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There is no universal C10 LS-swap header. The main catalogue split is 1967–1972, 1973–1987 squarebody two-wheel-drive C10/C20, and 1988–1998 OBS C1500; 4WD K-series routing is different again. Engine mount location, transmission crossmember, steering box/shaft, A/C box, oil pan and intended exhaust all determine clearance. The detailed 1973–1987 Hooker systems below are designed around Hooker 12621HKR mounts and 12646HKR crossmember, not any random LS position. Long tubes change the collector location and require a built exhaust; these are not emissions-legal by default simply because a truck has an LS engine.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hedman 36-6075 Block-Hugger LS Header Set | $350-$400 | Amazon |
| 2 | Hedman 36-6078 Mid-Length LS Headers | $420-$470 | Amazon |
| 3 | Hooker 70101503HKR Painted 1-3/4-Inch Long Tubes | $370-$410 | Amazon |
| 4 | Hooker 70101503-1HKR Silver Ceramic 1-3/4-Inch Long Tubes | $500-$580 | Amazon · eBay |
| 5 | Hooker 70101503-3HKR Black Ceramic 1-3/4-Inch Long Tubes | $520-$620 | Amazon |
| 6 | Hooker 70101504HKR Painted 1-7/8-Inch Long Tubes | $400-$470 | Amazon |
| 7 | Hooker 70101504-1HKR Silver Ceramic 1-7/8-Inch Long Tubes | $520-$620 | Amazon · eBay |
| 8 | Hooker 70101504-3HKR Black Ceramic 1-7/8-Inch Long Tubes | $480-$560 | Amazon |
| 9 | Hooker 70101303-RHKR 304 Stainless 1-3/4-Inch Long Tubes | $950-$1,100 | Amazon |
| 10 | Hooker 70101304-RHKR 304 Stainless 1-7/8-Inch Long Tubes | $1,000-$1,150 | Amazon |
The picks, in detail
Hedman 36-6075 Block-Hugger LS Header Set
Hedman’s 36-6075 is a block-hugger LS header set listed by LMC Truck for 1973–1987 two-wheel-drive Chevrolet/GMC pickups. Its compact routing is a measured-fit choice where a full-length collector path conflicts with the swap layout.
- 1973–1987 2WD C10/C20 application
- LS block-hugger header set
- headers only; exhaust must be fabricated
- Exact squarebody two-wheel-drive catalogue application
- Compact routing
- Not a 1967–1972 or OBS C1500 part
- No complete downstream exhaust included
Hedman 36-6078 Mid-Length LS Headers
The Hedman 36-6078 is a mid-length LS header set specifically listed for 1973–1987 two-wheel-drive Chevy/GMC trucks. It is a distinct routing option from the 36-6075 block huggers, with a different collector placement to plan around.
- 1973–1987 2WD C10/C20
- mid-length LS headers
- requires custom exhaust connection
- Application is explicit in the LMC catalogue
- Mid-length layout gives another clearance strategy
- Not a 4WD K-series fitment claim
- Collector connection is not a bolt-on stock exhaust
Hooker 70101503HKR Painted 1-3/4-Inch Long Tubes
Hooker 70101503HKR is a painted mild-steel, full-length LS-swap set for 1973–1987 C10/C20 two-wheel-drive trucks. It has 1-3/4-inch primaries and 3-inch collectors, and Hooker specifies 12621HKR mounting brackets plus the 12646HKR transmission crossmember.
- 1973–1987 C10/C20 2WD
- 1-3/4-inch primaries; 3-inch collectors
- painted steel; designed around Hooker mounts/crossmember
- Published engine-mount and crossmember compatibility
- Good baseline size for stock LS and truck 5.3/6.0 swaps
- Long-tube collectors require a custom exhaust
- No blanket emissions approval
Hooker 70101503-1HKR Silver Ceramic 1-3/4-Inch Long Tubes
This silver-ceramic 70101503-1HKR is the coated 1-3/4-inch Hooker long-tube configuration for the 1973–1987 two-wheel-drive C10/C20 LS swap architecture. It retains the 3-inch collector layout and Hooker mount/crossmember dependency.
