Schoenfeld Headers: Ultimate Chevy Racing Exhaust Performance
Discover why Schoenfeld Headers is the world's largest manufacturer of circle track and muscle car headers for performance benefits.
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When you are building a race car, every ounce of horsepower counts. From the engine block to the tires, you need components that work in harmony to deliver speed and reliability. One of the most critical and often overlooked areas of performance is the exhaust system. This is where Schoenfeld Headers comes into play.
Founded in 1974 by Don Schoenfeld, this company has grown from a small operation into the world's largest manufacturer of circle track headers. Based in Van Buren, Arkansas, the brand has become synonymous with high-quality exhaust parts for racers worldwide.
Whether you are running a small-block Chevy on a dirt oval or building a custom big-block machine for tractor pulling, understanding the value of a proper exhaust setup is key to reaching the winner's circle.
This guide explores why this brand remains a favorite among mechanics and drivers, the wide variety of products they offer, and how to maintain them for the long haul.
Why Choose Schoenfeld Headers?
The aftermarket automotive world is flooded with options, so what makes Schoenfeld stand out? It comes down to a commitment to performance-driven design and manufacturing consistency.
Superior Flow with Mandrel Bends
The secret to horsepower is airflow. An engine is essentially an air pump; the more efficiently you can move air in and out, the more power you generate. Schoenfeld headers utilize mandrel bends in their tubing.
Unlike standard crush bends, which reduce the diameter of the pipe at the curve, a mandrel bend maintains a consistent diameter throughout the entire bend. This ensures that exhaust gases flow smoothly from the primary tubes to the collector without turbulence or restriction.
Built for Specific Applications
One size does not fit all in racing. A header designed for a sprint car will not work on a street stock chassis. Schoenfeld understands this nuance better than almost anyone. They don't just guess; they build headers to fit specific frame and engine combinations. This dedication saves fabricators time and frustration during the build process.
Durability and Material
Racing environments are harsh. Heat, vibration, and impact from debris on a dirt track can destroy lesser components. These headers are typically constructed from heavy-gauge steel, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of a long season.
Types of Schoenfeld Headers
The sheer volume of products in their catalog is impressive. While they are famous for circle track racing, their inventory covers a much broader spectrum of the automotive world.
Circle Track and Street Stock
This is the core of the business. Schoenfeld Street stock headers are a staple at local tracks every Saturday night. They offer specific fitments for popular chassis, ensuring that the tubes clear the frame rails and suspension components. Whether you are running a Modified, Late Model, or Hobby Stock, there is likely a set of circle track headers engineered for your setup.
Sprint Cars and Midgets
Sprint cars require a very specific exhaust layout due to their unique engine placement and lack of bodywork. Schoenfeld offers a wide variety here, including tube diameters and lengths to tune the engine's power curve.
Muscle Cars and Trucks
While their roots are in racing, they also cater to the muscle car and truck enthusiast. If you are doing an engine swap or upgrading an old pickup, they offer headers that provide significant performance gains over stock manifolds.
Specialized Applications
From tractor pulling machines to marine applications where boats require specialized water-cooled or dry-stack exhaust, the product line is vast. They even produce specialized parts for complicated engine swaps where clearance is tight.
A Few Custom Applications
(See Summit Racing Equipment catalog for complete coverage)
Schoenfeld Long Tube LS Swap Headers for Chevy/GMC Trucks - 1302LS1
Headers, Long Tube, Steel, Painted, 1 3/4 in. Primary, 3 in. Collector, Chevy, GMC, LS Swap, Pair
Schoenfeld Long Tube LS Swap Headers for Chevy/GMC Trucks - 1302LS1
The Schoenfeld Long Tube LS Swap Headers (Part Number: SCH-1302LS1) are a high-performance upgrade designed for Chevy and GMC trucks undergoing an LS engine swap.
