P Zero

Im still running my chrome Mac shorties that were installed in.......1994?5? Theyre not ceramic coated, and theyre not rusted either. They did get some blueing to them. Now H-pipes on the other hand, those are well worth coating. Ive went through 3 h-pipes due to rust.
And as for longtubes, yes theyre great unles you plan on lowering your car. Youll crush em over the first small speed bump. Been there done that. But if youre going to remain at teh stock ride height youll have nothing to worry about.
As for power output. The long tube headers will multiply power exponentially based on the additional mods you plan to add or already have. Same with shorties. Just not as much.
-P.