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Stock S10 exhaust manifolds don’t fit an LS or small-block V8 swap, and clearance around the steering shaft/frame rails makes header choice the trickiest part of the install. These shorty and mid-length headers are the ones the S10 swap community actually uses and clear the factory chassis.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Speed Engineering 1-5/8″ LS Swap Shorty Headers (S10/S10 Blazer 1982-2004) | $550-$750 | Amazon |
| 2 | Sanderson CS12 Headers | $400-$600 | Amazon · eBay |
| 3 | SSN Performance LS Swap Shorty Headers (1-5/8″) | $300-$450 | Amazon |
| 4 | Stainless Works S10 LS Swap Headers | $700-$1,000 | Amazon · eBay |
The picks, in detail
Speed Engineering 1-5/8″ LS Swap Shorty Headers (S10/S10 Blazer 1982-2004)
Purpose-built shorty headers designed specifically for LS-swapped S10s, a favorite in the swap community for clearing steering and frame without modification.
- 304 stainless steel construction
- 1-5/8″ primary tubes
- Direct fit for 1982-2004 S10/S10 Blazer
- Fits LS1/LS2/LS3/LS6/LSA engines
- Purpose-designed for this exact swap, minimal fabrication
- Good low-end torque from shorty design
- Shorty design trades some top-end power for fitment
Sanderson CS12 Headers
A long-running favorite for small-block-to-S10 swaps, with 1-5/8″ primaries that clear factory steering.
- 1-5/8″ primary tubes
- Steel construction
- Designed around S10 chassis clearance points
- Long track record in classic small-block S10 swaps
- Good balance of fit and flow
- Not LS-specific — verify flange pattern matches your engine
SSN Performance LS Swap Shorty Headers (1-5/8″)
Budget-friendly shorty LS swap headers built specifically for 1982-2004 S10/Sonoma.
- 1-5/8″ primary tubes
- Mandrel-bent tubing
- Bolt-in fit for S10/Sonoma LS swaps
- Lower price than boutique brands
- Widely used in DIY LS swap builds
- Fit and finish reports are more mixed than premium brands
Stainless Works S10 LS Swap Headers
Premium mandrel-bent stainless headers for S10 LS swaps, built to order for specific engine/chassis combos.
- T304 stainless steel
- CNC-machined flanges
- Custom-fit per S10 generation and engine combo
- Highest build quality of the common options
- Excellent long-term corrosion resistance
- Most expensive option, longer lead times
Buying tips
- Confirm your specific S10 generation (1982-1993 vs 1994-2004) and engine family (LS vs traditional small-block) before ordering — flange patterns and steering clearance differ.
- Shorty headers are the standard choice for S10 swaps because full long-tube headers rarely clear the factory steering shaft and frame rails.
- Budget for header gaskets, block-hugger-style clearance checks, and possibly notching the frame rail slightly depending on the exact combo.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.