These headers are crafted from durable steel with a long tube, one-piece design, and feature 1 3/4-inch primary tubes and 3-inch collectors for optimal exhaust flow. While the temporary paint coating protects during shipping, it is recommended to apply a high-heat coating for long-term use. These headers are sold as a pair and include bolts and gaskets for easy installation.
Key Features:
- High-Performance Design: Long tube, one-piece headers with 1 3/4-inch primary tubes and 3-inch collectors for improved exhaust flow.
- Durable Construction: Made from 16-gauge steel with a 0.31-inch flange thickness for strength and reliability.
- Installation Ready: Includes bolts and gaskets; designed for LS engine swaps in Chevy/GMC trucks.
- Temporary Paint Coating: Protective paint for shipping; requires high-heat coating for durability during use.
- Slip-Fit Collector Attachment: Ensures a secure and straightforward installation process.
Schoenfeld Ceramic Coated Long Tube LS Swap Headers for Chevy/GMC Trucks - 1302LS1-C
Headers, Long Tube, Steel, Coated, 1 3/4 in. Primary, 3 in. Collector, Chevy, GMC, LS Swap, Pair
Schoenfeld Ceramic Coated Long Tube LS Swap Headers for Chevy/GMC Trucks - 1302LS1-C
The Schoenfeld Ceramic Coated Long Tube LS Swap Headers (1302LS1-C) are designed to enhance the performance of Chevy and GMC trucks with LS engine swaps. These headers are crafted from durable steel and feature a sleek silver ceramic coating for improved heat resistance and longevity. With a long tube design, they optimize exhaust flow, delivering better horsepower and torque. Perfect for enthusiasts looking to upgrade their truck's performance and style.
Key Features:
- Durable Construction: Made from 16-gauge steel for long-lasting performance.
- Enhanced Exhaust Flow: Long tube design with 1 3/4-inch primary tubes and 3-inch collectors.
- Heat-Resistant Coating: Silver ceramic coating for superior heat management and durability.
- Complete Installation Kit: Includes bolts, studs, and gaskets for easy installation.
- Vehicle Compatibility: Specifically designed for LS engine swaps in Chevy/GMC trucks.
Schoenfeld Long Tube LS Swap Headers for Chevy/GMC Trucks - 1303LS1-3
Headers, Long Tube, Steel, Painted, 1 7/8 in. Primary, 3 in. Collector, Chevy, GMC, LS Swap, Pair
Schoenfeld Long Tube LS Swap Headers for Chevy/GMC Trucks - 1303LS1-3
The Schoenfeld Long Tube LS Swap Headers (1303LS1-3) are designed to enhance the performance of Chevy and GMC trucks with LS engine swaps. Crafted from durable steel with 1 7/8-inch primary tubes and a 3-inch collector, these headers are built for efficiency and power.
While the temporary paint coating protects during shipping, it is recommended to apply a high-heat finish for long-term use. These headers are a reliable choice for enthusiasts looking to optimize exhaust flow and engine performance.
Key Features:
- High-Performance Design: Long tube headers with 1 7/8-inch primary tubes and 3-inch collectors for improved exhaust flow.
- Durable Construction: Made from 16-gauge steel for strength and longevity.
- Custom Fit: Specifically designed for LS engine swaps in Chevy/GMC trucks.
- Included Accessories: Comes with bolts, studs, and gaskets for easy installation.
- Paint Coating: Temporary protective paint; requires high-heat coating for extended use.
- Finish: Temporary paint coating allows for user-applied high-heat paint.
Schoenfeld Headers 1309-3
Headers, Long Tube, 1 7/8 in. Primaries, 3 in. Collector, Chevy, GMC, Small Block, Pair
Schoenfeld Headers 1309-3
The Schoenfeld Headers 1309-3 are high-performance long-tube headers designed for Chevy and GMC small-block engines. Crafted from durable 16-gauge steel, these headers feature 1 7/8-inch primary tubes and a 3-inch collector for optimal exhaust flow. They are sold as a pair and include gaskets and bolts for easy installation. Note that the temporary paint coating is not heat-resistant and should be replaced with a high-temperature finish for long-term use.