- 1973–1987 C10/C20 2WD
- 1-3/4-inch primaries; 3-inch collectors
- silver ceramic coating
- Coated version of a documented swap system
- Uses the same designed mounting geometry
- Higher cost than painted steel
- Still needs a matching fabricated exhaust
Hooker 70101503-3HKR Black Ceramic 1-3/4-Inch Long Tubes
Hooker 70101503-3HKR is the black-ceramic version of the 1-3/4-inch 1973–1987 C10/C20 LS full-length set. The distinct part number matters because coating changes price and heat-management characteristics.
- 1973–1987 C10/C20 2WD
- 1-3/4-inch primaries; 3-inch collectors
- black ceramic coating
- Exact part-numbered coated option
- Designed around Hooker swap mounts and crossmember
- Not an OBS or 1967–1972 part
- No catalytic converter or tailpipe included
Hooker 70101504HKR Painted 1-7/8-Inch Long Tubes
Hooker 70101504HKR is the larger 1-7/8-inch-primary painted long-tube option. The installation material identifies this 70101504 family for 1973–1974 GM C10/C20 two-wheel-drive trucks, so do not extend that application to every squarebody without checking the exact catalogue.
- 1973–1974 C10/C20 2WD application
- 1-7/8-inch primaries; 3-inch collectors
- painted long tubes
- Larger primary option for the stated early squarebody fitment
- Part family is documented in Hooker’s selection guide
- Narrower year application than 70101503
- Requires swap-specific mounts and fabricated exhaust
Hooker 70101504-1HKR Silver Ceramic 1-7/8-Inch Long Tubes
The 70101504-1HKR is the silver-ceramic configuration of Hooker’s 1-7/8-inch LS long-tube system for the stated 1973–1974 C10/C20 two-wheel-drive application.
- 1973–1974 C10/C20 2WD
- 1-7/8-inch primaries; 3-inch collectors
- silver ceramic finish
- Coated option with a specific Hooker part number
- Correctly distinguished from the later-year 1-3/4-inch system
- Not an all-years squarebody fit
- No ready-to-install catalytic exhaust supplied
Hooker 70101504-3HKR Black Ceramic 1-7/8-Inch Long Tubes
Hooker 70101504-3HKR combines 1-7/8-inch primaries, 3-inch collectors and black ceramic coating for the documented early squarebody C10/C20 LS swap. Treat its engine-mount and crossmember requirements as part of the kit fitment.
- 1973–1974 C10/C20 2WD
- 1-7/8-inch primaries; 3-inch collectors
- black ceramic-coated long tubes
- Distinct coated catalogue configuration
- Suitable only with a complete clearance plan
- Premium price
- Not certified as street legal in every jurisdiction
Hooker 70101303-RHKR 304 Stainless 1-3/4-Inch Long Tubes
Hooker 70101303-RHKR is the 304-stainless 1-3/4-inch full-length LS swap header configuration in the 1973–1987 C10 selection guide. It uses the 3-inch collector arrangement and the same swap-system positioning assumptions.
- 1973–1987 C10/C20 2WD
- 1-3/4-inch primaries; 3-inch collectors
- 304 stainless steel
- Stainless construction
- Exact part is listed in the Hooker C10 selection guide
- More expensive than coated mild steel
- Requires downstream exhaust fabrication
Hooker 70101304-RHKR 304 Stainless 1-7/8-Inch Long Tubes
Hooker 70101304-RHKR is the 304-stainless 1-7/8-inch version in the same C10 swap selection system. Select it only after confirming the exact C10 year, two-wheel-drive frame, engine position, steering clearance and intended transmission hardware.
- C10 LS-swap selection-guide configuration
- 1-7/8-inch primaries; 3-inch collectors
- 304 stainless steel
- Largest stainless primary configuration in this list
- Part-numbered system rather than a generic LS header
- Fitment must be verified against the specific truck year
- No general CARB or federal street-legal claim
Buying tips
- Identify the truck generation and drivetrain before choosing headers: 1967–1972, 1973–1987 2WD, 1988–1998 OBS 2WD and K-series 4WD are separate packaging problems.
- For the Hooker squarebody system, engine mounts and transmission crossmember are designed parts of the clearance package. Different LS mounts, a TH350/700R4/T56 adapter or altered steering can change fit.
- Headers alone are not an emissions solution. Retain or engineer legally required catalysts, sensors and evaporative/emissions equipment for the vehicle and jurisdiction, and never assume an off-road-oriented part is legal for public-road use.
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