Ceramic coating for Kooks headers

[bannonm]

I am talking with a dealer about installing header and cats for me. He mentioned getting the headers ceramic coated to reduce some of the radiant heat. The cost would be $300 to have it applied since Kooks doesn't offer it as an option. So I'm wondering if it is of any value and will it hold up down the road.

I've talked to other speed shops and no one has ever mentioned applying a ceramic coating. I'm considering the dealer only because they will still honor my engine warranty if they do the work. Price wise for the labor and tune they are on par with the shops around me and have a good reputation.

[BigCarrot]

Lots of people get their headers coated. It's not an awful idea to keep the engine compartment as cool as possible. Seems like a cool dealer!

I'm sure more people will speak up about it.

[brantley847]

some vendors here sell it for around 180-200... so you are paying a bit more, but it is well worth it if they say they are going to honor your warranty.

I would get more information though... eventually you will want to get a tune if you are going to utilize the full potential of these headers. Most all dealerships will honor your power train warranty even with headers, intake, exhaust... the catch is they get you when you tune the vehicle. Make sure you get it IN WRITING what their stipulations are and make sure they include if you choose to get a tune. You will need a tune to get rid of the CEL (unless they agree to that as well)... even if you don't want the performance tune.

I was on the fence about both options..I didn't have the extra cash to do it, so I decided against it. I don't think anyone can prove that the engine bay temp is kept down during transit, but the headers are cool to the touch in less than 15 minutes with the coating so that has to say something...

My opinion is that is seems to be more for appearance... After having my kooks uncoated for about 6 months, they are already turning a brown haze... a couple of buddies at car shows have theirs coated and they make the engine bay look fantastic. IF you have the money to spare... do it. If not, don't sweat it.

[sscamaro]

I've had my Kooks LT headers on for 2 years now and they are kind of purple. Most people can't even see my headers, so I don't see the benefit of Ceramic coating them.

[blazzin1]

If you haven't bought the headers yet, talk to Maryland Speed. Not only do they have the best prices around on these headers, but they can get them ceramic coated for you before they are even delivered (for cheaper than $300 I believe).

[bannonm]

Originally Posted by brantley847

Most all dealerships will honor your power train warranty even with headers, intake, exhaust... the catch is they get you when you tune the vehicle. Make sure you get it IN WRITING what their stipulations are and make sure they include if you choose to get a tune.

I specifically asked the warranty question because of the tune. I was quoted $960 for installation and a tune. That's if I bought the parts myself, he has yet to call me back for a new price with them buying the parts. His first quote was too high and I pointed out that if I subtracted the labor/tune, he was charging over $2K for a set of headers. He had to check a previous invoice to get an accurate dollar amount for the headers.

[JANNETTYRACING]

Where can you purchase Long Tube Headers that includes a FREE Tune, Jannetty Racing

You may want to consider our 415 Street Package

Dynatech Long Tube Headers
Dynatech High flow Cats
SCT handheld Tuner
JRE custom Tune
Easy install hassle free Tune.
Package priced to fit most budgets, and best bang for the buck.

http://jreperformanceparts.com/gm/20...package-1.html

Also Available with ARH Brand Headers and cats and Stainlessworks Headers and cats.

http://jreperformanceparts.com/gm/20...h-headers.html

Ted.

[brantley847]

Originally Posted by bannonm

I specifically asked the warranty question because of the tune. I was quoted $960 for installation and a tune. That's if I bought the parts myself, he has yet to call me back for a new price with them buying the parts. His first quote was too high and I pointed out that if I subtracted the labor/tune, he was charging over $2K for a set of headers. He had to check a previous invoice to get an accurate dollar amount for the headers.

Ehh, I hear ya, but if he can actually keep the warranty.. that is worth its weight in gold with that mod if he is actually tuning. The problem is, is he actually TUNING or just removing CEL. I would think a GM rep wouldn't be permitted to do more than remove CEL (which some service centers down here have done). That still won't give you the full potential of the mods you are doing. I can tell you man, after the tune this damn car came alive...

1000-1100 is a good price for quality American made headers. ARH, Kooks, SW and so on...

I paid 220-250 for a street tune and my install was 360.

Like I said, if he can get you in that ballpark, I say go for it... ceramic is completely up to you. But it needs to be in writing the work done and that warranty will be honored...and if you really want that warranty then make sure this is a dealer or service center that will not go under in the next 3 years.

If you don't give a flying crap...then talk to Jannetty or Marylandspeed. I do my performance shopping through both of them.

If you look hard enough, you will find an honest installer who will get it done for you for around 400-500... and many guys like Jannetty give you the free tune.

[MarylandSpeed]

If you have questions on the coating give us a call. We are very familiar with it, and can provide you with a lot of technical info. Thanks!

[RED DEMON SS]

Damn why are you 2 on the East Coast, any shops in Washington State or near? Partner shops?