From what I have read and heard, the coating eventually will fail, and flake off of the header leaving them exposed to the elements and exhaust. For sure they will last longer than a set that is uncoated, but eventually they will deteriorate. I was in the same position you guys were a little while ago. I was hell bent on not paying 1,200+ for a pair of headers, but the quality, and the fact that it is an all inclusive kit is good too. I don't think you get that with the BBKs or Macs. All this being said, I have not ordered my set yet of headers, but I can assure you that I will be purchasing Kooks, Dyantech, or American Racing. Usually you get what you pay for. Also there is a pic somewhere of a set of 409 coated JBAs that are rusted. I'll see if I can find it a post it.