With so many header and exhaust questions on decreasing performance with a muffler, I figured Id make this thread. Going to link the headers available and talk a bit about them. I would suggest that with any header install, you purchase new Mopar OEM gaskets. Some people have had no issues with the supplied gaskets from header manufacturer, but some have. For the cost and time involved, its better to be safe than sorry IMO. Header installs can be done with minimal tools in the driveway. Stubby and ratcheting wrenches are your friend, as well as a swivel head socket. A second pair of hands is nice, but not necessary. Jack and stands are of course required (ramps dont work as the front wheels must come off).
I would also suggest going no cat y-pipe if you have the option to do so. You will need to have a custom tune (DiabloSport w/ a HemiFever, Jay Greene, WL, or whoever tune to remove o2 codes). Even with hi-flow cat, you may need a custom tune as it might still throw a code.
First off there are shorty headers. I personally would not waste my money going this route. Its ok if you just want to mod with the slight performance gain, but there is not much there. They do not replace the factory y-pipe (pictured below) which is garbage so there is still a huge restriction unless you do a custom exhaust. They are fairly easy to install and bolt-up to the factory pipe.
BBK Shorty Headers: BBK : 04-14 Dodge Ram Hemi 5.7L Hemi Shorty Exhaust Headers
BBK are not known for their quality, at least in regards to our trucks. They are ok, but I would personally go with JBA as they have a better reputation in the shorty department. The main plus is they are nearly $300 cheaper than the JBA. Just remember, you get what you pay for especially with headers! Available in Ceramic coating as well.
JBA Shorty: JBA Performance Exhaust Part #:1961S-2 Cat4ward® Shorty
The best shorty header available. Good quality and will produce small gains. Much better option than the BBK. If you are set on shorty's, go with these. Available in Ceramic coating as well.
JBA LT Header: JBA Performance Exhaust Part #:1961S-2 Cat4ward® Shorty
y-pipe: JBA Stainless 3" Mandrel Bent Y-pipe 09-14 Ram 1500 5.7
This is the cheapest LT header available. Some people have reported fitment issues and quality issues. Again, you get what you pay for. A few have said that in order to get them to fit, they had to center the engine on the motor mounts which can be costly in time and possibly your wallet on the install. They are not the quality of ARH by any means, but they are MUCH cheaper and a viable option. They also only come in 1 7/8" diameter tubes which is a little large for a non-boosted motor. While its not a HUGE deal, you will lose a little bottom end compared to the 1 3/4" offerings on a N/A vehicle. Also, the y-pipe does not come with a catted option and its an extra cost over the header price. They come in multiple flavors such as base stainless, ceramic coating, polished, and titanium. The y-pipe is also built for a 6 speed and I do not believe there is an option for an 8 speed y-pipe ('13-'15 trucks) but contact them to be sure.
Stainless Works LT: SW Product Info: Dodge RAM
SW makes a quality header at a good price. Its comparable to ARH although not as popular. They also have an exhaust option with a single pipe to dual out or a true dual setup which is nice. The exhaust setup is extra of course. Cost is inbetween the JBA LT and ARH (although closer to ARH pricing). They offer 1 3/4" or 1 7/8" primaries and also include the y-pipe with or without cats. The y-pipe is also built for a 6 speed and I do not believe there is an option for an 8 speed y-pipe ('13-'15 trucks) but contact them to be sure.
American Racing Headers LT: Dodge Hemi 1500 Ram | American Racing Headers > Products > General Motors2
IMO, ARH is the best header available. It is top notch quality and they have good customer service. They have the most available options (besides a true dual y-pipe like SW). They have 1 3/4" and 1 7/8" primaries. They also have a y-pipe for either 6sp or 8sp trucks with both a catted and non catted option. Again, quality is above and beyond with ARH and if you can swing the money over the JBA, you should. The install from personal experience is not bad at all and I highly recommend these.
