Holden Commodore VB-VS 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L LS V8 Conversion Pacemaker Headers PH5345-3

Pacemaker PH5345-3 headers (extractors) are specifically designed for LS V8 engine conversions into Holden Commodore VB, VC, VH, VK, VL, VN, VP, VR and VS models.

Designed for 5.7L, 6.0L and 6.2L LS-series V8 conversions, PH5345-3 uses Pacemaker's Tri-Y design with 44mm (1¾") primary pipes, 51mm (2") secondary pipes and large 76mm (3") outlets.

Common applications include the 5.7L LS1, 6.0L L76, L77 and L98, and 6.2L LS3. These headers provide a purpose-designed solution for installing later LS-series V8 engines into earlier Commodore chassis where exhaust, steering, engine mount, crossmember and starter-motor clearance are critical.

IMPORTANT – VB-VK applications require a manual steering rack with a power-steering K-frame. Pacemaker recommends the appropriate Tuff Mount engine mounts, crossmember and starter motor relocation kit to guarantee fitment.

Please check availability and current lead time before ordering.

Key Features

• Purpose-designed for LS V8 conversions into VB-VS Holden Commodore
• Tri-Y header design
• 44mm (1¾") primary pipes
• 51mm (2") secondary pipes
• 76mm (3") outlets
• Suits 5.7L, 6.0L and 6.2L LS-series V8 conversions
• Manual and automatic transmission compatible
• Power steering compatible when the correct conversion components are used
• Air conditioning compatible
• Oxygen sensor provision

Construction

Pacemaker PH5345-3 uses a Tri-Y configuration with 44mm (1¾") primary pipes feeding into 51mm (2") secondary pipes and large 76mm (3") outlets.

The standard Pacemaker finish uses the distinctive Pacemaker Blue heat-resistant coating.

Additional Options

Ceramic Coating: Ceramic coating may be available for improved heat management and corrosion resistance. Please contact Best Mufflers for current availability.

DSF138: Replacement LS cylinder-head exhaust gaskets are available separately.

Vehicle Fitment

• Holden Commodore VB: LS V8 conversion
• Holden Commodore VC: LS V8 conversion
• Holden Commodore VH: LS V8 conversion
• Holden Commodore VK: LS V8 conversion
• Holden Commodore VL: LS V8 conversion
• Holden Commodore VN: LS V8 conversion
• Holden Commodore VP: LS V8 conversion
• Holden Commodore VR: LS V8 conversion
• Holden Commodore VS: LS V8 conversion
• Engine Capacity: 5.7L / 6.0L / 6.2L LS V8
• Common Engines: LS1 / L76 / L77 / L98 / LS2 / LS3
• Transmission: Manual / Automatic
• Drive: Rear-Wheel Drive

Pacemaker's current application covers the VB-VS Commodore platform from 1978 through 2000. These dates refer to the vehicle platform application; the LS engine itself is a conversion into these earlier vehicles.

Header Specifications

• Part Number: PH5345-3 L/R
• Brand: Pacemaker
• Design: Tri-Y
• Primary Pipe: 44mm (1¾")
• Secondary Pipe: 51mm (2")
• Outlet: 76mm (3")
• Power Steering: Yes – subject to conversion configuration
• Air Conditioning: Yes
• Oxygen Sensor Provision: Yes
• EGR: N/A
• Replacement Gasket: DSF138
• Approximate Fitting Time: 5 hours

Fitment Notes

VB-VK Steering: Pacemaker specifies VB-VK Commodore with manual steering rack and power-steering K-frame only.

Power Steering Rack: Where a power steering rack is required in an early Commodore conversion, current application information indicates a VN-VS K-frame and corresponding steering configuration is required.

Tuff Mount Conversion Components: To guarantee header fitment, Pacemaker recommends using the appropriate Tuff Mount engine mounts, crossmember and starter motor relocation kit for the conversion.

VL with RB30 K-Frame: Current application information specifies dedicated conversion mounting components for PH5345-3 when retaining an RB30 K-frame. Confirm the engine mount and K-frame configuration before ordering.

VR-VS: Gearbox crossmember requirements depend on the transmission and LS conversion configuration. Pacemaker conversion crossmembers are available for manual and automatic applications.

Engine Conversions: Engine position, K-frame, engine mounts, steering rack, transmission, starter motor and other conversion components can affect clearance and fitment.

Protect painted surfaces during trial fitting and check all steering, starter motor, transmission, engine mount, floor and exhaust clearances before final tightening.

What's Included

• Pacemaker PH5345-3 left-side header assembly
• Pacemaker PH5345-3 right-side header assembly

Do not assume header bolts, gaskets, engine mounts, crossmembers, starter relocation components or other conversion hardware are included unless specifically confirmed before ordering.

