How Much Does a Set of Headers Cost in 2025?

In 2025, a set of automotive exhaust headers typically costs $250 to $1,200 for mainstream stainless-steel units, with budget mild-steel options around $150 to $300 and premium or custom-built systems ranging from $1,500 to $4,000 or more. These figures exclude installation, which can add $300 to $1,400 depending on labor time and local rates. This article explains how prices vary by vehicle type, materials, design, emissions compliance, and brand, and outlines what to budget for installation and supporting parts.

What “headers” means and why the price varies

In the automotive context, “headers” are performance exhaust manifolds designed to improve engine breathing and power compared with factory cast manifolds. They come in different configurations—shorty, mid-length, and long-tube—and materials such as mild steel, stainless steel, and titanium. Prices vary widely because fitment is vehicle-specific, emissions rules differ by region, and some designs require more complex fabrication or include high-flow catalytic converters. While “headers” can mean different things in other fields, the cost question overwhelmingly refers to automotive exhaust headers.

Price ranges at a glance

The following ranges reflect typical retail pricing in the U.S. market as of 2025 and should help you benchmark what you’ll likely pay for parts alone.

• Entry-level mild-steel headers: $150–$300
• Mainstream shorty/mid-length stainless: $300–$800
• Long-tube stainless for popular V8s/imports: $600–$1,200
• Premium brand stainless (e.g., ARH, Kooks, Stainless Works, Borla): $1,200–$2,500
• Titanium or motorsport-grade systems: $2,000–$4,000+
• Custom-fabricated headers: $1,500–$4,000+ (varies by shop and complexity)
• Used market (brand-name take-offs): ~$100–$600 depending on condition and rarity

Most daily drivers and weekend builds land in the $400–$1,200 sweet spot for quality stainless headers, with higher costs tied to premium brands, tight engine bays, or emissions-compliant designs.

What drives the price

Header pricing comes down to materials, engineering complexity, and where and how the parts are made. The following factors tend to have the biggest impact on cost.

• Material: Mild steel is cheapest; 304 stainless costs more but resists corrosion; titanium is light and expensive.
• Design/length: Long-tube headers generally cost more than shorties due to more tubing, tighter routing, and performance tuning.
• Emissions compliance: CARB/EPA-legal headers (with an Executive Order number) cost more and are more limited in fitments.
• Brand and R&D: Established brands with vehicle-specific dyno development and better fixtures command higher prices.
• Coatings and finishes: Ceramic coatings and polished finishes add $100–$400+ but improve heat management and durability.
• Vehicle-specific complexity: Tight engine bays, steering shaft clearance, or integrated factory cats raise manufacturing and fitment costs.
• Included components: Systems that include high-flow cats, O2 extensions, gaskets, or hardware are pricier but install more smoothly.
• Manufacturing origin: Made-in-USA/EU products often cost more than offshore mass-produced units.
• Production vs. custom: One-off or low-volume fabrication significantly increases cost.

If two options seem similar on paper but are priced far apart, differences typically lie in materials, coatings, brand QA, and how thoroughly fitment and performance were validated.

Installation and related costs

Header prices often exclude installation and the supporting parts or services that make the upgrade work reliably and legally. Expect the following common add-ons.

• Labor time: 3–8 hours for most vehicles; 10+ hours for tight bays or rusted hardware
• Shop rates: Roughly $100–$175 per hour in most U.S. metro areas
• Total labor: ~$300–$1,400 depending on complexity and region
• Gaskets and hardware: $30–$150 if not included or if upgrading to multi-layer steel gaskets and ARP/grade-8 fasteners
• O2 sensor extensions/relocation: $20–$80
• ECU tune (if required for long-tubes or after moving cats): $300–$700
• Heat management (wrap/blankets): $30–$100; ceramic coating adds more upfront but reduces underhood temps
• Potential extras: New spark plugs/wires, dipstick tube re-route, steering shaft shims, or subframe realignment on certain platforms

All-in, many owners spend $800–$2,500 for parts plus installation, with premium systems and tuning pushing the total higher.

Examples by segment

While every vehicle is different, these ranges cover common platforms and should help set realistic expectations before you buy.

• Domestic V8 muscle (Camaro, Mustang, Challenger): Long-tube stainless $800–$1,600; premium $1,800–$2,500; shorty CARB-legal options $450–$900.
• Modern trucks/SUVs (half-ton V8s): Shorty/stainless $450–$900; long-tube $900–$1,600; emissions-legal shorties are more widely available.
• Popular imports (Honda K/B-series, Subaru FA/FB, Toyota 86/BRZ): $300–$900 for mainstream stainless; premium JDM/brand-name $900–$1,800; Subaru equal-length and catted designs trend higher.
• European performance (BMW M, AMG, Audi S/RS): $1,200–$3,000+; note many Euro cars integrate cats into manifolds, so “headers” often means catted manifolds or long-tube conversions that may not be street-legal.
• Motorcycles: Header sections $200–$1,200; full 4-into-1/2-into-1 systems $800–$2,500+, with titanium options reaching $3,000–$4,000.

Niche platforms and low-volume applications typically cost more because of limited tooling and smaller production runs.

Buying tips

Before purchasing, a few checks can prevent fitment hassles and unexpected costs, especially in states with strict emissions enforcement.

• Verify emissions legality in your state (look for a CARB EO number where required).
• Read vehicle-specific fitment reviews and forum threads to learn about real-world install challenges.
• Consider total system synergy: headers, mid-pipe/cats, cat-back, and tune.
• Decide on heat management upfront (ceramic coating vs. wrap) to protect nearby components.
• Compare what’s included (gaskets, hardware, O2 extensions) to avoid surprise add-ons.
• Check warranty terms and brand support; reputable brands often save time at install.
• For value, browse the used market for name-brand take-offs; inspect flanges and welds for warping or cracks.