Key Features:
- Material: Made from 16-gauge steel for durability.
- Design: Long tube, one-piece headers with 1 7/8-inch primaries and 3-inch collectors.
- Compatibility: Fits straight or angled plug cylinder heads on Chevy and GMC small block engines.
- Included Components: Gaskets and bolts for installation.
- Finish: Temporary paint coating; requires high-temperature paint for extended use.
Essential Exhaust Components and Accessories
A header is only one part of the equation. To build a complete system, you need the right exhaust components. Schoenfeld serves as a one-stop shop for these accessories.
Mufflers and Inserts
Many tracks enforce strict noise regulations. To help racers comply without killing horsepower, Schoenfeld offers race mufflers and insert mufflers. These range from slip-on designs that attach easily to the collector outlet to internal auger-style mufflers that fit inside the pipe.
Tubing and Bends
For the fabricator who wants to build a custom system, you can buy individual tubing bends, elbows, and mandrel U-bends. This allows you to route the exhaust exactly where you need it, around the chassis or suspension.
Hardware and Header Gaskets
A leaking exhaust can ruin your tune and burn valves. High-quality header gaskets are essential for sealing the flange to the cylinder head. Additionally, exhaust reducers, turn downs (to deflect exhaust away from the car or ground), and extensions are available to finish off the system.
Installation Tips for Peak Performance
Installing headers might seem straightforward, but attention to detail ensures they last longer and perform better.
- Check Clearances First: Before bolting everything down tight, test fit the headers. Check for clearance around the steering shaft, oil filter, starter, and frame rails. You don't want the metal vibrating against the chassis.
- Use Quality Gaskets: Always use new header gaskets. Reusing old ones is a recipe for a leak.
- Tighten in Sequence: When tightening the header bolts, work from the center out to ensure the flange seats evenly against the head.
- Collector Fitment: If you are using exhaust reducers or extensions, ensure the slip-fit connections are tight. You may need to weld them or use high-quality heavy-duty clamps.
Maintenance: Keeping Your Exhaust Healthy
Because most racing headers are made of mild steel, they require maintenance to prevent rust and fatigue.
- Paint or Coat: Most headers ship with a temporary paint that burns off. It is highly recommended to paint them with high-heat header paint or to have them ceramic-coated. This keeps rust at bay and keeps heat inside the pipe.
- Inspect for Cracks: After every few races, inspect the primary tubes near the flange. Vibration can cause stress cracks over time.
- Check Bolt Tightness: Heat cycling causes metal to expand and contract, which can loosen bolts. Retorque your header bolts regularly.
Why Racers Rely on Schoenfeld Street Stock Headers
You can find customer success stories at almost any track in the world. Walk through the pits at a local dirt track, and you will see the Schoenfeld decal on fenders everywhere.
Racers choose these products because they balance cost with performance. A team with a limited budget can afford a set of Schoenfeld headers parts that perform just as well as custom-fabricated sets costing three times as much.
We hope this accessibility allows more people to get into racing and stay there. Whether it is a father-son project in the garage or a professional team chasing a championship, the reliability of these parts is a significant factor in their success.
Conclusion
Since being founded in 1974, Schoenfeld Headers has remained dedicated to the racer's needs. From Schoenfeld street stock headers to custom mandrel bends for unique builds, they provide the application-specific solutions that the automotive world demands.
When you see their products for sale or add them to your cart, you aren't just buying a piece of pipe; you are buying decades of racing heritage from Van Buren, Arkansas. By choosing high-quality exhaust parts like header gaskets, insert mufflers, and tubing bends from a trusted source, you ensure your engine breathes freely and produces maximum power.
For your next build, consider the brand that powers champions.
Thank you for reading!
Your friend,
Todd
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