Why ceramic coated vs chrome for headers?
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 29
From: NC
Why ceramic coated vs chrome for headers?
I'm leaning towards a set of BBK chrome-plated equal-length shorty headers instead of the ceramic coated version of the same headers, mainly because of cost, but... I've got to wonder why the ceramic coated ones are so much more expensive. I like a little chrome here and there (I'm old, sue me...
) but I know "chrome don't get you home." Why should I shell out the extra $ for ceramic-coated? What explanation could I give to my wife for that? 
) but I know "chrome don't get you home." Why should I shell out the extra $ for ceramic-coated? What explanation could I give to my wife for that?
5th Gear Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,289
From: Charles Town WV
like said the ceramic help keep the header cooler and also hold the heat in the tubes. I have ceramic coated headers on one of our turbo cars and within 15 mins or less. after you shut the car off you can touch the headers that is real nice at the track if I foul a plug. and I tell you I see well over 1500+ degrees of exhaust temps. so that is saying something. they also wont change colors or rust as long as you dont mess up the coating which is very hard. It also holds the heat in the tubes and that helps with spool on the turbo some also. you really cant compare chrome to ceramic. if the ceramic is done right it last for years and years.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 29
From: NC
Crap. I was hoping to hear something like "They're (ceramic-coated headers) a fad! They are like granite countertops! Just buy some good ol' chrome and be happy!" Oh well. Thanks for the info. I'll go tell my son he'll have to take out a student loan to go to college now. 
6th Gear Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 10,468
From: California
Ceramic. I have a set of ceramic Doug's.
The Ceramic coating adheres better so if the pipes get dented or need to be "massaged" the coating bends with it, and won't chip and flake. They don't discolor, they don't corrode, and they insulate heat. They keep heat inside the header pipe where it belongs, helping performance(though perhaps not to a measurable degree on most street cars) and keeps the engine bay cooler, saving wires/hoses etc.
The Ceramic coating adheres better so if the pipes get dented or need to be "massaged" the coating bends with it, and won't chip and flake. They don't discolor, they don't corrode, and they insulate heat. They keep heat inside the header pipe where it belongs, helping performance(though perhaps not to a measurable degree on most street cars) and keeps the engine bay cooler, saving wires/hoses etc.
4th Gear Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,893
From: N.C.
Break out the money and go ceramic. I have BBK LT ceramic, they rusted in 1332 miles and 10 months.(Yup, do not use car much) Returned them and they recoated, took six weeks from send off to return home. Anyone can have a off day, they did take care of the problem.
