Going to order BBK headers but I'm confused which one is best...

[DJ ATOMIX]

Ok so I'm ordering BBK longtube headers, no questions there BUT I've run into a selection of header grade. I have three options,

Chrome (mild steel)
Polished Ceramic (mild steel)
Stainless Steel

Stanless steel costs way more than the other two. I'm not sure which one to get or should I save up a little more and get the stainless steel? I dont really plan on showing off the headers as I just want them for performance. Anyone have experience with how long headers last?

Chrome is the cheapest of the three and is sold the most. I may go with chrome if people have good feedback with it.


Shaun

[MaRoFreK]

I had Chrome on my Last car they did fine.

[PoorMansCamaro]

i got ceramic for the cooler temps...

[PoorMansCamaro]

where did you order from? I got mine from phasetek and got it in less then a week.

[RickRay]

Well My tuner wants me to go with JBA - Ceramic coating..
& I also talked to my welder at work and he too suggested the JBA..because of how they're made....

[DJ ATOMIX]

Originally Posted by PoorMansCamaro

where did you order from? I got mine from phasetek and got it in less then a week.

Thats really quick. Thats where I'm planning on ordering from.


Shaun

[hapisok]

ordered mine from phastek last weekend (saturday night) they were here wednesday...so, yeah, I GOT MINE!

[usa1camaro1969]

JBA's are shorties and some here have had issues with the flange seal, he's asking about BBK's which are long tubes.
Regarding how long headers last, I have a set of Hookers on my '67 that've been there more than a decade. No, it doesn't see daily abuse anymore but there was a longtime where it was my only ride. On the chrome vs ceramic vs stainless issue, chrome has a tendency to discolor(look at a motorcycle exhaust how the color has turned blue) and if not done right(read cheaply) can rust. I don't believe they've had this issue or it would've been out there for everyone to see. The ceramic helps keep the heat of the exhaust in the tube and lasts a good while(my BBK's still look new). The stainless is for harsh conditions and will be the longest lasting of the 3 but as you've already mentioned comes at a price increase and unless they've been ceramic coated dissipate heat more than the ceramic.
I live in central Texas and heat is always a concern, so I chose the ceramic but the others would've worked as well.

[DJ ATOMIX]

Originally Posted by usa1camaro1969

JBA's are shorties and some here have had issues with the flange seal, he's asking about BBK's which are long tubes.
Regarding how long headers last, I have a set of Hookers on my '67 that've been there more than a decade. No, it doesn't see daily abuse anymore but there was a longtime where it was my only ride. On the chrome vs ceramic vs stainless issue, chrome has a tendency to discolor(look at a motorcycle exhaust how the color has turned blue) and if not done right(read cheaply) can rust. I don't believe they've had this issue or it would've been out there for everyone to see. The ceramic helps keep the heat of the exhaust in the tube and lasts a good while(my BBK's still look new). The stainless is for harsh conditions and will be the longest lasting of the 3 but as you've already mentioned comes at a price increase and unless they've been ceramic coated dissipate heat more than the ceramic.
I live in central Texas and heat is always a concern, so I chose the ceramic but the others would've worked as well.

Thankyou very much, this answered my question bang on! I live in Alberta so I dont think heat will ever really be an issue and I dont drive in winter so I might try and go for the Chrome. Honestly, the Ceramic is $100 more so it will be pretty much flipping a coin. My problem is, I also have to save money to get the CAI as well.

to hapisok, was there any modifications that you needed to have done to get the headers installed in place of stock? Are they welded or bolted to the exhaust?


Shaun