Recommended With

• DSF138 exhaust manifold/header gaskets
• Correct Tuff Mount engine mounting components for the vehicle
• Correct conversion crossmember where required
• Starter motor relocation components where required
• Suitable 3" outlet exhaust connections

PH5345-3 vs PH5345

PH5345-3: Tri-Y design with 44mm (1¾") primaries, 51mm (2") secondaries and 76mm (3") outlets.

PH5345: Uses the same 44mm (1¾") primary and 51mm (2") secondary pipe sizes, but finishes with smaller 63mm (2½") outlets.

The main difference is therefore the outlet size. PH5345-3 is the 3" outlet version for conversions using a larger downstream exhaust system.

Why Good Headers & Exhaust Systems Matter

At 4,000 rpm, a 5.7L LS1 V8 theoretically draws approximately 11,400 litres of intake air per minute at 100% volumetric efficiency and expels around 34,200 litres of hot exhaust gas per minute at approximately 600°C.

At the same engine speed, a 6.0L LS V8 theoretically draws approximately 12,000 litres of intake air per minute and expels around 36,000 litres of hot exhaust gas per minute.

A 6.2L LS3 V8 theoretically draws approximately 12,400 litres of intake air per minute and expels around 37,200 litres of hot exhaust gas per minute at approximately 600°C.

Actual airflow varies with engine specification, volumetric efficiency, RPM, camshaft, cylinder heads, induction system and tune.

A well-designed header and exhaust system helps manage this high gas flow efficiently, reducing restriction and improving exhaust scavenging, torque, throttle response and engine performance.

Installation Tips

PH5345-3 is an engine-conversion header, so the complete conversion configuration should be confirmed before installation.

Check the engine mounts, K-frame, steering rack, starter motor position, transmission and gearbox crossmember before fitting the headers.

For VB-VK applications, confirm the vehicle uses the required manual steering rack and power-steering K-frame combination.

Pacemaker lists an approximate fitting time of 5 hours, although actual installation time can vary considerably depending on the conversion and vehicle modifications.

Professional installation by a workshop experienced with LS Commodore conversions is recommended.

Warranty & Compliance

Pacemaker headers are covered against manufacturing defects subject to Pacemaker's current warranty terms and conditions.

Because PH5345-3 is intended for an engine conversion, the completed vehicle must comply with applicable state or territory requirements covering engine conversions, emissions, exhaust noise and vehicle modifications.

Any catalytic converters, oxygen sensors and emissions-control equipment required for the engine and vehicle must remain correctly installed and operational.

FAQ

What vehicles do PH5345-3 headers suit?
Pacemaker lists PH5345-3 for Holden Commodore VB, VC, VH, VK, VL, VN, VP, VR and VS fitted with an LS-series V8 engine conversion.

What LS engines will PH5345-3 suit?
Pacemaker lists the header for 5.7L, 6.0L and 6.2L LS-series V8 engine conversions. Common applications include LS1, L76, L77, L98, LS2 and LS3 engines, subject to the complete conversion configuration.

Are PH5345-3 headers Tri-Y?
Yes. Pacemaker's current specification identifies PH5345-3 as a Tri-Y design.

What size are PH5345-3 headers?
They use 44mm (1¾") primary pipes, 51mm (2") secondary pipes and 76mm (3") outlets.

Will PH5345-3 suit a VB-VK with power steering?
Pacemaker specifies VB-VK with a manual steering rack and power-steering K-frame only. If a power steering rack is being used, the K-frame and steering conversion configuration must be checked before ordering.

Do I need Tuff Mount conversion components?
Pacemaker recommends using the appropriate Tuff Mount engine mounts, crossmember and starter motor relocation kit to guarantee header fitment.

Will PH5345-3 suit manual and automatic transmissions?
Yes. Pacemaker lists PH5345-3 for both manual and automatic applications, subject to the correct conversion components being used.

Does PH5345-3 have oxygen sensor provisions?
Yes. Pacemaker specifies oxygen sensor provision for PH5345-3.

What gasket suits PH5345-3?
Pacemaker specifies DSF138.

What is the difference between PH5345 and PH5345-3?
Both use 44mm primaries and 51mm secondaries. PH5345 has 63mm (2½") outlets, while PH5345-3 has larger 76mm (3") outlets.

Can I pick up from the store?
Yes. Pick up is available but must be pre-arranged before collection.

How much is freight?
Freight varies depending on your delivery location and where stock is available. Please contact us for freight charges before ordering. Where possible, we can arrange dispatch from the nearest available product location to help reduce freight costs and delivery times.

Do you ship to the USA?
Yes. Best Mufflers regularly ships exhaust systems and exhaust parts to customers throughout the United States.

Please note that import duties, tariffs, taxes, and customs clearance fees are not included in the product or shipping price. Once your order is processed and the applicable charges are calculated, we will send you a secure payment link to finalise the import duties and tariff charges before dispatch.

Customer Support

For phone orders, advice, or part enquiries – contact us: