Best headers for 2013 5.7

[Chris02]

Hey there chat, I got a 2wd 2013 ram 1500 single cab express model. As expected I am ticking, ram life is pretty nice up until you hit that 110k-115k miles. I’m fairly sure it’s my header bolts, my heat shield on passenger side had 2 broken bolts so I can only assume most or all of the bolts on the header are ******. Like any normal ram guy the only right thing to do is go ahead and slap on some long tube headers. now heres the question what headers should I go with, why are some headers absurdly more than others, what’s the difference between 1 3/4 and 1 7/8s, and what’s the best header for me as my first engine mod with ability to do more upgrades later on like 6.4 intake, hellcat lifters, cam, upgraded oil and fuel pump just a rowdy daily truck not trying to be the absolute fastest just trying to sound and look nice

 

[EdGs]

As far as your exhaust manifold bolts go, if you belt-sand or have the manifolds machined flat, and replace the hardware, and you'll never have another issue.

Does your tick happen when cold and subside after it warms up? Sometimes those stock exhaust manifolds can warp so much that the tick does not go away when warm.

If you want to go the header route, others here will chime in on that. Good ones ain't cheap, for sure.

Good luck, enjoy your Ram.

 

[CanuckRam1313]

Hey there chat, I got a 2wd 2013 ram 1500 single cab express model. As expected I am ticking, ram life is pretty nice up until you hit that 110k-115k miles. I’m fairly sure it’s my header bolts, my heat shield on passenger side had 2 broken bolts so I can only assume most or all of the bolts on the header are ******. Like any normal ram guy the only right thing to do is go ahead and slap on some long tube headers. now heres the question what headers should I go with, why are some headers absurdly more than others, what’s the difference between 1 3/4 and 1 7/8s, and what’s the best header for me as my first engine mod with ability to do more upgrades later on like 6.4 intake, hellcat lifters, cam, upgraded oil and fuel pump just a rowdy daily truck not trying to be the absolute fastest just trying to sound and look nice

If going with LT's, here's some info to help you decide on sizing:
Personally, if staying NA engine and not going too crazy with the mods, I'd go 1 3/4, but that's me.



If you opt for LT's go for good quality and stay away from the likes of BBK and brands like them.
Buy once and cry once, then enjoy the experience of improved flow and performance.

@Nick@GotExhaust is a trusted site supporter and vendor and has a wealth of knowledge to help you select the right LT's with new gaskets and hardware.

If you're going to stay with stock manifolds I'd be looking at BD Diesel manifolds with new gaskets and hardware.
These manifolds are an improved design to the OEM stock ones and won't warp down the road.

 

[Mojo88]

Unless you're going to do forced induction of some sort, I would do 1 3/4" headers. Additionally, since you want a nice sound, I would be sure to get equal-length (sometimes referred to as 'tuned') headers. Using tuned headers with an x-pipe and dual exhaust produces the sweetest exhaust note ever IMHO.

 

[Daw14]

I have 1 3/4 “ ARH Longtubes , with the 6.4 intake and 6.4 injectors.

Be prepared for broken bolts.

Also installed a tru-trac with 4.56 gears .Due to the six speed.

I would keep the 1 3/4 “ unless planning on power adders.

 

[Adamcr68]

Hey there chat, I got a 2wd 2013 ram 1500 single cab express model. As expected I am ticking, ram life is pretty nice up until you hit that 110k-115k miles. I’m fairly sure it’s my header bolts, my heat shield on passenger side had 2 broken bolts so I can only assume most or all of the bolts on the header are ******. Like any normal ram guy the only right thing to do is go ahead and slap on some long tube headers. now heres the question what headers should I go with, why are some headers absurdly more than others, what’s the difference between 1 3/4 and 1 7/8s, and what’s the best header for me as my first engine mod with ability to do more upgrades later on like 6.4 intake, hellcat lifters, cam, upgraded oil and fuel pump just a rowdy daily truck not trying to be the absolute fastest just trying to sound and look nice

I’ve been happy with my Stainless Works long tubes, I had them installed for 2-3 years with no issues yet.
They aren’t cheap, I have seen other members that have had success with cheaper ones, probably “middle of the pack brands” not the cheapest one you can find.
Fitment issues & weld quality seem like the biggest problems with less expensive options IMO.

 

[Wild one]

Check out Ebay headers,as the name brand headers are stupidly priced and aren't really much better then what you can buy off ebay.No way in hell should a set of headers cost $2500+.

5.7 Hemi Long Tube Headers for sale | eBay

Find great deals on eBay for 5.7 Hemi Long Tube Headers. Shop with confidence.

www.ebay.ca

 

[Ken226]

This is an interesting manifold design:

HIGH FLOW SS Manifold Kit for 2009-2024 Dodge Ram 1500 2500 3500 5.7L Hemi | eBay

Experience unparalleled performance and durability with our enhanced Dodge/RAM truck exhaust manifolds, specifically designed for 5.7L HEMI engines. Crafted with precision, our Doctor Diesel Manifolds boast a robust, thicker design, and are constructed from high-silicon ductile iron to combat...

www.ebay.com

 

[CanuckRam1313]

This is an interesting manifold design:

HIGH FLOW SS Manifold Kit for 2009-2024 Dodge Ram 1500 2500 3500 5.7L Hemi | eBay

Experience unparalleled performance and durability with our enhanced Dodge/RAM truck exhaust manifolds, specifically designed for 5.7L HEMI engines. Crafted with precision, our Doctor Diesel Manifolds boast a robust, thicker design, and are constructed from high-silicon ductile iron to combat...

www.ebay.com

View attachment 574522

Quite similar to the BD Diesel design except these are in SS.

Interesting indeed!

 

[Ken226]

Quite similar to the BD Diesel design except these are in SS.

Interesting indeed!

The reviews seem pretty good in the sellers feedback. The first one has install pics. It looks like the oem heat shields are compatible too:

 

[CanuckRam1313]

Some SS bling under the hood!

 

[Wild one]

I'd think they're tubes under the cover,i'm guessing more like a set of short tube shorties,then similiar to the BD's which are a cast manifold

 

[Daw14]

I'd think they're tubes under the cover,i'm guessing more like a set of short tube shorties,then similiar to the BD's which are a cast manifold

I’m curious about what they look like underneath.

 

[Ken226]

 

[RedSRT4Me]

I use aFe 1 3/4 LT's originally for my 5.7. Unfortunately they are no longer avaliable since they are based out of CA. They did swap over to my 6.4L without issue. I do run 4.56 gearing with 8spd.

 

[Daw14]

View attachment 574530

Hanging lower every day.

 

[Cableman]

I put an order in for the new afe cast manifolds through @Nick@GotExhaust well see how they work out in the long run!

 

[04fxdwgi]

Didn't see anyone mention that going to long tubes, will mean installing a tuner and getting a tune, also.
Just another cost that needs to be added into the equation.

 

[16WhiteQC]

1 3/4" for a street truck vs drag truck.

LT's are a PITA to install, especially on a 4wd.

You will have broken bolts to remove from the manifolds, make sure you have a welder ready

The factory dipstick sucks if you plant to weave it through the primary's

I went with high flow cats and still ended up with rear 02 efficiency codes.

I love the power/TQ gain...BUT in hindsight I might have been better off with BD manifolds or good shorties.

 

[Adamcr68]

Didn't see anyone mention that going to long tubes, will mean installing a tuner and getting a tune, also.
Just another cost that needs to be added into the equation.

Good point! I do have a tune but believe I’ve read that you could add long tubes without issues, get the tune later, you won’t get the benefits without the tune.