Corvettes encompass a wide expanse of technological innovations and contributions to the advancement of the American car. From those early, elegant roadsters to the sleek, streamlined coupes and convertibles of today, there’s quite a bit of ground to cover when coming up with parts to produce.

PerTronix Perfromance Products (composed of PerTronix, JBA Exhaust, Doug’s Headers, Patriot Exhaust, and Smithy’s Mufflers) covers the gamut of parts and components necessary to repair or upgrade multitudes of Vettes. From distributors to headers to ignition coils, there’s bound to be something for any Corvette owner in need of impeccable quality and long-lasting durability.

We talked with Jim Hairston, director of marketing for PerTronix Performance Products, to get a sense of what sorts of products are hot right now, whether early or late models. In doing so, we learned what to expect from C2-C3 side mount headers, the benefits of testing on a Z06, and the next big thing for LS engines.

Side Mount Headers for C2s and C3s come in three different finishes: black, chrome (pictured), or ceramic coated.

Corvette Online: What do the classic 1963-82 headers from JBA address for owners of early Vettes?

Jim Hairston: On the Corvette Side Mount Headers for the 63-82 C2 and C3 models, the owner can expect a more muscular look for his Corvette, whether he chooses the Black, Chrome or Ceramic coated. Power increases of around 10 percent will be an added benefit with the long tube header design and free flowing side pipe mufflers.

Additionally, the sound that will be more of that classic muscle car rumble, with three different sound levels available (from Mild to Track Ready) depending on which insert muffler  the owner chooses. Although they look like they might be difficult to install, they actually slip in quite easily from underneath provided the car is at least 3 feet off the ground.

After some tuning tweaks, the JBA 6821S headers, tested on a 2006 Corvette Z06, boosted output by 64 horsepower and 62 pound-feet of torque.

CO: How was PerTronix able to squeeze out so much horsepower from the new late model headers?

JH: The JBA 6821S competition ready series of headers, which are available in both 409 Stainless and our new 304 Polished Stainless series (36821S), are an innovative design that we call a 4-2-1. They’re similar to the Tri-Y designs that have been around, but the big difference is a much longer primary and secondary tube length. This really broadens the power band while still maintaining the high RPM horsepower. This is state of the art technology in header design and is used in many top racing series including NASCAR Cup cars.

Our test vehicle was a 2006 Corvette Z06. The increase from stock rear-wheel horsepower of 377 jumped to 441 with just the JBA 4-2-1 header and an appropriate tune to keep the Air Fuel ratios correct; no other changes were made. Similarly, torque jumped from 350 lb-ft to 412 lb-ft with a broader curve for a very noticeable increase in real-world driving.

PerTronix’s Flame-Thrower coils offer consistent spark energy all the way up to 11,000 RPMs.

CO: What do you have right now that’s great for LS engine users?

JH: Corvette LS Engines will have more spark energy when the owner installs a set of PerTronix Flame-Thrower coils, increasing horsepower and mileage. These optimized coil designs provide consistent spark energy with no degradation, all the way up to 11,000 engine RPM.  The coils are epoxy-molded to prevent premature failure from moisture or winding fatigue. A direct OEM replacement form factor and connections making installation simple too, and the coils are legal in all 50 states and Canada (C.A.R.B. E.O. #D-57-21).

Avail yourself of all that PerTronix Performance Products has to offer by visiting its website, or by getting on the phone with the provided contact information below.