Below is a picture of the ARH long tube next to the stock manifold. You can see it is VERY restrictive. Exhaust from a 400hp truck trying to squeeze through that log cant be good. Also, a pic of the stock y-pipe. It is the 2nd most restrictive part of the exhaust next to the log manifold. Forget changing your muffler for performance, that y-pipe is brutal.
If anyone has anything theyd like to add, feel free. Would be nice to have an informative all inclusive thread as many people have questions about headers.
I would also suggest going no cat y-pipe if you have the option to do so. You will need to have a custom tune (DiabloSport w/ a HemiFever, Jay Greene, WL, or whoever tune to remove o2 codes). Even with hi-flow cat, you may need a custom tune as it might still throw a code.
First off there are shorty headers. I personally would not waste my money going this route. Its ok if you just want to mod with the slight performance gain, but there is not much there. They do not replace the factory y-pipe (pictured below) which is garbage so there is still a huge restriction unless you do a custom exhaust. They are fairly easy to install and bolt-up to the factory pipe.
BBK Shorty Headers: BBK : 04-14 Dodge Ram Hemi 5.7L Hemi Shorty Exhaust Headers
BBK are not known for their quality, at least in regards to our trucks. They are ok, but I would personally go with JBA as they have a better reputation in the shorty department. The main plus is they are nearly $300 cheaper than the JBA. Just remember, you get what you pay for especially with headers! Available in Ceramic coating as well.
JBA Shorty: JBA Performance Exhaust Part #:1961S-2 Cat4ward® Shorty
The best shorty header available. Good quality and will produce small gains. Much better option than the BBK. If you are set on shorty's, go with these. Available in Ceramic coating as well.
JBA LT Header: JBA Performance Exhaust Part #:1961S-2 Cat4ward® Shorty
y-pipe: JBA Stainless 3" Mandrel Bent Y-pipe 09-14 Ram 1500 5.7
This is the cheapest LT header available. Some people have reported fitment issues and quality issues. Again, you get what you pay for. A few have said that in order to get them to fit, they had to center the engine on the motor mounts which can be costly in time and possibly your wallet on the install. They are not the quality of ARH by any means, but they are MUCH cheaper and a viable option. They also only come in 1 7/8" diameter tubes which is a little large for a non-boosted motor. While its not a HUGE deal, you will lose a little bottom end compared to the 1 3/4" offerings on a N/A vehicle. Also, the y-pipe does not come with a catted option and its an extra cost over the header price. They come in multiple flavors such as base stainless, ceramic coating, polished, and titanium. The y-pipe is also built for a 6 speed and I do not believe there is an option for an 8 speed y-pipe ('13-'15 trucks) but contact them to be sure.
Stainless Works LT: SW Product Info: Dodge RAM
SW makes a quality header at a good price. Its comparable to ARH although not as popular. They also have an exhaust option with a single pipe to dual out or a true dual setup which is nice. The exhaust setup is extra of course. Cost is inbetween the JBA LT and ARH (although closer to ARH pricing). They offer 1 3/4" or 1 7/8" primaries and also include the y-pipe with or without cats. The y-pipe is also built for a 6 speed and I do not believe there is an option for an 8 speed y-pipe ('13-'15 trucks) but contact them to be sure.
American Racing Headers LT: Dodge Hemi 1500 Ram | American Racing Headers > Products > General Motors2
IMO, ARH is the best header available. It is top notch quality and they have good customer service. They have the most available options (besides a true dual y-pipe like SW). They have 1 3/4" and 1 7/8" primaries. They also have a y-pipe for either 6sp or 8sp trucks with both a catted and non catted option. Again, quality is above and beyond with ARH and if you can swing the money over the JBA, you should. The install from personal experience is not bad at all and I highly recommend these.
Below is a picture of the ARH long tube next to the stock manifold. You can see it is VERY restrictive. Exhaust from a 400hp truck trying to squeeze through that log cant be good. Also, a pic of the stock y-pipe. It is the 2nd most restrictive part of the exhaust next to the log manifold. Forget changing your muffler for performance, that y-pipe is brutal.
If anyone has anything theyd like to add, feel free. Would be nice to have an informative all inclusive thread as many people have questions about headers.
