necessary screws and gaskets, which I found were of good quality. The exhaust system does need some modification, though, for a successful installation.

 

These headers from TUNERBITS come at an affordable price, the company is not so popular, but the headers make it to this compilation with the impressive performance they offer. The construction and welding are of good quality, and the product is durable and strong.

Read Also: Best Tuners for 5.7 Hemi Ram

Important Factors to Consider Before Buying a Header

The performance of your vehicle depends on the exhaust header you will get for it, and it’s a matter of dire concern. The decision requires lots of careful examination and mindfulness, particularly if you are choosing to buy the product yourself.

So, there is little to no chance you will get the decision right and choose the right header for your vehicle if you are heading to buy it without any prior homework and necessary knowledge.

More horsepower is not the only factor to consider while buying an exhaust header; a list of important considerations below will guide you towards the right decision.

Compatibility

This one is a no-brainer but the first vital factor to look out for before investing your money in a header for your vehicle. No matter how best and impressive you find the header, all is in vain if it is not compatible with your vehicle.

To avoid the utter disappointment and frustration from the need to modify the exhaust system of your truck altogether, make sure that the product is compatible with your truck.

All the above-mentioned headers are a nice fit and are compatible with a 5.7 Hemi RAM, with some requiring only some minor modifications. If you go to buy one by yourself, though, you need to guarantee the compatibility.

Some exhaust headers are a perfect fit; some require only a minor level of modification of the product or the system, which is acceptable if you ask me. At the same time, some headers use the initially present factory fittings with zero upgrade or welding needs.

These are mostly vehicle specific, designed for some particular models, in which case you need to be double sure.

Durable and Strong Material and Construction

A strong and long-lasting build is extremely important for a header. Since it has to go through high pressures and temperatures, one with poor strength and durability will not last long, not to mention that the product does not come cheap.

Make sure that the header you intend to buy has sturdy and high-quality construction.

The headers listed in this article all have a strong and durable build. Stainless steel is the best option; the material makes the header resistant to corrosion and to heat and temperature. Ceramic coating also offers similar benefits, not as high as stainless though, but it provides protection from UV rays, chemicals, and scratches.

Design

The design is important to consider to enhance the performance of your vehicle. Generally, headers come in two designs, long tubes and short tubes. Long tube headers, or headers with long transition collectors, offer lower back pressure as compared to short tube headers. Meaning there will be more oxygen intake, boosted horsepower, and the engine will give more power output.

Though, this doesn’t mean that you should always go for long tube headers, rather the ones that will improve the engine performance of your vehicle. Long tube headers are suitable for high-rev vehicles; they boost the power enormously in the mid to high RPM range.

Also, they are not always street legal due to their emissions standard. They also need more space because of the length and are difficult to install, so they might need a lot of modifications to the system.

Short tube headers are suitable for low RPM vehicles like daily commuters that go through lots of hauling and towing. That’s because they perform the best in the idle to mid-range RPM. So, don’t get carried away with the flattering features, rather think about the design that your vehicle needs and is suitable for it to have the header elevate the performance of the engine.

Easy Installation

This factor is an important consideration for those who intend to do the installation of the header in the vehicle themselves. If you are to get it done by a mechanic, then it’s not important to consider the ease of installation, of course.

Doing it yourself will save you money, though, not to mention the sense of accomplishment you will derive after the successful completion.

The headers in this list guarantee easy installation or come with a user manual, the instructions, and the guide; some also come with the required hardware components. So, consider these features while buying one by yourself.

FAQs

Do headers add horsepower?

Yes, headers do add horsepower to the engine; headers allow the exhaust gases to be removed from the engine, which in turn allows more intake of oxygen. Thus increasing the power output of the engine.

How much HP do long tube headers add to a 5.7 Hemi?

Long tube headers enormously boost the horsepower production of the engine because of the decreased backpressure. The Hemi RAM initially comes with 434 hp at 6100 amp or 4500 at 439 pounds. With a good performance header, there will be an increase of 3000 to 6300 RPM, about 15 to 20 hp.

Are shorty headers worth it?

Shorty or short tube headers are best suited for low to mid-range RPM, like your daily commute or work pickup. Short tube headers will increase the performance of such vehicles.

They are not as loud as long tube headers but sound better than a stock manifold. Unequal length headers offer better sound, while equal length offers enhanced performance.

Conclusion

This compilation includes the 7 best headers for a 5.7 Hemi RAM according to the quality, performance, and budget as well. All of these headers are guaranteed to enhance the performance and power output of the engine of your truck. The top three picks are:

BBK (4014) Exhaust Header because of the incredible power output, high quality, and installation guide.

BBK (40140) Exhaust Header because it offers great sound and durability.

JBA 1961S-2 Exhaust Header because of the efficient engine performance and easy modification.

If you have found the right pick for your truck from this list, that’s great! If you wish to visit the market and choose one by yourself, this article includes the important factors to consider before your purchase.

This buying guide will aid you in this regard, guiding you to the right decision. So, make sure to follow that to avoid ending up with the wrong product.