Ceramic vs. chrome headers
 

which headers provide better performance, Ceramic headers of Chrome headers? let me know because I am going to buy some really soon but I just don't know which ones are more worth it.
thanx in advance!

Definitely ceramic. The ceramic coating insulates the header, which will lower your under hood temps and keep your exhaust gasses hot. If you have an open cone intake like APC, then keeping the underhood temps down is very important. Even if you have a Ingen, it'll still help by not heating up the ducting material. Keeping the exhaust gasses hot helps the exhuast flow better.

Chrome does not offer any thermal value. It also will discolor more than a ceramic coating would. Usually chrome doesn't stick to headers very well either.

He's right about the ceramic coating helping..I haven't done it yet..but it's on my to do list..that f8cken header heats up my engine bay...like crazy...

But the cool thing about the chrome..it changes colors..i get like..red..blue..purple..

Kind of trippy..

LOL

Chas :peace:

Sweet then , I'll just go with the ceramic headers. thanx a lot you guys.:D

Back in the day, there was an abundance of chrome plated headers. Usually made out of a mild steel. The plating would flake off and the steel would just rust away. No surprise if the header would only last a year or two. But they are fairly cheap and there are still several in the world of aftermarket truck/SUV parts.

But mentioning stainless steel brings up a good point. Ensure you find out what material the header is constructed out of. I prefer stainless steel over mild steel. SS stands up to the elements better and is harder to work with, so it'll usually cost a bit more. However, thick (14-guage) mild steel with a high quality (such as electroless nickle plating) is fairly long lasting as well.

Also, there are ceramic coatings availible that offer a high luster. JetHot has their "Sterling" coating and HPC has a Cermachrome. However, such coatings are usually a 1200-1400°F coating rather than a 2000°F coating. The higher rating is better for forced induction applications.

Also, you may run across titanium in your search. Titanium coating offer insulation and protects the header material as well. A header constructed out of titanium is going to be lightweight, long lasting, and insulates. . . they also cost big $$$.

All in all. . . you get what you pay for. Weigh out your options!