BBK 40000 1-3/4 Shorty Headers Silver Ceramic 97-99 Chevy Corvette C5 LS1 5.7L

Vehicle Fitment

• 1997-1999 Chevrolet Corvette C5 (5.7L LS1 V8, All Trims - Base Coupe, Convertible, Hardtop)

Fitment Notes

• Fits the 1997-1999 C5 Corvette ONLY - does NOT fit the 2000 or later C5 Corvette; those require a different part number due to changes in the engine bay and exhaust layout
• CARB Approved - EO# D-245-18 - 50-state legal for 1997-1999 Chevrolet Corvette C5 LS1 applications
• No tune required - direct bolt-on replacement for the factory exhaust manifolds; compatible with factory or any aftermarket cat-back exhaust system
• These are shorty-style (tuned-length) headers - they retain the factory mid-pipe connection and do not require a matching BBK mid pipe for installation
• Do NOT use header wrap on any BBK exhaust product - header wrap use voids all BBK exhaust warranties

Features

• 12-15 horsepower increase over the factory cast iron exhaust manifolds, achieved through improved primary tube diameter, mandrel-bent flow path, and tuned primary lengths that optimize exhaust scavenging across the RPM range
• 1-3/4" primary tube diameter provides significantly more flow area than the factory manifold passages, reducing exhaust backpressure and improving cylinder scavenging efficiency
• Tuned-length primary tube design creates balanced, timed exhaust pulses from each cylinder for improved scavenging and more consistent power delivery - an advantage over generic equal-length designs
• CNC mandrel-bent tubing maintains full 1-3/4" tube diameter through every bend, eliminating the flow restriction that results from conventional press-bent tubing
• 3/8" thick die-stamped laser-cut flanges provide a leak-free seal against the LS1 cylinder head surface and maximum flange strength under repeated heat cycling
• 16-gauge steel tubing construction delivers the optimal balance of wall strength and weight for a high-performance street application
• Polished Silver Ceramic high-temperature finish reduces radiant underhood heat, protects the steel from corrosion and thermal oxidation, and maintains a premium appearance
• All headers are robotically and precision hand welded, then pressure tested at the BBK facility for guaranteed leak-free performance
• Compatible with factory cat-back and any aftermarket cat-back exhaust system - no modification to the remainder of the exhaust is required
• CARB approved (EO# D-245-18) - 50-state street legal for 1997-1999 C5 Corvette applications
• Designed and manufactured in the USA

Specifications

• Primary Tube Diameter: 1-3/4 inches (1.75")
• Primary Tube Gauge: 16-gauge steel
• Tubing Construction: CNC mandrel-bent
• Flange Thickness: 3/8 inch (0.375") die-stamped, laser-cut
• Collector Diameter: 3.00 inches
• Header Style: Shorty (tuned-length)
• Finish: Polished Silver Ceramic high-temperature coating
• Engine: 5.7L LS1 V8 - 1997-1999 Chevrolet Corvette C5
• Horsepower Gain: 12-15 HP over stock
• Tune Required: No
• CARB Status: Approved - EO# D-245-18 (50-state legal for 1997-1999 C5 applications)
• Quantity: Sold as a pair (left and right)
• Country of Origin: USA
• Warranty: 1-Year Limited

Included Components

• 1x Left (driver side) shorty header - polished silver ceramic finish
• 1x Right (passenger side) shorty header - polished silver ceramic finish
• 1x Set of exhaust header gaskets
• 1x Installation hardware kit (header bolts and fasteners)

Product Description

The BBK Performance 40000 is a set of 1-3/4" polished silver ceramic shorty headers designed as a direct bolt-on upgrade for the 1997-1999 Chevrolet Corvette C5 with the 5.7L LS1 V8. These headers replace the factory cast iron exhaust manifolds - which severely restrict exhaust flow and rob the LS1 of power - with CNC mandrel-bent 1-3/4" steel primaries that flow substantially more exhaust gas per unit time. The result is a documented gain of 12-15 horsepower over stock, along with improved torque and a noticeably more aggressive exhaust character that the factory manifolds simply cannot produce. Unlike equal-length shorties, the BBK 40000 uses tuned-length primary tubes that create balanced, timed exhaust pulses from each cylinder for improved scavenging efficiency across the RPM band and more consistent power delivery throughout the rev range.

Construction throughout reflects BBK's standard of OEM-level fit with performance-focused engineering. The 16-gauge mandrel-bent steel primaries maintain their full 1-3/4" bore through every bend, and the 3/8" thick die-stamped laser-cut flanges guarantee a leak-free seal against the LS1 cylinder head surface under repeated heat cycling. All headers are robotically and hand-welded, then pressure tested at the BBK facility prior to shipment. The polished silver ceramic coating provides a premium underhood appearance while also reducing radiant heat into the engine bay - a practical benefit in the tight confines of the C5's engine compartment. The 40000 connects directly to the factory mid-pipe and cat-back exhaust system without any modifications, and is compatible with any aftermarket cat-back as well.

The BBK 40000 is CARB approved under Executive Order D-245-18 and is 50-state street legal for 1997-1999 Corvette C5 LS1 applications - no tune is required and no modifications to the factory wiring, sensors, or exhaust downstream of the collectors are needed. Note that this part number fits the 1997-1999 C5 Corvette only and does not fit the 2000 or later C5. New gaskets and all required installation hardware are included. Designed and manufactured in the USA and backed by BBK's 1-year limited warranty.