A careful pre-purchase plan can keep you on budget and reduce downtime once the vehicle is on the lift.

Frequently asked questions

The points below address common buyer questions about header pricing and ownership.

• Do I need a tune with headers? Long-tubes often benefit from a tune for drivability and to clear codes; shorties less so, but check your platform.
• Are long-tubes worth the extra cost? They usually deliver larger gains at the expense of complexity, noise, and potential emissions issues.
• Will ceramic coating reduce underhood heat? Yes, coated headers typically lower underhood temps and improve durability compared with bare steel.
• How long do headers last? Stainless headers can last many years; mild steel may rust faster in salted climates without coatings.
• Can I install headers at home? Skilled DIYers can, but seized fasteners and tight clearances make a shop install worthwhile for many owners.

If you’re balancing budget and performance, weigh the expected gains against legality, noise levels, and the need for tuning or additional exhaust parts.

Summary

Expect to pay $250–$1,200 for most quality stainless automotive headers in 2025, with bargain options starting near $150 and premium or custom systems reaching $1,500–$4,000+. Installation and supporting costs add roughly $300–$1,400 or more, depending on complexity. Your final price hinges on material, design, emissions legality, brand, and vehicle-specific fitment. Planning for tuning, gaskets, and heat management will help you set a realistic, all-in budget.

Are headers really worth it?

Headers are worth it for performance-focused vehicles and can improve horsepower, torque, and fuel economy by reducing engine back pressure and improving scavenging, though the exact gains depend on header type and engine tuning. Long tube headers generally offer the greatest performance gains for racing applications but require significant tuning and can be costly. Shorty or mid-length headers are a more practical option for daily drivers, providing a modest increase in low-to-mid-range torque and a better exhaust note without the complications of long tubes.
 
This video explains how exhaust headers are designed to improve engine performance by reducing back pressure and enhancing exhaust scavenging: 57sDonutYouTube · Jun 24, 2020
Benefits of Headers

• Increased Power: Headers can lead to more horsepower and torque by allowing the engine to “breathe” more efficiently, clearing out exhaust gasses faster. 
• Improved Fuel Economy: A more efficient engine can result in better fuel consumption because the engine doesn’t have to work as hard to expel exhaust gases. 
• Enhanced Sound: Headers can change the exhaust note, often resulting in a smoother, more aggressive, or more defined sound compared to stock manifolds. 
• Better Scavenging: Properly designed headers create negative pressure waves that help pull remaining exhaust gasses out of the cylinders, allowing for more fresh air and fuel to enter. 

Considerations

• Engine Type: Headers are most beneficial for performance vehicles with a larger focus on high RPM operation. A well-designed stock exhaust manifold may already be optimized for a non-performance engine. 
• Header Type:
  • Long Tube Headers: Offer the most significant performance gains and are ideal for racing, but are harder to install and require proper ECU tuning. 
  • Shorty Headers: Provide a smaller, more manageable performance increase with better low-to-mid-range torque, making them a good choice for daily driving. 
• ECU Tuning: Installing headers, especially long tube headers, changes the air-fuel ratio, requiring an engine tune to take full advantage of the new exhaust flow and prevent potential damage. 
• Cost vs. Gain: High-end headers can be expensive, and the performance gains may not be significant enough to justify the cost on a stock or mildly modified engine. 

Are they worth it for you?

• For Performance Enthusiasts: If your goal is maximum horsepower and you are willing to invest in tuning and accept a potentially more aggressive vehicle operation, headers are likely worth the investment. 
• For Daily Drivers: A shorty header might be a good option if you want a modest performance boost, improved exhaust sound, and don’t want the complications of long tube headers. 
• For Most Street-Driven Cars: The benefits of headers on a stock, street-driven car may be minimal, and you might not see enough performance improvement to justify the cost. 

How much HP will headers add?

Headers typically add 10 to 30 horsepower, though the exact gain varies based on the engine, type of headers, other modifications, and vehicle tuning. Long-tube headers generally offer more significant power gains than shorty headers by reducing exhaust restriction more effectively. For maximum benefit, headers should be combined with supporting modifications like a cold air intake or camshaft upgrade and should be followed by an engine tune to match the new exhaust system. 
Factors influencing horsepower gains:

• Header Type: Long-tube headers improve exhaust flow more than shorty headers, leading to greater power gains, particularly at higher RPMs. 
• Engine Type and Setup: Larger engines or those already tuned for performance will see more substantial gains. 
• Supporting Modifications: When combined with other parts like a cold air intake or a more aggressive camshaft, headers can provide much larger horsepower increases. 
• Engine Tuning: An engine tune (ECU remapping) is crucial to optimize performance with new headers, fully unlocking their potential and ensuring the engine runs efficiently. 

Expected gains by header type:

• Long-tube headers: Opens in new tabCan provide gains of 15 to 30 horsepower, sometimes even more, especially when supported by tuning and other mods. 
• Shorty headers: Opens in new tabOffer more modest gains, around 10 to 15 horsepower, and provide benefits in low-end torque and throttle response rather than large peak power increases. 

What to expect beyond peak horsepower:
Headers provide other benefits, such as improving the engine’s volumetric efficiency by allowing it to “work less hard” to expel exhaust gases. This leads to increased torque, better throttle response, and a more aggressive exhaust note.

How much do custom headers cost?

Custom Header Pricing

	4 Cylinder	8 Cylinder
Mild Steel	$1900	$3000
Stainless Steel	$2200	$3500

How much is a set of headers?

On average, headers for a typical vehicle can range from $200 to $1,500 or more. If you opt for a complete headers exhaust system, including other components like a high-flow catalytic converter and performance mufflers, the cost can increase further.