I've decided to put LT's on my car in September after I close on my house and have noticed prices vary significantly between the material used. I can get some BBK chrome headers for less than $500, but the ceramic and stainless variety are much higher. I had ceramic coated headers on my firebird and noticed the lower temps.

 

stainless with ceramic coating is the best, lower temps and keeps it looking like new longer.

i have the bbk ceramic LT's since 07.
when i change the oil and look at the headers, there are some small surface rust on the underside close to the ground, but the rest of it looks like new.

the chrome finish on the chrome ones will flake off pretty quickly.

 

I probably will suck it up and pay a little extra for the ceramic, but the stainless just doesn't seem worth the price. You think with the cramped engine bay not having insulated headers would affect performance?

 

i would at least get the ceramic coating. i think its worth the extra money.
idk how much it would affect performance to tell you the truth.
but the less heat the better.

but just the looks factor is worth it to me.
i saw the peeling chrome headers and doesn't look too good.

 

On amazon it's only $90 more. Wish I could close already so I could start getting elbow deep in mods.

 

Here is what I have:

Ceramic coated on my 90 (Love them & after 6 + years the look new), stainless on an 03 corvette I have, my 08 still has the stock manifolds.

I would highly recommend ceramic coated. As onederful100 stated, the finish is worth the extra $$$$. The stainless finish on my vette is fine, but does not even come close to the ceramic finish! DO NOT get chrome...... As soon as you turn the car on it will change color + flake over time. Good luck!

 

Just go upto AutoZone and get yourself 8 rubber hoses and some clamps.

lol

 

Like everyone says: the chrome headers do not look good for long and they flake off after a relatively short time. They also have a tendency to crack at the welds due to hydrogen embrittlement.
The stainless are great products IF they are a well known brand and made in USA.
The ceramic coated headers can be great again IF they are a well known brand and made in USA. Don't waste your money on imports.

 

Just bite the bullet and get some Kooks or American Racing Headers, both of which are made from 1304 stainless steel and have them ceramic coated. They will perform great and look good for years. If you're going to all the trouble and expense of installing L/T headers on your car don't cheap out.


Earl

 

Just get some JBA ceramics...409 stainless & ceramic for not too much money! I've seen them for around $600 on a few sites.