rob.d

I think there is a little bit of some mis information here. Stainless should be the only way to go and here the reason.
1. All stainless will rust a little, but it is mostly surface rust.
2. Stainless get rid of heat alot better than mild steel.
3. Ceramic coating is good, but do not use this as for a reason not to go with stainless. (Ceramic coating will come off over timeand sometimes is damages the O2 senor)
4.Ceramic coating and mild steel are just a band aid fix for a permanent problem. They will rust through over time.

I hope this help some of you if you have any questions just ask. BTW I have SLP long tubes and a Magnaflow catback for all the reasons stated above. My whole exhaust system is stainless because I hate buying the same part twice. IMO If you don't have the money for stainless then just what until you do.

cliffyk

Stainless has much lower themal conductivity than mild steel, 15 W/m K vs. 50 W/m K (aluminum for comparison is about200 W/m K), which keeps underhood temps down and also keeps the exhaust gasses hotter making them flow better**. Real ceramic coating (JetHot or similar, not "ceramic" paint) on mild steel can reduce the overall conductivity of mild steel pipes down close to that of stainless, coated (JetHot) stainless would be the very best...[/align][/align]-------------------------[/align]** - Exhaust gassesbehave like any other gas, when the cool they become more dense, "heavier", and don't flow as freely--keeping exhaust gas as hot as possible, at least up to the muffler, will produce more power.[/align][/align]

mikeyb

SLP has a lifetime warranty on their headers. This comes from the warranty they send out with their parts --> "Headers and exhaust components are warranted for life against rust, corrosion, failed welds, cracks, and similar defects under normal use." Their headers are a bit expensive especially when you can get bbks or others for much less money, but then again you do get a lifetime warranty and a reallygood set of headers that fit nicely.