Do I need to worry about getting coating (i.e. ceramic, jet-hot coating, etc...) for 304 grade stainless steel headers? I have received mixed info regarding this subject. I thought it was not necessary for 304 grade headers because they are impervious to rust and corrosion. However, I was told that it is still useful because coated headers keep the temperature down (melted wires?). However, an ARH Rep recently told me coating is a waste of money and not necessary and a Kooks Rep told me that the coating only has a life expectancy of 2-3 years, afterwhich it starts to chip off.

 

There are two reasons to consider coatings:

1) Rust prevention on plain steel headers

2) Heat insulation (well, reflection actually)

Neither are required on 304 stainless. 304 is rust proof and it has a naturally low thermal conductivity. Coatings are not needed on 304.

 

I have also been told by a few people now, that having the coating can actually lead to higher temp exhaust valves and even hotter combustion chamber. Which would lower the amount of spart advance you could run.

I went with out the ceramic on the ARH headers after doing some research. I will be ceramic coating my SS pipes (I'll be selling my ARHs at that time) when I do end up going turbo charged. But that is at least 10-12 months away at this point.

Now as far as how long the coating will last.. It depends on who does the coating. I do know of a couple places that will recoat it for you if it starts to fail within 3 or 4 years. I think one other has a lifetime coverage where they will recoat for free.

One thing you will always want to do before ever getting something coated it test fit it fully and make sure everything fits (I mean everything) because if you have to mod it after its coated, you will then have to send it back and pay again to get it coated again.

I will tell you that depending on how much my engine bay temps drop now with the ARHs headers I might wrap part of the promaries with header wrap to keep the temps down a little more. But we shall see, as I really don't like header wrap to much. It can hold moisture and that can be a PIA. At least SS will not rust like when you use the wrap on painted headers.