chrome vs ceramic headers
 

whats the main difference between the 2 (chrome and ceramic) other that the materials used? does one last longer/perform/have higher heat resistance than the other? im guessing if they do, then the chrome will be the worse of the two. but since i wont be modding my engin heavily (mainly exhaust and intake for now) would the chrome be a better choice for me? i dont drive it like i stole it, but i dont drive like a grandma either. which one would yall reccomend?

As far as I know, ceramic coated headers will provide the lowest temperatures and will hold up the longest. I have Jet-Hot coating on my slp shorties. Not the bling bling "chrome" looking coat, but the grey matte coat, and you can definitely tell it's not as hot as the stock manifolds.

Ceramic coated headers tend to last a while longer, since they don't rust nearly as easy. You should expect most headers to be about $150 more coated than non-coated, but I guess you get what you pay for....your decision should be basically based on your goals for the car

ceramic all the way. Without a doubt.

go read www.jet-hot.com
that will give you an idea of which is the best :)

jesse

Ceramic= Heat reducing Properties

Chrome= Got a show car...hate rust.

I have ceramic......chrome is all show compared to them

I think ceramic is the best choice..... :cool:

Jet hot, ceramic!

I didn't even know they made chrome headers. Who makes those?

BBKrap makes them.. one of the biggest peices of sh*t headers they make for LT1's....

SVTkiller, Why do you say BBK is the worst header. I have the ceramic BBK shorties on my LT1;
1. They fit perfect( don't rub ANYTHING and bolted right up, no fighting header bolts like some I've read on threads here)
2. They are built to last, 14gauge instead of thin 16gauge(If I wanted weight reduction, I'd a built a damn dragster.) with 3/8 thick flanges(won't warp like 5/16 junk as used on some).
3. They pulled 400rpms earlier than my friends with exact same mods except for headers(they had Arizona S&M and SLP's)(They did pull 400rpms longer than mine but Hey mine is a street car so IMO, I feel mine more since it comes on earlier)This was done on a dyno.
4. They were reasonably priced
5. I pass emissions
Granted, I will give you credit that they aren't for cammed/bigger heads motors but for a bone stock internals, I like them a lot.
So, to say they are ****ty, I don't think so; to say they don't make as much power for Heavier moded engines- Yes, go long tubes then.
IN reference to the reason for this thread:
I have had chrome Ford Motorsport Long Tubes on my 84 GT and they did NOT rust but did blue so they weren't chrome for long and just like a motorcycle, chrome radiates heat a lot. Ceramic is worth the extra and the sterling Jet Hot is so shiny it looks similar to aluminum but dulls a little after a while.

BBK headers are not crap at all. I have a friend who ran a 8.2 with BBK headers, SLP CAI, TB bypass, Flowmaster(I think), AFPR, and some major weight reduction. Worked good for him!