Ceramic, Chrome, Stainless Steel????

[RacerX1307]

Can someone summarize the difference for me? During my research for complete exhaust build I’m finding that headers use the following: Ceramic, Chrome, Stainless Steel. There’s usually a price difference but I don’t know why. What would be the reason and/or the Pro’s / Con’s to these various finishes?

 

[mustangdave]

Ceramic is the best and most expensive. Not only will the finish last forever. but it has the added benefit of keeping the heat in the pipes for better flow and lower underhood temps.
Chrome will usually discolor (turn blue). Stainless should last a long time but I think it might fepend on the grade of stainless steel as to how good it is.

 

[walter]

Also you left out Mild steel which is the cheapest (think stock) and will corrode over time.

 

[Rob72]

Ceramic is only the most expensive if it's coated over stainless. If it's coated over standard steel then stainless is more. Ceramic does hold in heat which is good but has a better chance for rusting out from the inside over the years. It also may get scratched up like chrome during the install. Chrome turns blue and rusts out from the inside also. I have BBK stainless shortys. They turned a bronze color but they will last forever. My advice is if you have about a grand get ceramic coated long tube stainless(I hear you have to remove the K member). Don t get chrome. There's really not any benefit once you run them. Just ceramic or just stainless is a personal preference. Both have good reasons to buy either one of them.

 

[RacerX1307]

That’s helps to better understand the types. Thanks for the input. Sounds like Chrome is more for the look factor?

 

[stangzilla100]

That’s helps to better understand the types. Thanks for the input. Sounds like Chrome is more for the look factor?

the chrome will heat up and come off. ceramic is your best bet for looks and lower heat. it is worth the extra coin.